A lesson on the fear of man, and God's sovereignty over all authorities. Continuing in our study of John's gospel, Pilate has thus far admitted to Christ's innocence; therefore, according to the standards of Roman law it would be illegal and unjust (even by this pagan standard) for Christ to be put to death. Despite that, the Jewish crowd demanded His crucifixion. Pilate, in fear of potential punishment from his own superior Tiberius Caesar, not to mention the incessant mob, finally caved to their demands. Because Pilate feared man more than he feared God, He delivered the Son of God up to be put to death.

As it unfolds, several things can be extrapolated from this lesson. First, since it was necessary for Christ to die on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of His people, we can see that these events unfolded in such a way that God, without being the author of evil, had His purposes accomplished through Pilate's sinful capitulation to the fear of man. In so-doing Pilate enabled the most heinous act of evil in human history, but God's greatest act of love and mercy, as well as satisfaction of justice, was accomplished. Another truth is revealed in Jesus' words as He divulges to Pilate that his authority, and indeed all authorities, whether on Heaven or on Earth, are subject to God's sovereign decree. Pilate would have no authority over Jesus at all, if it had not been given to him by the Father, and none of the events which transpired could have or would have happened apart from God's allowing them, ultimately so that His will would be accomplished through them.

The fear of man is the result of not properly fearing God. And make no mistake, you will serve the one you fear the most. Yet even many Christians, though they mean well and desire to serve God, are ensnared by the fear of man. Peter, in his denial of the Lord, was a perfect example of this. The cure for being controlled by the fear of man is to rightly fear God. That requires setting aside all pride and self-sufficiency, and humbly entrusting yourself to God's sovereign purposes. He is omnipotent, omniscient, completely good, and entirely willing to demonstrate His lovingkindness unto His children. While man may indeed do much evil, God's will (including the demolition of evil) is accomplished most often not by its outright removal, but by His sovereign power being displayed through it, and in our faithfulness and obedience to Him in spite of it. Therefore it is necessary that as we follow Christ, we entrust ourselves to the sovereign hand of God. Wherever He leads and whatever He ordains is right; we are called simply to trust Him, and to obey His Word.