John 18:38-40
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Notice that today’s passage has an overlapping verse from the last meditation on John 18:33-38. Think back over the thoughts and impressions you had when contemplating Pilate’s question about truth as you read John 18:38-40.
Pilate recognizes that Jesus is not guilty of insurrection against the Roman government or of any other crime, but in spite of his encounter with this One who is the way, the truth and the life, Pilate chooses the coward’s way and shifts the responsibility for a judgment to the ravenous group of religious leaders. The oddest part of this is that the religious authorities call for the release of Barabbas who actually is guilty of stirring up a revolt against Rome.
There is no defense for these who are seeking Jesus’ destruction. They are not trying to head off a revolutionary, they are intent on destroying the One who threatens the validity of their position and power.
John didn’t record the parables of Jesus in his Gospel. Instead, his focus is first the demonstration of Jesus’ authority through miraculous signs, and second the declaration of Jesus’ identity through his “I am…” statements. But Matthew’s Gospel contains a parable that contrasts sharply with Pilate’s decision. Take a moment to meditate on this parable from Matthew 13:44 and then talk with Jesus about your thoughts and feelings.
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.”
Read John 18:38-40 again with your thoughts and feelings in mind.
In Psalm 142:5, David cries out to God with these words: “…I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.”
How true do these words ring in your own heart and mind? Would you like these words to be an accurate reflection of your deepest desires?
Spend some time talking and listening to Jesus about this. Ask him what he might want you to do or do differently so that this prayer would become your truest desire.
Then make a plan for taking action on anything you sense Jesus saying to you.
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