Power!

Jeremiah 23; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 25; John 19
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Scripture

John 19

1 Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. 2 The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. 3 “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped him across the face.

4 Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty.” 5 Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!”

6 When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

“Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.”
7 The Jewish leaders replied, “By our law he ought to die because he called himself the Son of God.”

8 When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever. 9 He took Jesus back into the headquarters again and asked him, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave no answer. 10 “Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?”

11 Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”

Observation

Authority and Power are given to us for a reason and it can be taken away. Pilate had the power to crucify Jesus or set Him free, but Jesus reminded Pilate and He reminds us that all power and all authority come from above.

If you are in a position of power it has been given to you. You should be a good steward of that power and you should remember that it could be taken away. It is a good reminder to us that are in full time ministry. We need to be very careful with the authority that we have been given. It can be a good thing or it can become something very bad and evil.

Pilate was face to face with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and yet he couldn’t see it because of his desire to hold on to his power and authority. The scriptures say that Pilate was frightened by Jesus’ words but not enough to yield his life to Jesus.

What position of power or authority do you hold today? Maybe you are a Mom or Dad, or maybe you have some position in the church, or a responsibility in your community just remember that your influence changes with time so take advantage of the opportunities to do good right now while you have the chance!

Application

I will use my influence to move people closer to Jesus.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me use my influence to move people closer to the kingdom. Keep me from sin. Don’t let me abuse the authority that you have given me. Thank You for our church. Thank You for my family. Help me live a life that reflects my relationship with You. You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Thank You for taking the punishment for my sins on the cross.

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