Jesus and Pilate
Pilate is most famously known as the political leader under whom Jesus "suffered and died". He had the power to spare Jesus but handed Him over to be scourged and crucified. Who was this man, what motivated him, and what implications does his encounter with Jesus have for us today?
Reflection-Is your identity in Jesus Christ?
Where do you get your power? What are you trusting in? Where is your hope?
What do you fear losing? What might cause you to sacrifice truth and justice?
Further reading-
NT Wright and Michael F. Bird, "Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies"
Preston Sprinkle, "Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of Empire"
Further up, further in - Take time this week to meditate prayerfully on Philippians 2:5-11. What does it mean to you that the One who was fully God left His throne room, became human, washed feet, and died on a Roman cross for you? How could this shape your life this week; your view of cultural engagement, politics, power, and your relationships with your neighbours? Why is it so hard to "have the same mind as Christ"?