Borrowed Authority

Jesus stands before human authority and tears it apart, all whilst in chains.

You would have no authority over me if it hadn’t been given to you from above.

Jesus doesn’t plead. He doesn’t justify. He doesn’t challenge Pilate’s moral compass or argue his innocence. Instead, he speaks a single, steady truth: “Any power you have is borrowed.”

It’s an incredible moment of clarity—not just for Pilate, but for us. Jesus, bruised and bound, isn’t scrambling to save himself. He sees clearly where authority really comes from. And it’s not from Caesar.

Pilate thinks he holds Jesus’ fate in his hands. But Jesus knows who he is, and he knows who God is. That’s what makes his words so powerful. He’s not panicked, even as the path to the cross is forming right in front of him. He simply names the truth: you have no authority, except what has been allowed.

In a world where we often feel like we’re at the mercy of systems, bosses, rulers, and news cycles, this is a grounding word. Authority is real—but it is never final. All power, all leadership, all systems—even broken ones—ultimately sit under the gaze of a higher authority. One who doesn’t rule by fear, but by faithful love.

Jesus knows this. And so he stays calm, even as Pilate starts to fall apart.

You might feel small today. Or powerless. Or overwhelmed by someone else’s decisions. This quiet word from Jesus is a reminder: God is not outmaneuvered. Power still belongs to God.

I wonder if we can have the faith to believe such audacity. Likely, we have too much at stake.

John 19:8-11

The Jewish leaders replied, “We have a Law, and according to this Law he ought to die because he made himself out to be God’s Son.”

When Pilate heard this word, he was even more afraid. He went back into the residence and spoke to Jesus, “Where are you from?” Jesus didn’t answer. So Pilate said, “You won’t speak to me? Don’t you know that I have authority to release you and also to crucify you?”

Jesus replied, “You would have no authority over me if it had not been given to you from above. That’s why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” From that moment on, Pilate wanted to release Jesus.

However, the Jewish leaders cried out, saying, “If you release this man, you aren’t a friend of the emperor! Anyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes the emperor!”

Psalm 62:9-11

Human beings are nothing but a breath. Human beings are nothing but lies. They don’t even register on a scale; taken all together they are lighter than a breath!

Don’t trust in violence; don’t set false hopes in robbery. When wealth bears fruit, don’t set your heart on it.

God has spoken one thing—make it two things—that I myself have heard: that strength belongs to God.

Prayer¹

God,

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. All I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.

1. From St. Ignatius.