John 18:28—19:16: Pilate on Trial
"CHRIST KILLERS?" THE words made my stomach tighten. Someone had spray-painted the words and a series of swastikas on the Jewish synagogue in our city. Anti-Semitism had raised its ugly head again.
The New Testament does blame the Jewish leaders for condemning Jesus to die. But they weren't acting alone. The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, also condemned Jesus to die. There is a sense, too, in which we killed Jesus. He died for our sins. The most amazing answer to the question of who killed Jesus is that no one did! Jesus said, "No one takes my life from me. I lay it down of my own choice."
Warming Up to God
What temptation to compromise your Christian faith or witness are you facing? Ask the One who has faced deep trials to give you strength.
Read John 18:28—19:16. »
Discovering the Word
- A Roman trial included four basic elements: the accusation (18:29-31), the interrogation (search for evidence) (18:32-35), the defense (18:36-37) and the verdict (18:38). What events or statements from the text are included in each?
- Pilate obviously was trying to release Jesus. What specific attempts did he make (18:39; 19:4, 6, 10, 12, 15)?
- The Jews' true charge against Jesus comes out in verse 7—"He claimed to be the Son of God." Why do you think Pilate reacted to that statement as he did (vv. 8-9)?
- Why didn't Jesus say more to Pilate (vv. 9-11)? Shouldn't he have defended himself more vigorously?
- What can you conclude about Pilate's character after reading this passage? What kind of man was he?
Applying the Word
- How can you respond appropriately to Christ's grace to you?
- What does this passage tell you about how you should respond when you are treated unjustly?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to help you follow his example of grace when you are under pressure.
For Further Study
Jesus with Dirty Feet by Don Everts