Today is Day 43 of our walk through the gospel of John.  Thanks so much for joining us!  Find us at markandkatiemartinez.com

A Reflection on John 19:1-16

“I find no crime in him.” (v 4, 6)

Pilate is conflicted. Despite asserting three times that he finds Jesus innocent, it seems he cannot release Him. The mob is unrelenting, demanding capital punishment and threatening Pilate with accusations of treason against Caesar. His resolve is weakening, and he is unsure of the right action here.

This is the conflict of one without truth to guide him. He has no truth to judge the right way. So he lets himself be worn down by the crowds.

But Jesus looks him in the eye and speaks the truth in love: “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above…” This is truth. Nothing that Pilate will do to Jesus has not been allowed by the Father. Truth says, “You think this world is all there is, that this power and control you have on earth is it. You think all is lost without it, and you must do whatever you can to keep it.  But I know this is not true. I know that true power, true authority, comes from above. Whatever you propose to do, whatever happens, it has all been allowed by my heavenly Father. He sees and touches all that comes to pass, knowing, in His incredible Wisdom, how to bring good out of any and all circumstances. If you would seek truth, know this: God, the creator of the Universe, is holding everything in His hands. Nothing and no one fall through the cracks.”

As we look upon Jesus today, beaten, mocked, and humiliated, may we see His witness to this truth. Love and Truth have driven Him here, standing before us bruised and bloodied. He lays down His life so that we may come to know this truth in our hearts: The Father has not allowed anything in our lives to touch us that would be too much for us. He has touched everything ahead of time, already knowing well in advance how to use our own weakness, sin, and suffering to bring about great goodness in our lives and the whole world. May we see Jesus and believe.

Prayer: Father, you did not even spare your own Son so that I might come to know the truth of your great love for me. I am sorry, Father, for the times I doubt it. In the midst of my own suffering, come close to me, and let me feel your hands holding me up.

Scripture quotations are from The Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright ©1965, 1966 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved worldwide.