Do the Unexpected
April 2, 2015//
Topics to Dig Into
Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for
Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him.
Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others
tell you about me?”
tell you about me?”
“Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their
leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?” John 18:33-35 (NLT)
leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?” John 18:33-35 (NLT)
This one smelled fishy.
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor known
for his brutal reign, had tortured and crucified many Jews. He controlled the
region through fear and the Jews hated him for killing their people. But they wanted him to crucify this man. Something wasn’t right.
for his brutal reign, had tortured and crucified many Jews. He controlled the
region through fear and the Jews hated him for killing their people. But they wanted him to crucify this man. Something wasn’t right.
Pilate, a political climber who loved
his authority, was accustomed to fighting power with power. Pilate expected a
showdown, but Jesus did the unexpected. He could have called in legions of
heavenly angels but chose not to fight back. Jesus had a broader perspective. He
was willing to lose and suffer in order to win for you and me.
his authority, was accustomed to fighting power with power. Pilate expected a
showdown, but Jesus did the unexpected. He could have called in legions of
heavenly angels but chose not to fight back. Jesus had a broader perspective. He
was willing to lose and suffer in order to win for you and me.
Love gave Jesus the power to not use
His power against Pilate.
His power against Pilate.
Like Pilate, we use our power to getahead. We like to win. It’s important to come out on top, to be right, to get
our own way. It’s unfortunate when we hurt people in our quest to be first. On
the other hand, it feels good to stick it to someone who has harmed us. We
fight back in self-preservation.
What if we didn’t fight back, but
responded with love? Would we lose? Or win?
responded with love? Would we lose? Or win?
These Holy Week articles would be perfect to repost on
Facebook or Twitter or to forward through email. Scatter seeds as the world recognizes Palm
Sunday, Good Friday and Easter.
Facebook or Twitter or to forward through email. Scatter seeds as the world recognizes Palm
Sunday, Good Friday and Easter.
#seedsofscripture
#GoodFriday #Easter #winorlose #myway #fightback #love
#GoodFriday #Easter #winorlose #myway #fightback #love
2 Comments
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Spend a few minutes to plant a quick Seed. Or stay longer and plant a whole garden.
Great post. We were truly hurt by a family member. We asked God to vindicate us. Eventually He did, after we showed that family member love, respect and served him. It filled our hearts with joy; crushing any bitterness that existed.
Extending love instead of retaliation can be a game changer. Like speaking in a whisper when reprimanding your children. Or remaining calm during a heated argument. We just forget sometimes. We've all been hurt, but revenge doesn't heal anything.
Blessings to you this Good Friday, my friend!