12Then Pilate tried to release him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, “If you release this man, you are no ‘friend of Caesar.’ Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar.”
13When they said this, Pilate brought Jesus out to them again. Then Pilate sat down on the judgment seat on the platform that is called the Stone Pavement (in Hebrew, Gabbatha).14It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people, “Look, here is your king!”
15“Away with him,” they yelled. “Away with him! Crucify him!”
“What? Crucify your king?” Pilate asked.
“We have no king but Caesar,” the leading priests shouted back.
16Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus away.
“We have no king but Caesar.” Could man kind ever speak more condemning words? And yet, how often is it true of all of us? Think about it. Every time I chose not to speak up when I was given the wrong change, I was choosing Caesar. Every time I choose to work in the morning and skip my prayers because I am busy, I am choosing Caesar. Who is my real king? Who is your real king?
Lord Jesus, help me to refocus my life and choose you as my King, truly, and forever. Help me break free of all ambiguity and live for you alone. Change me Lord, change me. *obbs*
