Daily Devotional for September 6

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September 6                                                        Mark 15:1-11

           "And Pilate again asked Jesus, 'Have you no
      answer to make? See how many charges they bring
         against you. 'But Jesus made no further answer,
                          so that Pilate wondered."

In catechism class I used to read a book of children's stories
called What Would Jesus Do? In each story, the children
decided how they would act by asking themselves, "What
would Jesus do?" The other kids in my class and I often made
fun of that book; we thought it was sappy and silly. But now,
again and again, I turn to the actions of Christ's life for inspira-
tion and answers. I learn as much from what Christ did as from
what Christ said.

In today's passage, we learn much from what Christ did not
say. Pilate must have been puzzled by Jesus. Here was a person
facing an ugly, painful death, yet Jesus said nothing in answer
to the charges brought by the chief priests. Pilate said, "See
how much power these people have over you? How much
power I have over you? If you do not answer, you will surely
die." By not answering, Christ said, without words, "You have
no power over me at all." Christ silent before accusers is a
moving example of the power in powerlessness.

It is often difficult to let power rest where it belongs - with
God. When we are faced with a dilemma, it can be hard to
turn the problem over to God, for to do so requires relinquish-
ing control. However, we will find the best solutions to our
problems only if we surrender control over them to God. After
all, that is what Jesus' whole life was about. He gave ultimate
control of his life and his ministry to God.

"What would Jesus do?" is not such a silly question after all.
If you are faced with a dilemma today, remember that God
stands ready to receive burdens - all we have to do is let them
go. That's what Jesus would do.

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From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.1989