He would have authority simply because of his office

He would have authority because the crowd approved him

He would have authority only if Jesus allowed it

Treat it as a trust and use it with humility

Treat it as proof that you should not be questioned

Treat it as a reward you can protect for yourself

Treat it as a chance to avoid responsibility

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I confess that I have sinned and tried to live under my own control. I need your mercy and your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and receive you as my Lord and Savior. Lead my life under your good authority. Amen.

Receive the Lord of True Authority

Lord, revive your Church to live under your rule. Where we have trusted human power, comfort, or status, bring repentance and awe. Make us people who use every responsibility as a trust, defend the weak, and honor your justice. Awaken us to walk humbly before you, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Renew a Humble Church

Father, forgive me for the times I have treated influence as my own possession, used it harshly, or avoided accountability. Teach me to receive every right and responsibility from you and to use it for good, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Turn from Misused Power

Name one place where you have authority or influence. Ask God whether you are using it as a trust, ask him to expose pride or fear, and ask for one just action you can take today.

Pray Over the Power You Carry

Pray for rulers, managers, parents, teachers, pastors, and anyone who makes decisions: that they would remember their authority is given, not owned; that they would refuse injustice; and that they would protect those under their care.

Pray for Leaders Under God

Ask God to protect and comfort anyone harmed by misuse of authority. Pray that truth would come to light, that help would arrive in time, and that the Lord would set right what human power has wronged, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Shelter for the Wounded

ἀπεκρίθη{a-pe-KREE-thee###ah-peh-KREE-thee###(He) answered} ⸀αὐτῷ{af-TO###ahf-TOH###to him} Ἰησοῦς·{ee-ee-SOOS###ee-ee-SOOS###Jesus} Οὐκ{ook###ook###not} εἶχες{EE-khes###EE-khehs###you had} ἐξουσίαν{ek-soo-SEE-an###ehk-soo-SEE-ah(n)###authority} ⸂κατʼ{kat###kaht###over} ἐμοῦ{e-MOO###eh-MOO###me} οὐδεμίαν⸃{oo-the-MEE-an###oo-theh-MEE-ah(n)###none} εἰ{ee###ee###if} μὴ{MEE###MEE###not} ἦν{EEN###EEN###was} ⸂δεδομένον{de-do-ME-non###deh-doh-MEH-nohn###given} σοι⸃{SEE###SEE###to you} ἄνωθεν·{A-no-then###AH-noh-then###from above} διὰ{dee-A###dee-AH###because of} τοῦτο{TOO-to###TOO-toh###this} ὁ{ho###ho###the one who} ⸀παραδούς{pa-ra-DOOS###pah-rah-DOO(s)###handed over} μέ{ME###MEH###me} σοι{SEE###SEE###to you} μείζονα{MEE-zo-na###MEE-zoh-nah###greater} ἁμαρτίαν{a-mar-TEE-an###ah-mahr-TEE-an###sin} ἔχει.{E-khee###EH-khee###(He) has}

John 19:11 — FormalTAB

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