John 19:7-11

The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.”8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9 and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” - John 19:7-11

Dear Jesus,

Oh how precisely you penetrated Pilate's heart.  In his angst over being manipulated by the Jews to act against his conscience, he vented on you that he had power to release or execute you.  He was scrambling to be respected by someone, anyone, even his victim, But what he needed was to be looking for the power to do the right thing.  But alas, sinner that he was (like me) he was a failure.  You pointed out the lie he believed that he had autonomous authority.  You reminded him that he had a responsibility to God for how he ruled.  Then you helped him see that there was a difference between Caiaphas and him.  Pilate was guilty of sin, but not the sin of hate, envy and murder.  He was guilty of mitigating justice for personal preservation.  Pilate wanted to release you, Jesus, and said he had the authority to do it.  But he didn't have the selfless guts to do it.  Caiaphas was on a rampage of hate and paranoia.  Pilate was just being a selfish coward.  Both were damming sins but they were not the same.  You wanted Pilate to know that you knew his sin better than he did.  You came to redeem him from his sin but you were not like the devil, pointing it out bring him down.  You were pointing it out to rescue him from it through grace, a grace you were paying for with your willing suffering at Pilate's own hands, even at this moment the blood was dripping off you brow and back.  Oh, the depths of the riches of your grace.  Pilate didn't listen to your confrontational invitation to believe in you.  But I am listening.  I know you know my sins better than I do.  I know you don't blame me for other's sins.  You confront me about mine so I will turn myself in for grace.  Here I am.  Wash me in your love. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

All true spirituality revolves around honesty about ourselves and honesty about Jesus.