Begin by slowing down your breathing, until it is gentle, smooth, and soft. Let go of any tension in your body by relaxing your jaw, your shoulders, your fingertips, even your toes. Continue until you fell light, fresh, and free.
Read the following verse slowly, savoring each word.
[Pilate] brought Jesus out and seated him on the judge’s bench in the place called Stone Pavement, in Hebrew, Gabbatha. It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon. And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!” They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified." (John 19:13-16)
Imagine that you are the crowd. Pilate comes to you and says, "Behold, your king!" What do you see? How do you respond to what you see? Are you like the crowd? Do you condemn this king (or maybe she's a queen)?
Read the verse a second time. Look closely again at your king. How does this king rule over you? Is it with love, kindness, and compassion? Is this king a cruel and vicious tyrant? Is this king manipulated by another power behind the throne?
Read the verse a third time. What would you like to say to Jesus? Spend a few moments talking to him about what you have experienced in the meditation as one close friend to another.
Read the verse a final time. Spend some time in quiet silence. If your mind drifts, that's OK. Simply return to a word or phrase from this Scripture verse and return to the silence.
