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
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 19:1-11, where we see Pilate flogging Jesus, showing the beaten Jesus to the Jews, once again questioning Jesus, and then asking the Jews what he is to do with Jesus. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus willingly submits to His flogging, and the shame (and pain) of Pilates' soldiers striking Him and putting on Him a crown of thorns - vv1-3. Pilate further shames Jesus by making putting Him on display (to the Jews) wearing a purple robe (typically reserved by earthly royalty) - vv4-5. Although Jesus is not guilty in Pilates' eyes, the Jews do see Him as guilty of blasphemy - vv6-7. Jesus at first does not answer Pilate's question - v9 - but in vv10-11 Jesus responds to Pilate's arrogant claim of authority by sharing that authority is given from the Father, and that He sees the Jews as guilty of a greater sin for delivering Him over to Pilate.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: The Jews should have known better by seeing Jesus as the Promised Messiah but their arrogance, pride, etc. blinded them to the gospel message and they would not repent so they stand guilty and condemned. Pilate is guilty of a lesser sin and perhaps on par with Peter who out of fear did not question the crowd that arrested Jesus. Yet Peter of course has repented of His sin (including His denial of Jesus) and Jesus restores Him (see John 21:15-19).
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid twisting scripture as the Jewish elders did to focus on your own view of God's Word. Claim the promise that Jesus is King of Kings and has authority and providence over all. Follow the example of Jesus who willingly submitted to a brutal, shameful, beating and ultimate crucifixion - so that others would have life to the full now and for eternity. Pick up your cross, deny oneself and follow Jesus.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that willingly submitted to a gruesome and painful torture and death - so that I could have freedom from sin and death. Thank You Jesus - the greatest gift of all time! I am not deserving of such a gift. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
