Main Passage: John 19:1-6
Memory Verse
So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!”
John 19:5
Devotion
Scripture is very clear about who Jesus is, but we are surrounded by people who try to look at him from a lot of different views. They come up with all kinds of ways of describing him but they miss the simple fact that he is Lord. It’s a problem of perceptions. In today’s passage there are also a number of perceptions of who Jesus is. First there is the view of the Romans. To them, Jesus was just some crazy guy who was only worthy of being mocked. For the Jews, Jesus was just a liar and a blasphemer who claimed to be God and was only worthy of death. In the midst of all of these perceptions and opinions you have Pilate. Who is this man? Is he innocent? Is he the Son of God? Where is he from? Pilate says, "Behold the Man" In other words, look at him. Who do you see? Is he just a man? Is he a liar? Is he a lunatic? Or is he the Lord? He is a man. He is the perfect man. He is the word made flesh. If you have seen him you have seen the father. He’s the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the author and perfecter of life, he is before all things and in him all things and in him all things hold together. He is our Lord and savior, the messiah, the king of kings and lord of lords, our healer, defender, shepherd and redeemer. He’s the way the truth and the life and no one comes to the father except through him. He’s the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. He was dead but is now alive. He was crucified but is now risen. And he’s coming soon! And there he stood… the creator of the universe held captive by a man he created… and Pilate says, “Behold the Man.”
Questions to Ponder
When you look at Jesus who do you see?
When you think of Jesus what comes to mind?
Have you made Jesus the lord of your life?
Do you pray for others to see Jesus as he really is?