Authority At Jesus’ Trial
As we move into chapter 19, we see authority in three ways as Jesus’ trial winds down. We see authority unwanted, authority’s source and authority misplaced.
Authority Unwanted
Pilate has done everything he can do to avoid crucifying Jesus. He had offered to release Jesus, but the Jews insisted on Barabbas. Imagine the American people wanting a terrorist released over a preacher. That helps us put it in perspective.
Pilate orders Jesus to be scourged some more. The soldiers put a crown of thorns on Him. They make Christ into a caricature of what an earthly king would be like. Pilate hopes that showing the Jews that Jesus is no threat will satisfy them. However, they are thirsty for death.
Pilate finally tells them to crucify Jesus themselves. The Jews don’t want the blood on their hands. They want their laws to lead to death, but they don’t want to be the executioners. No one, seemingly, wants to pronounce the order to take Jesus to the cross.
Authority’s Source
After the Jews tell Pilate that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, Pilate returns to question Him some more. He asks Jesus where He is from. Is there some fear in Pilate? Is there a hint of wondering if Jesus might be who the Jews say He claims to be? After all, Christ has not reacted the way a normal person would who is facing death.
Jesus gives what seems like one of His typical answers. He tells Pilate that he “has no authority unless it has been given to him from above.”
This must have made an impact on Pilate because he once again attempts to find a way to release Jesus. Pilate wants no part in the death of Jesus.
Authority Misplaced
The Jews tell Pilate that he is no friend of Caesar if he releases Jesus. He brings Jesus out to them and presents Christ to the Jews saying, “Behold your King.”
By now the reaction the Jews have should not be unexpected, but it is shocking to actually see it. They react by saying that they have no king other than Caesar. Where once they claimed God as their only King and then would only have accepted a king from the line of David, now they are selling their souls to keep the status quo and their power. They accept authority over themselves to keep the authority they have over the Jewish people.
Who has authority over your life?
