Pilate

This mornings reading was from John 18:28- 19:16. It's the story of Jesus before Pilate.

As I read this story today I felt an utter sympathy with Pilate. I recognize the set up he's in. It's a situation in which you know the truth and the right thing and then lack strength or ability to do it.

Jesus recognizes the set up too and his words to him especially give me comfort.

"You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

Pilate hears this and "from then on, Pilate tired to set Jesus free but. . ." in the end his fear wins. The other voices overpower what he knows is true and right. That part of him that loved and feared the world has its final say and he famously tires to assuage his guilt by washing his hands. (Matthew 27:24)

He knows he is guilty and complicit in Christ death and Jesus' words certainly don't let him off the hook.

And then the astonishing truth that Jesus very death is the only thing that can cleanse him from the guilt.

It stirs a hope and a prayer in my heart that now because of Christ I might have more power to chose the right way. That because of Him I can loosen and let go of my hold on the world, I can let go of the fight for power and accolades and prestige and importance that is of such temporary and fleeting duration. Oh. . . come Lord Jesus, come!