John 19:1-8
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.
Today we encounter the beginning of the brutal torture inflicted on Jesus before his execution. These are hard passages to read and visualize, so before you begin ask Jesus to open your spiritual eyes to see what he has for you here. Then read John 19:1-8 noticing anything that stands out to you.
In an effort to appease the Jewish leaders, Pilate sacrifices his convictions and turns Jesus over to the inhumane treatment of the Roman soldiers, These men, created in the image of God, inflict disfiguring violence on God in the flesh. The great I AM, the King above all Kings, stands before them in a royal-colored robe with the blood of the Lamb streaming from the punctures of the thorny crown.
Stay with this image for a moment. What do you want to say to Jesus? Speak freely to him.
Read John 19:1-8 again noticing the tug-of-war between Pilate and the religious leaders.
Pilate was responsible for keeping the peace in Judea. As long as things moved along smoothly without resistance or threat of an uprising, Pilate could enjoy his privileged life and avoid the watchful eyes of the emperor. A riot was the last thing Pilate wanted.
Pilate pronounces Jesus “not guilty” no less than three times but resists directly defying the enraged Jewish authorities. There is something about Jesus that pricks at Pilate’s conscience, and he can’t shake it off, but his fear of the unrest is growing. When he finally hears the accusation against Jesus, he panics. The “Son of God” is a title reserved for the emperor of Rome.
One has to wonder if Pilate has a double fear. First, Jesus’ claim is defiance to the supreme ruler of Rome, but second, perhaps Pilate senses that Jesus’ claim might actually be true. If Jesus is who he says he is, then all other authority is subject to him and by inference must reflect his teaching, his ways, and his example.
Take a moment to contemplate this. Is Jesus the lens through which you view those in authority over you? If you notice discrepancies between the actions or words of an earthly authority and Jesus’ teaching and example, how do you think about that, or what do you do about that?
Talk to Jesus openly about this.
As you end this time of meditation, picture yourself in front of Jesus as he appears in this passage. What is your posture before him? What does this indicate to you?
Now get quiet and let these thoughts become a prayer to Jesus. Now listen.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you now?
What will you do about that?
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
