John 18:28-40
Standing before Pilate, Jesus looks powerless. He is a prisoner. Accused. Surrounded by political maneuvering and religious tension. Pilate holds the authority. He represents the power of the empire, the ability to judge, to release, to condemn. At least, that’s how it appears.
Throughout the conversation, it becomes clear that the real struggle is not Jesus’ lack of power, but Pilate’s dependence on it. Pilate is anxious about his position, his reputation, and the pressure of the crowd. He is caught in a system where control must be maintained and authority must be protected.
Jesus, by contrast, seems strangely free. He does not argue. He does not defend himself. He does not try to manipulate the outcome. Instead, he speaks calmly about truth and the nature of his kingdom, a kingdom not built on domination or control.
This encounter reveals something important: the kingdoms of the world are built on power, but the kingdom of God is built on trust. And many of us live closer to Pilate’s world than we would like to admit.
We try to manage outcomes. We grasp for control over circumstances, relationships, and even how others perceive us. We hold tightly to influence, certainty, and the illusion that if we just try harder, we can make everything turn out the way we want.
But the way of Christ invites something different. It invites us to loosen our grip.
Detaching from power does not mean withdrawing from responsibility. It means recognizing that ultimate control does not belong to us. It means trusting that God’s kingdom moves in ways we cannot always predict or manage.
Today’s sacred rhythm invites us to practice releasing the things we are trying too hard to control:
Set aside 15–20 minutes in a quiet place.
Become Aware of What You Are Holding
- Sit comfortably and take several slow breaths.
- Ask yourself gently:
- What situation in my life am I trying to control right now?
- Where am I holding tightly to an outcome?
- Where does fear drive my need to manage or fix things?
- Simply notice what comes to mind.
Hold It Before God
- Imagine placing that situation in your hands.
- It may be:
- A relationship
- A difficult decision
- The future
- The well-being of someone you love
- A problem you feel responsible to solve
- Hold it there for a moment in prayer.
Slowly Open Your Hands
- Now physically turn your palms upward and open your hands.
- As you do, pray quietly:
- “God, this is not mine to control. I place it in your care.”
- Take a few slow breaths as your hands remain open.
- Let this posture remind you that trust is an act of release.
Rest in God’s Presence
- Spend a few moments simply sitting in quiet. Nothing needs to be solved right now. Nothing needs to be managed. God is already at work beyond what you can see.
- Practicing this rhythm does not mean we stop caring or acting. It simply means we stop carrying the weight of control that was never ours to bear.
Sometimes faith looks like action. And sometimes faith looks like open hands. Let’s pray.
Faithful God, you hold the world in your hands, yet so often we try to hold it ourselves. Release us from the burden of control. Loosen our grip on outcomes we cannot manage. Teach us to trust your kingdom, even when we cannot see the way forward. Give us the courage to open our hands and rest in your care. AMEN
