When Jesus stood before Pilate just prior to Jesus’ crucifixion, Pilate cautioned him, “Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?” (John 19:10). To all appearances Pilate spoke correctly. As governor of Judea, he had the full authority of Rome behind him, not to mention he had armed guards surrounding an unarmed Jesus. He even had the consent and approval of the Jewish authorities, who wished Jesus dead. And yet, despite the overpowering forces allied against him, Jesus replied to Pilate, “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above” (John 19:11).
To me, the apparent power of Pilate, of the armed guards, and of the compliant Pharisees, provides an instructive allegory to us today for when accidents, sin, sickness, disease, and death appear to be overpowering forces allied against our well-being. Indeed, these banes of existence are considered the norms of life on earth.
But is there no salvation from these enemies to a harmonious and healthy life? In the lament of Jeremiah, “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?” (Jeremiah 8:22).
