John 19:16-22
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.
Read John 19:16-22 carefully noting anything that stands out to you.
John doesn’t elaborate on the horror of Jesus’ suffering; he simply states that Jesus is now nailed to the cross in between two others. Before you go on, stop to contemplate this scene. Jesus, God in the flesh, is willingly sacrificing himself for rebellious humanity.
What thoughts or feelings arise in you as you consider Jesus’ sacrificial suffering? Turn these thoughts or feelings into a prayer as you talk to Jesus about them.
Read John 19:16-22 again paying attention to what Pilate says and does.
Pilate’s encounter with Jesus has obviously left him conflicted and troubled, but rather than turn to Jesus in faith and face the earthly consequences, Pilate chooses to move forward with the execution of someone he believes to be innocent and someone he suspects is more than a mere man.
Pilate’s choice is one that we all must make. Will we trust Jesus to be our truth, our way and our life, or will we choose to determine our own truth and make our own way through life? If we choose Jesus, we get more than life after death; we get Jesus’ presence with us to guide, comfort, and fill us with meaning and purpose. If we choose our own way, we embrace an illusion that in the end leaves us empty and alone.
For the last few minutes of this time of meditation, consider this choice. If you’ve committed your life to following Jesus, you are assured of his presence, but to a lesser degree multiple times a day you still face the choice of recognizing Jesus’ presence and authority over your life and responding to in obedience. Sit with the question: When the choice of Jesus’ way or my way is in front of me, what will I choose?”
When you are ready, talk to Jesus about your thoughts and feelings.
You may sense that Jesus is calling you to do something specific in response to your time with him. If so, write it down and step out in faith today.
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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.
