SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

Scripture: John 19:6 As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!" But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him."
7 The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God."
8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid,
9 and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer.

Observation: It is interesting to note Pilate’s reaction to hearing that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. Pilate himself had declared that Jesus was a "man" after Jesus had endured the whipping. (Note: verse 5) Jesus was obviously a man’s man! He had endured victoriously! He had an inner strength that amazed Pilate. Could Jesus have been even more than a "man"? Pilate was concerned. Jesus endured even more than Pilate understood, for in carrying the load of sins the eternal relationship he shared with the Father was broken. From the cross he cried, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.”

Application: The one who endured such suffering rose from the dead and now lives in me! He knows what it is to hurt. He knows how to be graceful and forgiving while suffering. He knows how to comfort me in trouble and rejoice with me in victory!

Prayer: Lord, there is no one in all creation I would rather have with me than you! May my words and actions show how much I value you! Amen.

August 17: Jeremiah 23-25; John 19

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!