UNDER GOD’S CONTROL

JOHN 19:8–11

Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.…”

(John 19:11).

Upon discovering that Jesus claimed to be God incarnate, Pilate became frightened, and it wasn’t because of the threats of a Jewish uprising. We must remember that the Romans were prone to all kinds of fanciful notions about gods. Pilate would have had no problem believing, in a superstitious way, that a god could take on human form. Ancient myths were famous for their wild stories about gods disguising themselves and even suffering at the hands of humans. When such things happened, the gods often sought revenge, and Pilate didn’t want to risk divine vengeance. Neither did he think the crowd would be so easily put off considering the enormity of Jesus’ claims. What was Pilate to do with someone who claimed to be a god?

Hoping to find some kind of answer, he questioned Jesus. “Where are You from?” Pilate asked. Jesus didn’t answer, probably for a couple of reasons. First of all, if Jesus defended His claims, Pilate might have been thoroughly frightened (especially considering his wife’s dreams). This might have caused him to release Jesus no matter how much he feared the Jews. Secondly, Pilate did not deserve an answer. He questioned out of fear and unbelief. Jesus, therefore, would not honor him with an answer.

However, when Pilate claimed to have the authority to put Him to death, Jesus responded. “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.” The magistrate’s authority is derived from God Himself. In this sense, Pilate only acted with the authority God had given him. But there was another sense in which Pilate acted under God’s authority. God had predetermined that these events would occur. Pilate could do nothing to oppose God’s eternal plan, Peter made this clear in Acts 2:23 when he said that Jesus had been delivered “by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God.” And Acts 4:28 teaches us that Pilate did whatever God had “determined before to be done.” Pilate was not the one in control, God was. This was true then, and it is true today. No matter how much power men think they wield, God is the ultimate authority. We, therefore, do not trust in governments or human authorities, but in God who rules over all.

CORAM DEO

Jeremiah 20–22

2 Timothy 1

If no man has authority except that given to him by God, is there any man you should fear? Pray for your government leaders. Ask God to cause them to act righteously. Ask Him to help you submit and honor the ruling authorities He has placed over you. Ask Him to remove any fear you have and to help you trust Him alone.

For further study: Matt. 22:15–21 • Rom. 13:1–7 • 1 Pet. 2:13–17 • 1 Tim. 2:1–4

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