Passage Read: John 19-20
Meditation Verse: 19:11
Thought
Pilate was appointed governor by Rome, not by God, yet Jesus says here that Pilate's authority—even over Jesus—had been given by God. Therefore, Jesus submitted to Pilate and whatever Pilate decided. And whatever sin Pilate committed in condemning Jesus to death, it was less than those who had falsely accused Him in order to have Pilate put Him to death. Which means Jesus even submitted to Pilate in this injustice. He was condemned over a lie, yet He did not refuse the sentence, He did not fight to defend Himself, and He did not resist Pilate's authority to condemn Him. This is what it means to submit to every authority instituted among men, because every authority that exists has been established by God, even those that judge unjustly.
Application
There is room to mount a defense and answer charges being brought against us, but it must be done in full submission to the authority at hand, with a heart to accept whatever judgment is decided, even if wrong. There are many examples of that in Scripture. But in Jesus' case, He knew He needed to die to pay for our sins, and He could only do so if condemned unjustly, because He would never do anything wrong. In my case, I do many things that are not right, and often deserve the judgment I receive. I also get away with many wrongs, so injustice—and mercy—often work in my favor. I can't have it only one way, that injustice always works in my favor. If I enjoy mercy at times, I also need to accept justice and injustice at times too. An authority's right to decide my case—and my need to fully submit to that authority—does not depend on their granting the outcome I want in every case. Not does an error in justice mean an authority is no longer to be honored and obeyed. All authority comes from God, and resistance to that authority is rebellion against God. I must submit to and honor every authority, whether they are just or unjust.