Introduction
While the world, especially those living in Paris, struggles to come to terms with the sheer scale of the carnage in the French capital, the world’s most powerful leaders grapple over how best to respond to this appalling incident. At the recent G20 Summit for world leaders, British Prime Minister David Cameron, US President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi met to discuss what to do about Syria. Experts suggest that these men and women lead countries that have the combined military might to destroy ISIS, the extremist group controlling territory in Syria and Iraq. However, these leaders are carefully weighing up the options, mindful that they use their military muscle sagely.
In today’s scripture verses, we contrast the use and abuse of power in the form of Jesus’ engagement with Pontius Pilate.
Context
David Cameron and Barack Obama use the G20 summit to urge Vladimir Putin to back them over ISIS.
French police launch raids as the French military strikes Isis in Syria.
The recent attacks have renewed calls for greater military intervention in Syria, including military forces on the ground, but where does the law stand on this? Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbin says a military response in Syria could cause yet 'more mayhem and loss.’ But others believe that Britain will be ‘damaged’ if MPs vote against bombing ISIS in Syria.
Meanwhile, the first group of Syrian refugees arrive in the UK.
Reflection
Depending on your sources, it was either the eminent French Enlightenment figure, François-Marie Arouet (better known as Voltaire), or Uncle Ben in the Spiderman films, who coined the famous maxim ‘With great power comes great responsibility’.
History is replete with kings, rulers and leaders who failed to wield power responsibly. Rather than use their authority to make the lives of their subjects or citizens better, these figures persecuted, lied, robbed and killed them.
It is often suggested that today’s leaders, especially those in the West, have one eye on public opinion and the other on their place history when considering difficult decisions. Most are aware that hard choices are a significant facet of leadership, and having to make them is often what sets them apart from those they lead. As a result, most would ideally seek to wield power responsibly by acting with integrity, behaving respectfully and being receptive to the interests of those they lead.
In today’s Gospel reading we see that Jesus’ encounter with Pontius Pilate is one of contrasts. Both were figures of immense power; one appears to display all the trappings of power, while the other seems devoid of it. Pilate questions Jesus in his palace, no doubt surrounded by the guards he commands, and in the presence of the Jewish leaders over whom he has jurisdiction. He appears to be the lord over everything in his presence. In contrast, Jesus is under arrest, and in one of the Gospels, he is also bound. He appears to be powerless, and completely at the mercy of an ambitious Roman official with a reputation for cruelty and partiality.
It was only when Jesus speaks that we see who has the real power. Jesus’ power comes from above, and as the Son of God, his authority is not dependent on the patronage of whimsical men and women. When Pilate’s loyalty to the person who gave him his power, Caesar, is questioned (John 19. 12), he becomes weak and indecisive and caves in under the pressure.
It can be also argued that Pilate is more interested in holding on to power than knowing about the truth that Jesus offers. At one point, Jesus says to Pilate: ‘Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’ During this renowned exchange with Jesus over ‘truth’, Pilate fails to pursue Jesus’ point on this important matter. However, he appears to spend an inordinate amount of time listening to the falsehoods of Jesus’ accusers, and is ultimately swayed by them.
Unlike Pilate, Jesus is the embodiment of how we should behave – whether or not we have power. Jesus is a king, but gives up all the trappings of kingship to become a servant for all (Philippians 2.5-8). When he is under the most extreme form of pressure – on trial for his life - he still displays the type of integrity, humility, reverence and love that most earthly leaders can only dream about in a time of crisis.
We are all familiar with the adage ‘power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely’. Jesus shows us that real power resides with God, and any authority we have should be used wisely and for the benefit of others.
Prayer
Lord God,
we thank you for the wonderful world that you have made and sustain,
and for the beautiful people you create in your image.
We bring to you those places and situations
in need of your sovereign touch today.
We thank you for Jesus, the King of Kings,
who became a servant for us all.
May we follow our Lord’s example of servanthood and humility
in our engagement with all those created in God’s image;
may we always choose the way of the cross
and the path he trod.
We ask in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Questions
• How can we guard against the abuse of power in others – and in ourselves?
• Is it right to add Pontius Pilate to history’s list of infamous kings and leaders?
Action
Those who perpetrate terrorist attacks such as those in France, seek, among other heinous things, to divide people. The Christian gospel revolves around love, mercy, grace and unity. Look for ways in which your congregation can meet with those of other faiths, and can organise events (e.g. a candle-lit vigil, or a peace and unity walk) that show we will not be divided by the actions of those who propagate hate.
Young people
The recent tragic events in France have rightly taken centre stage in the news media. However, the plight of refugees, especially those from Syria, continues unabated. This week sees the arrival in the UK of 100 Syrians who were living in refugee camps. Britain expects to take 1,000 by Christmas and 20,000 by 2020. Find out how your congregation can help these men, women and children resettle in this country.
Richard Reddie is a writer and cultural commentator. His most recent book, ‘Martin Luther King Jr: History Maker’ is published by Lion Hudson. He is a Warden at St James Church, West Streatham, London.
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