John 19-21 Authority

November 12th, John 19-21

       Authority, it's a word that can take a discussion in numerous directions. Authority might be about who has the final say, a reference to to a police or court officer. It's a word for which there can be great respect or an automatic assumption of abuse. We bring in guest speakers from great distances because they are the authority on a topic. We see power go the head of an individual and our thoughts of authority become a train wreck of anarchy.
       In the military there is an understanding of "chain of command." one authority higher than another authority until you find yourself at the top. Complaints go up the chain of command and not down it. Orders come from on high and not from down low. In today's passage we see a chain of command.
       Pilate was put in the position of becoming an authority in an issue that wasn't his to decide really. The Jews made it his business, because of Pilate's previous leadership blunders with the Jews. Now Pilate has to get this right or face a Roman Emperor tired of his failings. When Pilate finds out this guys claim is that he is the Son of God................now what!!
       Pilate presses Jesus, Jesus gives no response. Pilate threatens with his authority..."Don't you know I have authority to release you and the authority to crucify you." Isn't clarity wonderful in the midst of chaos, Jesus response..."You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin."
       Whatever authority we have has been granted to us from above, stay in line with the authority over you. Whatever Pilate-like authority that is over us was granted by God, trust in the giver of all things. In the authority flow of life, orders should come from the top, complaints go up the chain of command, and hte authority of God is for the greater good. Even in this instance as guilty authority, executed an injustice for the sake of "Justice for all."