Lutheran Devotional – 5 April 2025, Saturday Message
TOPIC: Judge
When Pilate heard [that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God,] he was even more afraid. He … said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to Him, “You will not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” Jesus answered him, “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.” (John 19:8-11)
I’m not surprised Pilate was terrified. Jesus is speaking to him in the quiet, unemotional voice of a judge—the Man who will judge all humanity on the Last Day. And that Judge is a far greater authority than Pilate himself, for He is the Son of God.
Notice how Jesus compares Pilate and Judas. Both are handing Jesus over to death—but Pilate, at least, has his office as governor to hide behind. He is doing the work God gave him to do, though he is doing it wrongly. But Judas doesn’t even have that much excuse.
And what about us? It was our sin, our rebellion against God, that sent Jesus to His death. And where can we hide from our guilt?
Only in that same Jesus—for to us He is not terrifying Judge, but forgiving, loving Savior. He gave up His life willingly to save us and to restore us to God as His own dear children. And now that Jesus has risen from the dead, we can be sure that He will raise us also, at the end of the world. We will be with Him in peace forever.
WE PRAY: Lord, thank You for Your mercy to me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Are judges frightening? Why or why not?
* Are you worried about standing before Jesus some day?
* If so, where can you find comfort and hope?
Today’s Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 32-34 Luke 8:26-56
Lutheran Devotional – 5 April 2025, Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.