✝️ The Power That Was Never Taken — John 19:1–16
Scripture: John 19:1–16 (NKJV)
Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.
Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”
...Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
1️⃣ The Appearance of Power
Pilate believed his position gave him authority over Jesus.
He was Rome’s representative—used to commanding soldiers, deciding fates, and controlling outcomes. But Jesus, standing bruised and bleeding, reminded him of an eternal truth:
All authority is borrowed. True power comes from above.
It’s a piercing reminder to us today: what looks like control in this world may only be permission granted by God.
The one appearing “in charge” is often a vessel in God’s plan — even unknowingly fulfilling prophecy.
2️⃣ The Crown That Reigns Through Pain
The soldiers mocked Jesus with a purple robe and a crown of thorns — yet they unknowingly enthroned the King of Glory.
Man’s cruelty became the canvas for God’s redemption.
Every thorn pressed into His head symbolized humanity’s rebellion since Eden, and yet He wore it willingly.
The same thorns that pierced His brow would one day bow before His crown of glory.
When life presses on you, when mockery or misunderstanding surrounds you — remember: the crown of pain often precedes the crown of purpose.
3️⃣ Pilate’s Struggle and Our Reflection
Pilate tried to release Jesus. He knew there was no fault in Him, yet he feared man’s voice more than God’s truth.
How often do we do the same?
We know what’s right, but we bend under pressure — afraid of rejection, conflict, or loss.
Pilate’s moment of indecision stands as a warning: silence or compromise in the face of truth is participation in injustice.
But even here, God’s plan was unstoppable. The cross was not a tragedy — it was the strategy.
4️⃣ The Greater Sin
Jesus said, “The one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
That statement holds both justice and mercy.
Jesus wasn’t excusing Pilate — He was revealing layers of responsibility. Those who knew the Law and still chose blindness carried deeper guilt than those acting in ignorance.
It’s the same today: knowledge of truth without obedience hardens the heart.
The religious leaders knew prophecy, yet rejected the Prophet. They knew Scripture, yet condemned the Word made flesh.
5️⃣ Turning This Moment Into Life
So how does this scene of betrayal, injustice, and mockery become life for us today?
Because Jesus never lost control.
He was not overpowered — He surrendered power. He was not taken — He gave Himself.
This passage invites us to trust the sovereignty of God, even when life looks unjust.
It reminds us: the hands of men can’t cancel the plan of God. Every moment of pressure can become a testimony of His providence.
6️⃣ A Personal Prayer
Father, thank You for reminding me that power belongs to You alone.
When I feel surrounded by circumstances beyond my control, teach me to rest in Your authority.
Help me stand in truth, even when the crowd chooses compromise.
Let my life reflect Jesus — calm, confident, and surrendered to Your will.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
7️⃣ Journal Reflections
Where in my life have I confused worldly influence with divine power?
Have I ever, like Pilate, known the right thing but stayed silent?
How can I learn to surrender, not fight, when God’s plan looks different from mine?
Closing Thought
Jesus didn’t lose His life — He laid it down.
And that’s the difference between defeat and destiny.
When you trust God’s authority, you stop fearing man’s outcome.
The same power that raised Christ from this moment of mockery to resurrection is at work in you.
