Day 18 - We Are Nothing Without Him
- Pastor b.Side
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
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 19:10-11
When people reflect on life’s circumstances, it can be easy to forget to consider God. Our perception and response to life’s events often focus only on the individuals involved, overlooking the fact that God is in control of everything behind the scenes. This tendency can be especially strong in tragic situations. We often assume that those who cause tragedies act solely on their own choice, while the victims remain helpless bystanders. Do people truly have the power to do whatever they want, for better or worse?
“Do You not know that I have power…”
When Jesus was on trial, there was a belief that certain people were in charge while Jesus was held as a prisoner. According to Jesus, that wasn’t true at all. Things were not what they seemed to be. When Pontius Pilate spoke to Jesus, he did so with arrogance, thinking he had the power and authority to control the situation and the outcome of Jesus’ life. Pilate believed he had the freedom to make any decision he wanted regarding Jesus. He thought he had the authority to let Jesus live or send Him to the cross. He was gravely mistaken.
“Jesus answered…”
Unless the Father grants ability from above, people do not have it. This was also true of Pontius Pilate. Our ability depends on God’s choice to give it. The LORD God Almighty is the one who enables life and guides its purpose. The power to “choose” comes from above—the decision of whether to do good or evil. God is the one who equips individuals with the ability, faculties, and resources to make the decisions they face. If God chooses to restrict that ability, He can, and we cannot do anything about it. That is the point Jesus was making to Pilate.
“Unless it had been given you from above…”
God allowed Pilate and the Jewish religious leaders to arrest Jesus and carry out His crucifixion unlawfully. The events surrounding His death were not due to misfortune. According to Acts 2:23, everything happened according to the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of the Father. God uses His power to influence people in ways that fulfill His eternal purpose of offering salvation to those who believe. God has authority over all people, everywhere, at all times, to accomplish His good purposes, but sometimes the good He does involves pain and suffering. Jesus’ resurrection shows that God has the power to bring about good results regardless. So, it’s good news that He is in control, always governing all things!
Prayer for today
Our heavenly Father, we thank You for showing us how Your power always exceeds ours. You know better than we do. It is good that You can give or withhold abilities to fulfill Your eternal, unconditional covenants. Forgive us for living presumptuously, as if we have power on our own. Help us remember that everything we have comes from You. Help us see that everything happening aligns with Your determined purpose and foreknowledge. Help us trust that You know what You’re doing, just as You showed through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We ask for this ability in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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