John 19

Reading John 19 this morning.  Go ahead and read that chapter.  John writes of Jesus coming before Pilate and his crucifixion.  Go back and read verse 10.  Pilate makes a statement here: “Don’t you realize that I have the power to either free you or to crucify you?”  Paraphrasing this, Pilate is saying to Jesus, “I have the authority to change your circumstances.  Only I can release you from your bondage.  Without me, you have no hope.”  I wonder if Jesus thought the same thing about Pilate in that moment.  Ultimately, Jesus was thinking this for all humanity.  John points out multiple times in chapter 19 that the things happening to Jesus were fulfilling O.T. scripture.  This is why Jesus, being the Son of God, came to earth and submitted himself to the Father’s will.  Jesus didn’t enjoy the cross; he suffered there.  He took upon himself the penalty; the punishment; the wrath and perfect justice of God towards sin and with the words “It is finished,” he died. 

I have a hard time reading the crucifixion and death of Jesus without moving forward immediately into his resurrection.  Today, however, would you join me in reflecting on just his death. 

Later this week, I want to encourage you to read forward to the resurrection.  If you are up for it, read Acts 2:22-41.  Follow this up with Romans 6:1-14.  Remember, without the resurrection, death wins.  Without the resurrection, we would have no hope.  But we do have hope! We have a promise!  Who in your life needs to know about this promise too?