Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation with someone, and all of the sudden…they really started to open up? It is as if all their walls start coming down, and they share things that you never thought they would share with you.
You want to jump in and offer some kind of godly advice, but you feel a check in your spirit - the Lord saying, “Just listen. See what they have to say.” In his message this week, Pastor Jason encouraged us to be a blessing to others as we listen, serve and nurture.
It’s in these moments that we learn the art of listening, like Daniel did as he listened to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel chapter 4. And something we also clearly see in the life of Jesus. Jesus was known as one who nurtured, listened, and above all — served. He really saw people, and made it a point to spend time with them not only healing their physical wounds, but their emotional ones as well.
This week I was reading through the gospels and I am at the point in John 18 where Jesus is handed over to Pilate. It’s interesting, because just like King Nebuchadnezzar was truly scared…so was Pilate.
These two powerful men in history were brought to their knees in fear once they encountered a Holy God.
Pilate’s fear comes to a head in John 19:7-8, where he is speaking to the Jewish leaders. They say in verse 7, “By our law he ought to die because He called himself the Son of God.” Upon hearing this, Pilate became “...more frightened than ever.” (v.8, NLT)
Feeling this great fear in his heart, Pilate started questioning Jesus in John 19:10 where he says, “Why don’t you talk to me?’ Pilate demanded. ‘Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?’”
Jesus response to Pilate’s questioning is so telling, giving hints to Pilate that all his “power” is actually from God:
“You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above.” (John 19:11, NLT)
The fact is, Pilate was actually listening…he was observing and thinking through all of this. But because he feared people more than he feared God, that led to complete terror in his heart. The listening never turned into serving or nurturing…it only led to a decision he would regret for eternity.
King Nebuchadnezzar was terrified because of an unknown dream, and Pilate was terrified that he was truly face-to-face with the Son of God. Fear filled both of their hearts, because they didn’t truly know God — there was no real relationship there.
As we go about our days, and learn to listen well, serve and nurture…I think we can learn from both of these fearful rulers.
There is a point where all the power in the world doesn’t compare to a humble heart in the hands of our great God.
If we give Him our life freely, and openly with humility…what will He show is return? There is truly no limit to His grace. Thankfully, we don’t have to live with the kind of fear King Nebuchadnezzar or Pilate had to live with. If we belong to Christ, we know that perfect love has cast out all our fear. (1 John 4:18)
Instead of living from a place of fear, we get to live from a place of faith. We get to listen, serve, and nurture with the strength that only He can give.
You want to jump in and offer some kind of godly advice, but you feel a check in your spirit - the Lord saying, “Just listen. See what they have to say.” In his message this week, Pastor Jason encouraged us to be a blessing to others as we listen, serve and nurture.
It’s in these moments that we learn the art of listening, like Daniel did as he listened to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel chapter 4. And something we also clearly see in the life of Jesus. Jesus was known as one who nurtured, listened, and above all — served. He really saw people, and made it a point to spend time with them not only healing their physical wounds, but their emotional ones as well.
This week I was reading through the gospels and I am at the point in John 18 where Jesus is handed over to Pilate. It’s interesting, because just like King Nebuchadnezzar was truly scared…so was Pilate.
These two powerful men in history were brought to their knees in fear once they encountered a Holy God.
Pilate’s fear comes to a head in John 19:7-8, where he is speaking to the Jewish leaders. They say in verse 7, “By our law he ought to die because He called himself the Son of God.” Upon hearing this, Pilate became “...more frightened than ever.” (v.8, NLT)
Feeling this great fear in his heart, Pilate started questioning Jesus in John 19:10 where he says, “Why don’t you talk to me?’ Pilate demanded. ‘Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?’”
Jesus response to Pilate’s questioning is so telling, giving hints to Pilate that all his “power” is actually from God:
“You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above.” (John 19:11, NLT)
The fact is, Pilate was actually listening…he was observing and thinking through all of this. But because he feared people more than he feared God, that led to complete terror in his heart. The listening never turned into serving or nurturing…it only led to a decision he would regret for eternity.
King Nebuchadnezzar was terrified because of an unknown dream, and Pilate was terrified that he was truly face-to-face with the Son of God. Fear filled both of their hearts, because they didn’t truly know God — there was no real relationship there.
As we go about our days, and learn to listen well, serve and nurture…I think we can learn from both of these fearful rulers.
There is a point where all the power in the world doesn’t compare to a humble heart in the hands of our great God.
If we give Him our life freely, and openly with humility…what will He show is return? There is truly no limit to His grace. Thankfully, we don’t have to live with the kind of fear King Nebuchadnezzar or Pilate had to live with. If we belong to Christ, we know that perfect love has cast out all our fear. (1 John 4:18)
Instead of living from a place of fear, we get to live from a place of faith. We get to listen, serve, and nurture with the strength that only He can give.
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.