“You have no authority over Me at all,” Jesus answered him, “if it hadn’t been given you from above. This is why the one who handed Me over to you has the greater sin.” John 19:11 HCSB
I have heard many illustrations concerning how Jesus needs to be in the driver’s seat of our lives, in total control, giving direction to every aspect. Too many times we want Jesus to remain in the passenger seat just in case we need Him, but we do not want to relinquish total control of our lives.
In today’s Scripture passage, Pilate thought he was in control of the situation and that he had the authority to crucify Jesus, but Jesus set the record straight and let him know that he did not have any authority or control unless God the Father gave it to him. God is sovereign and is in control of everything that happens in the world. God does not cause pain and suffering; rather, He allowed the suffering and pain and eventually the crucifixion of Jesus as a way to make it possible for all mankind to come to know Jesus as Lord and be saved. God can take the evil of the world and make something good.
Challenge: Read Roman 8:28. What can you do today to acknowledge that God is in control and allow Him to give direction in your life? God knows how to make lemonade from lemons and how to make something beautiful from the unlovely. Ask God to take the heartache in your life and make something beautiful.