Jesus had just told Pilate that he (Pilate) had no authority over Him unless that authority had come from above. (See John 19:11)

(NASB) John 19:12 “As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, “˜If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar.”™”

The Jewish leaders were threatening Pilate with political suicide if he let Jesus go. Today, throughout the world, politicians use threats, entreaties, promises (which reveals corruption), strong arm tactics, anything to get their way. You and I have no power to stop this kind of power; we have no sure recourse (except in the voting booth when the country is faithful to count the votes correctly).

As followers of Christ, we have the strongest power to hear us when we pray. We need to be trusting God to be God. Either we trust the Lord or not. Either our hope is in the living Word or not.

NIV 1 Peter 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”

How you and I respond reveals where we place our faith”¦

Either we have faith in God”™s word and power or not”¦

Either in man”¦or in the living God!