Learn more about the John Purpose…

Weak, soft, cowardly, that’s how Pilate stood before the pressure of the Jewish leaders. No matter how much of an unbeliever he was, he had more spiritual perception of Jesus than the whole mob of chief priests. It’s no different today. There are many “unbelievers” who will inherit the kingdom of God, all the while religious hypocrites will gnash their teeth in hell for all eternity.

In the last chapter, the Lord Jesus behaved like a lion, and in this one He takes on the form of a lamb sent to the slaughter. He was totally conscious of what was happening, and He refused to defend himself and take advantage of Pilate’s hesitation. In submission, He voluntarily let that tomfoolery go on, because He knew that’s how it had been prophesized.

Yes, all of the characters – the soldiers who played lots for His clothes, the priests who provoked the people, Pilate who washed his hands, Barabbas who was set free, the thieves who were crucified by His side, even Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, who tended to Jesus’ body after His death – although they had no clue, they were completing the prophecies made by the prophets centuries before. That’s why numerous times John mentions: “that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” This had was all part of the plan of salvation, a plan thought of by the Father long ago. No one present had more power than Jesus. He allowed Himself to be taken prisoner, judged, punished, and crucified; so that in doing so, He took your place and mine.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. (Luke 21:33)

Even if it seems like evil is prevailing, and being stronger than God in your life, know that God can even use evil to do good. He doesn’t cause evil, but He uses evil to transform bad situations into great things. It’s like Joseph said to his brothers, who sold him.

 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. (Genesis 50:20)

Those who are within the will of God can’t lose! If they win, they win; if they lose, they still win!

Another brief clarification about verses 26 and 27 when Jesus asks John to take care of His mother Mary, not for a minute does He say that we should adore Mary, or that she became our mother. Jesus was being caring towards the woman who served as an instrument, so that He could come to earth. It was the kind of care that all children should have towards their mothers.

As a last observation, notice the role politics played, the game of power throughout this trauma which at its boiling point resulted in Jesus’ crucifixion. Since the beginning of the human race, bad people have held positions of power on the thrones of this world. We need men and women of God who have the courage and bravery to do what’s good with just as much intensity as those who do evil.

Death, on the other hand, couldn’t hold our Lord for long…