Scripture
By Tarae King
Lesson Text: John 18:28-40
Related Scriptures: Isaiah 53:1-9; Matthew 27:11-18, 20-24; Mark 15:1-15; Luke 18:32-33; 23:1-25
Jesus was speaking of his heavenly kingdom when He said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” The Jewish leaders had taken him to the hall of judgment. Once there the accusers present their case to Pilate (Luke 23:2) And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.”
As Jesus sits quietly and listens to the charges being brought against him, so again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed. (Mark 15:4-5) Pilate can see that Jesus is innocent and is shocked that Jesus does nothing to defend himself.
Pilate tries to find a way out, “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate, knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. ( Mark 15:9-10 NIV) But the crowd says no and instead asks for Barabbas. “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” (Matthew 27:22-23 NIV) Even though Pilate could find no fault in Jesus, he wanted to avoid a riot so he released Barabbas and handed Jesus over to be crucified.
Synopsis
By Pam Jones
By Jewish law, entering the house of a Gentile would cause a Jewish person to be ceremonially defiled. As a result, he could not take part in worship at the temple or celebrate the Feast until he was restored to a state of cleanliness. Afraid of being defiled, these men stayed outside the house where they had taken Jesus for trial.
Pilate knew that the religious leaders hated Jesus, and he did not want to act as their executioner. They could not sentence him to death themselves, because permission had to come from a Roman leader, yet Pilate initially refused to sentence Jesus without sufficient evidence.
Pilate made four attempts to deal with Jesus; 1) he tried to put the responsibility on someone else ,2) he tried to find a way of escape, so he could release Jesus, 3) he tried to compromise with the people, 4) he tried a direct appeal to the sympathy of the accusers.
Pilate, as the Roman Governor, was not used to being questioned or challenged. Pilate ask Jesus a straightforward question and Jesus answered clearly. Is he a king, but one whose kingdom is not of this world? There seems to have been no question in Pilate’s mind that Jesus spoke the truth and was innocent of any crime. It also seems apparent that while recognizing the truth, Pilate chose to reject it.
Practical Application
By Lecha Price
In our lesson today we find Jesus in his final trial before Pontius Pilate. During the interrogation Pilate asked Jesus was He a king? Jesus answered, thou sayest that I am a king, to this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate responded, what is truth?
The practical application reminds us to submit to the rule of Jesus over our lives and to know that objective knowledge is possible through a relationship with Christ. Presently, much of modern-day thinking rejects the reality of objective knowledge, and it is becoming more difficult for many people to recognize truth when they see it. In fact, the concept of truth has become outdated and old-fashioned to many modern critics of Christianity. Society has deceived many to believe that there are many ways to the truth or many options of truth.
Pilate, as many others refuse to acknowledge that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father but by Him. The scriptures tell us that, “they are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their heart.” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV) However, there is hope for everyone that believes. Jesus is not only the way, the truth, and the life but He came that we have life more abundantly. Through an intimate relationship with Jesus, we experience endless joy and peace exceeds all understanding.
