Thoughts on the Gospel of John (190) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, where are You from? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then Pilate said to Him, are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You? Jesus answered, you could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.
John 19:8–11

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (190)
The final charge the Jewish leaders have brought against Jesus is: “He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God”. Pilate starts to get scared. As a Gentile, is he superstitious and thinks he is dealing with a man who is in touch with supernatural powers? Perhaps he also suspects something of the divinity of Jesus. But his question, “Where are You from?” probably does not arise from any sincere personal interest. Otherwise, the Lord would certainly have given him a more detailed answer. But now He is silent.

Offended by the Lord’s silence, Pilate boasts of his power. Obviously, he does not even realise that he is under the control of the shouting crowd demanding Jesus’ crucifixion. Moreover, what is the use of power if it is exercised at the expense of truth and justice?

Pilate is facing a person infinitely more powerful than himself. Pilate only has power over Jesus because it is given to him “from above”. This does not mean ‘from the Emperor Tiberius’, but ‘from God’. It is God who at this moment allows men to use their power so that His counsel may be carried out: Jesus is about to become the atoning sacrifice for sins – through which God has been honoured and people who believe in Him receive forgiveness and eternal blessing.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today’s reading: Genesis 31:22-55 · Psalms 18:20-37