Power Comes From Above

By Suzanne Benner

"You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above" (John 19:11).

Fear often results from a sense of being powerless or when circumstances are beyond our ability to control. Thus, we can combat fear by understanding who is in control and who has the power.

Every power and authority on earth is subject to God.

Therefore, nothing that occurred on the night Jesus was betrayed was beyond God's ability to act or without His foreknowledge.Because God was in control, Jesus didn't tremble before Pilate or feel the need to defend himself. Instead, Jesus stood in silence while the Jews accused Him of many things and the chief priests shouted, "Crucify him!"

During the night of Jesus' arrest and trial, an earthly power struggle raged. The Jews insisted that Jesus must die, but they didn't have the authority to carry out their desire. Pilate, on the other hand, had the power to invoke the death sentence, but he didn't find any basis for the charge against Jesus (John 18:38, 19:6).

Thus, Pilate falsely believed that he was in charge of the situation. "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" (John 19:10)

Pilate thought that he had the power to free Jesus or have him crucified, but Jesus knew the truth. In reality, Pilate had no power over Jesus except what God had allowed Pilate in order to accomplish His purpose.

We can trust God to accomplish His purpose in us and not be afraid, because ultimately power comes from above.

Prayer: God help me to believe that You are in control and therefore I don't need to be afraid.