John 19:9-11
Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over Me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered Me over to you has the greater sin.” – John 19:11
In April 2023, I followed a tour group to Israel and participated in a 10-day Holy Land tour. This was where many stories of the Bible had taken place. When I arrived at the long-awaited holy site and saw the stone tablets, inscriptions, ancient buildings, and surrounding geographical environment, it felt as if the stories in the Bible came alive before my eyes. Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection also occurred in this land.
I especially remember the place with the inscription about Pilate, the one who was the judge during Jesus’ trial, the Roman governor who knowingly handed over the innocent Jesus to the soldiers to be crucified. The crimes he committed were recorded, and this inscription also reminds later generations that the birth, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus are not only in the Bible but also attested in historical records.
Today’s passage recounts the final dialogue between Pilate and Jesus during His trial. When he heard the Jews accuse Jesus of claiming to be the “Son of God” (Jn 19:7b), he was very afraid and immediately asked Jesus, “Where are you from,” (v.9) meaning: are you from heaven or from earth? For Pilate, the fact that Jesus was the “Son of God” was clearly more troubling than him being evil (Jn 18:30). Pilate may have been a superstitious person or had a fear of ghosts and spirits, especially since he had just had the “Son of God” flogged. But faced with Pilate’s questioning, Jesus did not answer. This infuriated Pilate, and he threatened Jesus that he had the authority to release Him or crucify Him.
Reflecting again on the dialogue between the Lord Jesus and Pilate, this noble Roman governor did not dare to go against the will of the people. Knowing that Jesus was innocent, he still handed Him over to the soldiers because he feared losing his position. But toward Jesus, who was being falsely accused, Pilate used his authority, threats, and intimidation.
In contrast, when Jesus faced the authorities, He responded calmly, knowing that true authority comes from heaven. If His Heavenly Father had not intended to hand Him over, earthly authority could not harm Him at all. Therefore, Jesus’ final advice to Pilate was: You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” (v.11) Unfortunately, Pilate did not seize this last opportunity; he handed Jesus over. What he did has been engraved in stone and has become indelible evidence of his sin in Christian history.
Reflection:
Life is short, but everyone must pay the price for their choices. When I face the ups and downs of life, what standard do I use to make decisions? Do I only care about worldly fame and fortune and what others think of me, or do I care about the rewards of the eternal kingdom?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great redeeming love, which enables us to find the meaning of life in our limited existence. There are many choices in life, but only one thing is indispensable. Please help me to hold on to Your promises so that I may experience your blessing. I pray in the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
In April 2023, I followed a tour group to Israel and participated in a 10-day Holy Land tour. This was where many stories of the Bible had taken place. When I arrived at the long-awaited holy site and saw the stone tablets, inscriptions, ancient buildings, and surrounding geographical environment, it felt as if the stories in the Bible came alive before my eyes. Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection also occurred in this land.
I especially remember the place with the inscription about Pilate, the one who was the judge during Jesus’ trial, the Roman governor who knowingly handed over the innocent Jesus to the soldiers to be crucified. The crimes he committed were recorded, and this inscription also reminds later generations that the birth, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus are not only in the Bible but also attested in historical records.
Today’s passage recounts the final dialogue between Pilate and Jesus during His trial. When he heard the Jews accuse Jesus of claiming to be the “Son of God” (Jn 19:7b), he was very afraid and immediately asked Jesus, “Where are you from,” (v.9) meaning: are you from heaven or from earth? For Pilate, the fact that Jesus was the “Son of God” was clearly more troubling than him being evil (Jn 18:30). Pilate may have been a superstitious person or had a fear of ghosts and spirits, especially since he had just had the “Son of God” flogged. But faced with Pilate’s questioning, Jesus did not answer. This infuriated Pilate, and he threatened Jesus that he had the authority to release Him or crucify Him.
Reflecting again on the dialogue between the Lord Jesus and Pilate, this noble Roman governor did not dare to go against the will of the people. Knowing that Jesus was innocent, he still handed Him over to the soldiers because he feared losing his position. But toward Jesus, who was being falsely accused, Pilate used his authority, threats, and intimidation.
In contrast, when Jesus faced the authorities, He responded calmly, knowing that true authority comes from heaven. If His Heavenly Father had not intended to hand Him over, earthly authority could not harm Him at all. Therefore, Jesus’ final advice to Pilate was: You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” (v.11) Unfortunately, Pilate did not seize this last opportunity; he handed Jesus over. What he did has been engraved in stone and has become indelible evidence of his sin in Christian history.
Reflection:
Life is short, but everyone must pay the price for their choices. When I face the ups and downs of life, what standard do I use to make decisions? Do I only care about worldly fame and fortune and what others think of me, or do I care about the rewards of the eternal kingdom?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great redeeming love, which enables us to find the meaning of life in our limited existence. There are many choices in life, but only one thing is indispensable. Please help me to hold on to Your promises so that I may experience your blessing. I pray in the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen.