The License to Kill
The discussion between Jesus and Pilate in John 18 (along with all of Jesus’ individual discussions) seem to bounce around my mind a lot during normal day to day activities. Over the last week, with all of the events in our country and really around the world those conversations become even more real and life-defining. Seems like before you can work through one event, another happens and another. It’s the information age we live in. So why does it seem as though wisdom is in short supply (Proverbs 1:7)? If you don’t have an immediate hot take or clarify your position you are lopped into the enemy camp with no consideration for your experience. Unfortunately knee jerk reactions at best do nothing to release the pressure and at worst only manufactures more.
Despite Pilate’s authority to have him crucified, Jesus seems so matter of fact in his answers to Pilate and I read it almost as emotionless. That is more of an admission on my part as I have no way of knowing if that is how it was delivered. The discussion begins in verse 33 with Pilate asking a “yes” or “no” question. Short answer questions often can help us avoid answering the deeper issues of life. Jesus as he is apt to do turns the question to a more difficult one “Is this your question?” or if you’ll allow me “Why do you ask?” The information is available all around us.
The information is around us but who can be trusted? Pilate asks the question “What is truth? (vs. 38)” James 1:20 says “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” and that truth was on full display at the capitol and on social media. I pray that my witness of the power, peace and joy of God was not ruined in those moments. Sadly we witnessed physical death on Wednesday in the loss of (at last count) 5 lives. Devastating and unnecessary. Then how many of us killed our witness or the witness of others by our scathing social media remarks? I know I’ve done it and it is something I regret. Democracy is not a license to kill others who don’t share your views. A republic is made stronger (in my opinion) by the ability to share ideas, test them and let the collective decide. The collective is not fool proof and is littered with its own issues but it is far superior to believing that one politician can fix all of your problems.
Thats why I love Jesus’ and the Holy Spirit’s approach to the individual. Jesus had many private conversations with people during his earthly ministry. We get several “private” conversation recorded in the Gospel of John. Nicodemus (John 3), Woman of Samaria (John 4) and Pilate (John 18) are the ones that bounce around my brain the most. It’s not my job to judge Nicodemus or Pilate in regards to their reactions to Jesus but the person who seemed the most ill-equipped to share the Messiah had come, is the one who does just that! The woman of Samaria goes and evangelizes the countryside. All the priorities of her day shifted in that moment. How do we know? She left her water pot at the well.
The Holy Spirit has the same effect and can feel almost surgical in it’s aggressive approach to molding us into the image of Jesus. Jesus reigns supreme on the throne of the universe. He doesn’t need his servants to physically/verbally fight to affirm his sovereignty (John 18:36). We need to be prepared to give an answer to the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15) but no matter how bad we may botch the delivery, it does not change his authority. Don’t let the responsibility of sharing the Good News frighten you from trying but don’t let the freedom to do so make you lazy in preparation. Put in the time. Remember the power of conviction is in the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is in you (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Holy Spirit is not cookie cutter (Romans 8:26). That is what makes it awesome, terrifying and exciting all in one (Acts 2:2-4,37). It will never go against God’s Word but it won’t be the same experience for you as it is me (Acts 2:6). The same Gospel that reached the ears of the woman, Nicodemus and Pilate although presented differently, still has the power to change you and rule 2021. Stop giving the temporary the license to kill the eternal (2 Corinthians 10:5). Leave your water pot and let the Spirit unleash on your plans, priorities and loyalties.
Travis
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 ESV