When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” John 19:8-10 NIV
Pilate fell into the trap that you and I can so easily fall into if we aren’t careful, he gave himself way too much credit. Self-importance is a dangerous trap because it places our focus on ourselves rather than God. Think about how ridiculous it was for Pilate to stand before his Creator and utter these words! Jesus, the one who gave Pilate his very next breath, needed absolutely nothing from this world leader.
Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” John 19:11a NIV
Every position we hold, any power, authority or worldly importance comes from God. Everything you and I achieve in this life is a gift from Him. Though hard work is important, it’s never the source of our success. We work hard and apply ourselves because the Bible teaches us to work hard for God’s glory, and if God desires to grant us success, we succeed.
Jesus put it this way:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV
So where should our focus be?
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV
We need just one goal in this life, one passion we pursue above all else, our relationship with God! When we focus on God and seek Him, everything else either falls into place or we learn by experience that He really is all that we need to be completely satisfied!