Takeaways
Throughout the book of John, we see the author writing in alignment with his thesis statement from John 1:9-13: that Jesus is the true Light that enlightens, but that the world doesn’t know Him.
In this passage, Jesus interacts with Pilate, who is trying hard to walk on the middle ground. While we do not know what Pilate’s ultimate decision about Jesus was, at this point, it seems he does not commit to believing in Him.
We hear the term “All In” when supporting a sports team, a project, a relationship, or a commitment. While Pilate doesn’t appear to choose to be “all in” with Jesus (as we saw Peter be last week despite his weaknesses), we have the opportunity to be “all in Him.”
What does this look like? It seems like abiding, which we are coming to understand to mean
A – Asking
L – Listening
L – Learning of Him and from Him.
Abiding was a high priority for Jesus, both for Himself and for guiding His disciples to do the same. Abiding also leads to rest within our souls, which many don’t experience much of. More likely, we go through life feeling restless, peppered with exhaustion, irritation, or anger.
What if we chose to lean into the Light that enlightens and abides? One way we can do this is to yield daily to, submit to, surrender to, and wait on the Lord.
This might look like rehearsing and praying something like this:
Today, I am in Christ.
I consent to Jesus to do all for me.
I consent to Jesus to do all in me.
I consent to Jesus to do all through me.
I give up my right to
-be frustrated
-be irritated
-be impatient
-be offended
-be fearful
-carry guilt and shame
-defend myself.
What would happen in your soul if you could genuinely surrender and abide in Christ? You will start to experience more rest. And we can all use a lot more of that.
Reflection Prompters
1. If you were in Pilate’s shoes, what questions would you have asked Jesus? How might you have responded to Him?
2. Abiding is not a duty or something we accomplish. Pray about your tendencies to try to work everything out on your own.
3. There are two responses to Jesus: 1) Believe and receive or 2) do not believe and receive. Where are you in your journey with God? Is He drawing you to believe and receive? Is He inviting you to sit in gratefulness for your life in Him?
4. Review and reflect on additional passages mentioned in the message;
John 1:9-13
John 8:47
John 10:27
Matthew 11:28-29
5. Consider adopting the framework of prayer Russ suggested, or with God’s help, create something similar for yourself. This isn’t meant to be formulaic but can be a guide to a daily posture of yielding, submitting, surrendering, and waiting.
