It can be argued that real power is often dependent on how much authority, influence or wealth a person has. Those who hold power may seem invariably to have titles such as king, president, prime minister and choose to live in palaces, castles and mansions, denoting their potency. In today’s reading, Jesus and the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, talk at cross-purposes about the nature of power and truth. 

This week's news 

The Church of England General Synod voted against women becoming bishops. 

The Palestinian death toll in Gaza continues to mount as peacemakers seek a ceasefire.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary William Hague has said the UK has decided to recognise the Syrian opposition coalition. 

Barack Obama became the first serving US president to visit Burma and Cambodia. 

In enhancing its ‘soft power’, Britain became the most powerful nation on earth, toppling the US from the number one slot. 

Reflection

Having just watched the US and Chinese elections, and with polls due to take place in Israel, Germany and Japan, we have the opportunity to observe what it takes to gain power – and hold on to it. Politicians, as well as others in positions of authority, are often known for their single-mindedness and ambition. In fact, it is very difficult to climb the 'greasy pole' of power without ‘focused determination’. 

There are those whose rise to the top is a result of power hungry ruthlessness, and those who have become infamous for the way they allowed power to go to their heads once they became dominant.

Tactics

While there is no hard evidence that Pontius Pilate was either ruthless or corrupt, we do know that Roman politics at that time was known for its skulduggery, with politicians using tactics that would make Machiavelli blush. Moreover, far too many became drunk on power and abused their authority. 

It is fascinating to observe the ‘power-play’ between Jesus and Pilate in today’s reading. Pilate owed his power to an emperor who could take it away at a whim. He no doubt looked over his shoulder to keep a close watch on possible usurpers, and probably developed systems which could solidify his power base. As a result, his power was temporal, had its limitations and was bound up in uncertainty.

This world?

Contrast this with Jesus, the Son of God, who never hankered after power, but actually chose to give it up to live as a human being during his earthly sojourn. Jesus knew that real earthly power was about how you help others rather than yourself, and he was not concerned with building a ‘kingdom’ for himself. Pilate could not understand Jesus’ attitude to power. His first question on summoning Jesus to his palace was: ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ (John 18.33) He wanted to know how powerful Jesus was, and whether he posed a threat to his authority. When Jesus said that ‘his kingdom was not of this world’, Pilate then retorted: ‘You are a king, then!’ (John 18.37) When Jesus subsequently moved the conversation on to issues of truth, the governor appeared flummoxed. 

One could argue that Pilate was only interested power, while Jesus was concerned with the truth. While power and truth are not mutually exclusive, some who hold power often feel threatened by truth, as they feel it may expose how they achieved power or choose to dispense it.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, 

we praise you that your power is only matched 

by your love, mercy and grace.

We thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, 

who willingly gave up his power 

to live humbly as a man.

In a world which often regards the truth as relative, 

You, Lord, are the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Enable us to live out this truth

in our relationship with you

and in our interactions with others.

This we ask in Jesus’ name. 

Amen. 

Questions

• It is said that power corrupts. How can those in power still uphold the truth?
• Why do Christians find it difficult to ‘speak truth to power’?

Action

Jesus’ brief conversation with Pontius Pilate is enlightening, especially as it ends with Pilate asking Jesus ‘What is truth?’ It is quite ironic that he is asking someone who describes himself as ‘the Truth’ (John 14.6), a question about truth. How can we ensure that the truth about which Pilate inquires, and which Jesus personifies, is manifested in our lives? 

Young People

We are often called to speak God’s truth to power on a range of moral, social, political and religious issues. This is never easy, and the groups who do this are often lightning rods for a range of criticism. Find out how you can support those groups who take a Christian stand on such issues. 

Richard Reddie is a writer and researcher. His latest book, ‘Martin Luther King Jr: History Maker’ is published by Lion Hudson. He worships at St James Church (CofE) West Streatham, London.

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