John 18:19-40. While Jesus was inside the Roman palace, enduring the abuse of corrupt people during an illegal trial, Peter was outside and alone, his faith failing. Remember, Jesus had already warned Peter that Satan had asked to attack him, but that Jesus was praying for his faith to remain strong. Friends, it's time we realize that Jesus and other people are praying for us. Stop right where you are, open up your heart, and receive the benefit and power of these prayers. As a disciple of Christ, you are a continual target for spiritual attack. You cannot afford to not receive the help Jesus is offering. You are not strong enough to stand up and walk in Truth on your own strength.
In this passage, are the stories of denial by Peter and Pilate, two very different people. Peter was a child of God. It broke his heart to deny Jesus. We can relate to Peter, as we all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). He's a bold and courageous man that believes his devotion to Christ is strong enough to withstand any attacks on his own power. He's going to learn how corrupt his flesh can be, just like the corrupt government council that is drumming up charges against Jesus. God knew we would need Peter's story in the Bible. It's a story of grace and redemption. Jesus is going to restore Peter and use him to impact the world in a good way. He will learn to practice a true dependence on the Holy Spirit to help him run his race.
Pilate, on the other hand, is a coward. He's not saved, but instead hates the Jews. He also hates Jerusalem. He comes from Caesarea, similar to the Florida coast, each year to keep the peace in Jerusalem during the Passover week. He's a people-pleaser, always worried about what other people think of him. He gets his identity from other people. He listens to the world. He compromises out of fear of disapproval. He knows religious customs, but doesn't even realize he has the very Truth standing right in front of him. He doesn' know Jesus, but he can tell he's innocent. He knows it, but he didn't have the courage to release Him. He knew what he should've done, but didn't do it. We can relate to Pilate, as well.
The corrupt Pharisees and Jewish leaders are the third party in this story. They pretended to know the Truth. They looked the part. They talked the talk. They were all about religion, not relationship with Jesus. We can relate to them, as well. It's easy to say the words, wear the clothes, dangle a cross around your rear-view mirror, and plaster bumper stickers on your car. Only Jesus is Judge of the heart. All the while, He is encouraging us to be connected to Himself, be influenced by the Holy Spirit, and be real, no matter what hat we are wearing or what threshold we cross.
So, where do you fit into this passage of scripture today? Whatever your need, I encourage you to run to Jesus, the ultimate supplier and provider of everything you need, whether it be salvation, freedom, forgiveness, grace, restoration, encouragement, strength, direction, empowerment, wisdom, genuineness, identity, purpose, confidence, or resolve.
