“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power
either to free you or to crucify you?” 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: 10-11)
This is a multi-faceted passage, but for now I note only its first impact on me: the impression that Pilate’s anger is actually masking fear and bewilderment. He is thrown off guard because somehow, in the presence of this man Jesus, the “power” he has grown accustomed to suddenly feels lacking in substance – and so he resorts to threats. I want to smirk at his blustering, but Pilate merits compassion and grace as much as any of us. Though Jesus maintains a completely vulnerable position, he actually holds the real Power - and Pilate, even if he doesn’t understand it, senses this to be true.
What do we recognize as bestowing power? Is it wealth, an impressive job title, a fancy academic degree? Being in a position to direct other people? As with all else, Jesus turns our definition of power upside down. Perhaps true power arises from a genuine connection with God, as well as to the humans and other creatures we share life with, and manifests when we dare to be vulnerable, open, a servant, a channel. It is then that we recognize the true Source of our security, and it has nothing to do with the things of this world.
That’s easier to pay lip service to than to truly believe and live into. We want to feel financially secure, enjoy perfect health, and sport impressive resumes – all good stuff. Ironically, it can be a blessing to struggle through the absence of such things, finding through that process the real Source of Power, which alone is secure from loss and provides all we really need.
How do we personally define Power, and how does that shape our lives? Our answers likely change over time. This is one of the Big Questions we must engage throughout our time on earth.
Leckie Conners
This is a multi-faceted passage, but for now I note only its first impact on me: the impression that Pilate’s anger is actually masking fear and bewilderment. He is thrown off guard because somehow, in the presence of this man Jesus, the “power” he has grown accustomed to suddenly feels lacking in substance – and so he resorts to threats. I want to smirk at his blustering, but Pilate merits compassion and grace as much as any of us. Though Jesus maintains a completely vulnerable position, he actually holds the real Power - and Pilate, even if he doesn’t understand it, senses this to be true.
What do we recognize as bestowing power? Is it wealth, an impressive job title, a fancy academic degree? Being in a position to direct other people? As with all else, Jesus turns our definition of power upside down. Perhaps true power arises from a genuine connection with God, as well as to the humans and other creatures we share life with, and manifests when we dare to be vulnerable, open, a servant, a channel. It is then that we recognize the true Source of our security, and it has nothing to do with the things of this world.
That’s easier to pay lip service to than to truly believe and live into. We want to feel financially secure, enjoy perfect health, and sport impressive resumes – all good stuff. Ironically, it can be a blessing to struggle through the absence of such things, finding through that process the real Source of Power, which alone is secure from loss and provides all we really need.
How do we personally define Power, and how does that shape our lives? Our answers likely change over time. This is one of the Big Questions we must engage throughout our time on earth.
Leckie Conners
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