John 19:1-13, March 7, 2025 (Friday)

"The chief priests and the guards saw Jesus and cried out, 'Crucify him! Crucify him!' Then Pilate said to them, 'Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him'" (John 19:6).

The Strength of Community

Every two months, Korean church pastors across Northern California gather for an executive committee meeting—a tradition that has become the backbone of our regional Methodist community. These gatherings include the president of the Northern California Women's Missionary Association and the lay vice president, creating a forum where we review past endeavors and envision future ones together. This regular assembly reminds us of a profound truth: we are not isolated congregations but branches of the same vine, connected in purpose and spirit.

The committee serves as a vessel for pastoral discussions, church governance matters, and the thoughtful examination of spiritual offices. There is something deeply valuable about individual churches journeying together within an established framework—a testament to our shared commitment to unity in Christ.

Beyond Our Walls

Among our joint initiatives, the "Pulpit Exchange Sunday" holds special significance for me. In an age where congregations often focus inward, this practice beautifully demonstrates the interconnectedness of Christ's body. It embodies the principle of catholicity—the universal nature of the Church that transcends denominational boundaries. Both congregations and individual believers find opportunities for spiritual growth and mutual enrichment through this exchange.

The Trial That Changed History

Today's scripture captures a pivotal moment in Jesus's Passion narrative. John's Gospel portrays Pontius Pilate insisting on Jesus's innocence until political pressure became overwhelming. As Rome's representative, Pilate wielded considerable administrative authority—precisely why the religious leaders brought Jesus before his judgment seat.

Caught between Jesus, His disciples, and the religious establishment, Pilate sought to evade responsibility. Though recognizing Jesus's legal innocence, he ultimately succumbed to public pressure. His hesitation and passivity culminated in the most consequential judicial error in history.

Every Christian church remembers Pilate's failure of moral courage—how he surrendered to chaos orchestrated by those with religious and political agendas.

The Modern Church Divided

In recent times, certain groups have emerged claiming exclusive authenticity—declaring themselves the "true church," the "purest church," or the "only church teaching the real gospel." Rather than reaching those outside the faith, they focus on drawing believers from established congregations into their fold. This phenomenon represents a new form of division that undermines the very essence of Christ's prayer for unity.

The principle of catholicity never pits one congregation against another. The Church, as Christ's living body, flourishes through mutual trust and collective faith.

Growing Together, Not Apart

We cannot celebrate one church's expansion while witnessing another's decline. Growth that comes at the expense of sister congregations contradicts the gospel's collaborative spirit. In our post-pandemic landscape, we're seeing smaller churches diminish while larger ones expand—often absorbing members from struggling communities. Without humility and urgent awareness of this dynamic, we risk perpetuating cycles that weaken rather than strengthen our collective witness.

The Pilate Syndrome in Today's Church

Some congregations today mirror Pilate's ambiguous stance—allowing prevailing winds to determine their course rather than standing firm on principle. Reclaiming the catholicity of the Church becomes essential for transcending these artificial spiritual boundaries.

As we journey through Lent alongside Christ in His suffering, perhaps we might ask ourselves:

For Reflection

• Have you encountered situations that echo Pilate's dilemma?

• When have you chosen neutrality or yielded to pressure rather than making a principled stand?

Prayer Requests

• The Northern California Korean United Methodist Church pilgrimage (May 18-29) will trace Paul's journey through Turkey and Greece. Two seats remain available on the group flight. Please contact us promptly if interested, and pray for Pastor Gyu Hyun Kim's leadership of this spiritual journey.

• Youth Pastor Ji-eun Yoon will undergo surgery on the 10th. We give thanks for God's guidance to the right physician and pray for a successful procedure and complete healing.