but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house–whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. – Hebrews 3:6

I’ve been looking at Jesus standing before Pilate this morning.

They engage in this astounding interchange.

Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; and he entered into the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?”

But Jesus gave him no answer.

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?” – John 19:8-10

This task the Father gave Jesus, oh My…can you imagine? Can you imagine? Jesus stands before a man who wields the power of life and death. Come on. Most of us get intimidated when we stand before a man who can fire us or bully us. But Jesus stands before a man who has the natural power to put Him to death. YES. This man can actually put Jesus to death.

I really want you to own that for a minute. Catch the gravity of this moment. Feel the natural danger and the importance of this interview. What Jesus says to this man is literally life and death for Him.

Jesus answered, “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.” – John 19:11

Jesus sees all of Pilate’s power simply as an outworking of God’s plan for His life. He sees Pilate as a gear placed by God Himself into His perfect machine. Jesus sees that this seemingly natural problem in His life, comes, not from natural sources, but as a result of God’s will and perfect plan. As Jesus submits to God’s great plan for our redemption, Pilate plays the part assigned to him flawlessly.

Back in the garden, Jesus told those who would hear,

“Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? – Matthew 26:53

Jesus, the faithful Son, faces torture, death, and worse, separation from His Father, an emptiness He had never before known.

Pilate found no guilt in Him. And yet, even before washing his hands of the matter, had him scourged and beaten–thorns pressed into His brow–blows to His face and body. Then, feigning ignorance, turned Him over to the angry mob for crucifixion.

Jesus, seeing the end of it, and the joy before Him, walked on down this horrific path. The joy of the Father’s “Well Done.” The joy of many sons brought to glory. The joy of a wedding feast in preparation even now in heaven’s great kitchens.

…but Christ was faithful…

Do you see it?

Glory to Jesus!

What a great Savior!

He is worthy of all praise and honor and glory.

Come, worship Him with me, won’t you?

See you again soon,

Ben