The Human Biography

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(John 1914) ... [Pilate] said to the Jews, "Behold your king!"

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Pilate's interrogation of Jesus typifies human investigations of Jesus' authority. His seven key questions to Jesus revealed his internal struggles, and ours. He gradually realized Jesus' unique nature and innocence, yet he was continually pulled by the threats of Jesus' enemies: "If you believe Jesus then you lose both our respect and your authority!" Pilate surrendered to their jealousy even while he seemed to believe Jesus' authority and identity (verse 21). Pilate's ultimate rejection of Jesus was poorly hidden by his passivity.

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I am struck by how faithlessly and falsely God's people represented Jesus to Pilate. So, as people watch the Church (or as the world watches me), does it see a clear picture of Christ's kingdom? Clearly His kingdom is not of this world (verses 35-37) because His people (including me) don't yet perfectly represent Him. Ironically, our "brokenness but making good progress" is the thing that gives people hope.

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My Lord and King, I humble my heart, I bow my knees to You, I prostrate myself. I relinquish all that I have, all that I am, all that I hope to be and submit them to the majesty of Your kingdom. Only by doing Your will here on earth as it is being done in heaven ... only then will the Truth-starved world see the compelling, inviting foretaste of Your kingdom. Help!