“Consequently, Pilate tried to release him; but the Jews cried out, “If you release him, you are not a Friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar” John 19:12.
We encounter the heartbreaking crucifixion of Jesus in this chapter. It commences with Pilate arguing with the Jews over their insistence that he authorize the crucifixion of Jesus. Clearly, in this passage we see that the civic leader, Pilate, saw no guilt in Jesus. However, public pressure and his desire to retain his power, swayed him to override his own conscience.
How often do we see this happening in our world today? Public pressure, and the desire to remain in power seems to sway the majority of politicians. It is no wonder that the wheels of government turn slowly! Justice and the needs of the people often take a backseat to the needs of elected officials who want to retain their positions. Jesus knew this about humanity, and he allowed our common behavior to fulfill biblical prophecies. He “did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well” (John 2:25).
Seeing innocent people fall victim to political systems is enough to dampen the hopes of even the most ardent activists. What is the point of trying to make the world a better place if people like Pilate are allowed to control the system? It is easy to feel defeated when reading John Chapter 19, which ends with the burial of Jesus. However, that is not the end of the story, as we will see in the coming days.
Jesus demonstrates a different kind of power in his crucifixion and eventual resurrection. He shows us that outward physical and political power do not have the final say. In the Gospels, Jesus models for us: physical healings; the feeding of hungry people; mercy for people who “sinned” or made mistakes; kindness towards women, children, and the mentally ill (possessed); deep love for friends (Lazarus); and simple joys in life (Wedding at Cana). As the followers of Jesus put his examples into action throughout history, the world actually became a better place. This gradual elevation of humanity did not come about through physical or political force, but through the quiet loving actions of disciples of Christ throughout history.
Think of the hospitals, schools, food pantries, and other humanitarian aid that is done through various Christian organizations. We often take things like “schools” for granted, but education was not something that the majority of people enjoyed during the time of Jesus. Typically, only the rich and powerful men of the day were educated. Through centuries of Catholic and later Christian church movements, education became a universal, compulsory right for the majority of people in the Westernized world. Education, in turn, improved and expanded human lifestyle and lifespan. Similarly, through the model of universal love for each individual human that we see in Jesus, slavery is nearly abolished world-wide. (While there are still some countries in the globe where slavery is not a crime, there is a push to end this and ensure that all people are free by 2030). Women are now allowed to vote, own property, and hold leadership positions in government. This move towards more gender equality finds its roots in Christianity, particularly in the role of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and other women leaders in the Gospels.
There is certainly more room for improvement! However, each of these victories towards physical health and well-being, and greater freedom and equality, were often won through ordinary “powerless” people living out the love of Christ in their lives. Maybe we should stop pointing the fingers at our leaders, and calling out their flaws and faults? Maybe, we should ask instead: what can I do? When we ask God to show us our calling, we will find that we have divine power waiting to rise up within us. Jesus tells us, “my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).