Scripture to Read: John 19:8–11
The Jews had said to Pilate (in John 19:7) “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God.” Then, we read in John 18:8, Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. Pilate’s heart was penetrated deeply, and he feared even more what he was letting happen to Jesus. So, Pilate sought to get more information out of Jesus, and we read in John 19:9–10, and he entered into the Praetorium again and *said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate *said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” At this point, Pilate seems to be trying to figure out if Jesus is the Son of God. But Pilate cannot see the full picture because he still thinks he is in charge. Then, we read Jesus’ response in John 19:11, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” Two things that Jesus reveals—first, Jesus told Pilate that his power was granted by God and not by Rome—second, Jesus didn’t say Pilate was without sin, but He made it clear that Judas, and possibly even the religious leaders, were guilty of greater sin: Judas had seen firsthand all that Jesus did and the religious leaders knew the prophecies.
Challenge & Application
• Why was Pilate fearful when he heard the religious leaders say that Jesus made Himself out to be the Son of God?
• What two things did Jesus say to Pilate, and why are these things so important?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!