John 19:8-11 - No Power Without God — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel. Today, we will reflect on John 19:8-11. Listen.

When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

This passage gives us a fascinating insight into the interaction between Jesus and Pilate. After hearing that Jesus has claimed to be the Son of God, Pilate is "even more afraid." He senses that there is something more to Jesus than meets the eye, something that goes beyond the political and religious tensions of the moment.

Pilate asks Jesus, "Where do you come from?" It's a profound question, one that gets to the heart of Jesus' identity. But Jesus gives no answer. His silence speaks volumes. It's as if he's saying, "Pilate, you wouldn't understand even if I told you."

Frustrated by Jesus' silence, Pilate asserts his authority. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" In Pilate's eyes, he holds the ultimate power over Jesus' fate.

But Jesus responds with a stunning declaration: "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above." In other words, Pilate's power, as great as it seems, is subordinate to a higher authority. It is God who has granted Pilate this role, and it is God who is ultimately in control.

Jesus then adds a sobering comment: "Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." He is referring to Judas, and perhaps also to the religious leaders who have conspired against him. Their sin is greater because they have rejected and betrayed the Son of God himself.

This exchange reveals the true nature of power and authority. Pilate, for all his political clout, is actually a pawn in a much larger spiritual drama. His power is real, but it is temporary and derived. Jesus, on the other hand, embodies a power that is eternal and absolute. Even in his apparent weakness, he is the one who is truly in control.

As we reflect on this passage, we are challenged to consider our own understanding of power and authority. Do we seek earthly power for its own sake, or do we recognize that all power ultimately comes from God? Do we use what authority we have in service of God's purposes, or for our own selfish ends?

We are also reminded of the seriousness of rejecting Jesus. To betray the Son of God, as Judas and the religious leaders did, is the greatest of sins. It is to reject the very source of life and truth.

May we have the humility to recognize the true source of all power and authority. May we use whatever influence we have in alignment with God's will and purposes. And may we always choose to embrace and follow Jesus, the one who holds all authority in heaven and on earth.

God bless you.