Payback (Friday, John 19, Ephesians 2)

When was the last time you were dealt with unjustly? How did you respond? When we are at the receiving end don't we feel so justified in getting our payback.


At this stage in John's Gospel (Chapter 19) the moment when Jesus is to be lifted up to bear the sins of the world is upon us. The cross and the transaction that takes place there is clearly crucial to the Gospel account. But John's description of the interchange leading up to Jesus' crucifixion is worthy of reflection. Jesus sees this period as his hour of glory.

A couple of questions that are raised here (which I won't answer this morning):

Where does true power lie?

How is it that Jesus displays his power and glory by being shamed, humiliated, mocked and tortured?

There is plenty of irony in this exchange. The soldiers mocked him but in mocking him there was truth in their words "Hail, King of the Jews!". Pilate's own words are actually true "Here is the Man!" or "Behold, the Man!" and "Behold, your King!". And finally, the sign on the cross reads "Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews."

John appears to compare and contrast Jesus and Pilate, and to an extent the Jewish leaders. Pilate sits in judgement but is judged by Jesus' innocence (v11). The leaders accused (v7) but were ultimately accused and judged by Jesus' innocence. Pilate was given authority to judge those in his care fairly and justly, but we see he was motivated by self interest and self preservation (v13). In contrast Jesus served those in his care sacrificially. In fact the way in which he suffered, although completely blameless, sets a pattern for us as we respond to those who deal with us unfairly.

"When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered he made no threats. Instead he entrusted himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 22-23).

We will no doubt be treated unfairly at some point and will be tempted to get payback, we may even feel justified in seeking that payback, but this is not Jesus' way. He handed his case over to God and forgave his accusers.

May we leave the accusation and judgement to Jesus, the real accuser and judge, the one who has true power, the one whose power and glory was displayed in his servanthood.

Andrew (10.45am @ Engadine)

Tomorrows Readings: John 20, Ephesians 3