Matthew 27:11-14
Mark 15:2-5
Luke 23:1-5
John 18:28-37
Intro Questions
Jesus’ First
Hearing Before Pilate
Matthew 27:2, 11–14; Mark 15:1–5; Luke
23:2–5; John 18:28–38
Jn 18:28–29Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to the
governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They did not enter the
headquarters themselves; otherwise they would be defiled and unable to eat the
Passover. 29Then Pilate came
out to them and said, “What charge do you bring against this man?”
30They answered him, “If this man weren’t a criminal, we wouldn’t have
handed Him over to you.”
31aSo Pilate told them, “Take Him
yourselves and judge Him according to your law.”
31b“It’s not legal for us to put anyone to death,” the Jews declared. 32They
said this so that Jesus’ words might be fulfilled signifying what sort of death
He was going to die.
33Then Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said
to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
34Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have others told
you about Me?”
35“I’m not a Jew, am I?” Pilate replied. “Your own nation and the chief
priests handed You over to me. What have You done?”
A Spiritual Kingdom
36“My kingdom
is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If My kingdom were of this world, My
servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. As it is,
My kingdom does not have its origin here.”
37a“You are a king then?” Pilate asked.
37b“You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I
have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of
the truth listens to My voice.”
38a“What is truth?” said
Pilate.
38bAfter he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them,
“I find no grounds for charging Him.
Lk 23:2They began to accuse Him, saying, “We
found this man subverting our nation, opposing payment of taxes to Caesar, and
saying that He Himself is the Messiah, a King.” Mk 15:3And the chief
priests began to accuse Him of many things.
Mt 27:13–14Then Pilate said to Him, “Don’t You hear
how much they are testifying against You?” 14But He didn’t answer
him on even one charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
Lk 23:5But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the
people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where He started even to
here.”[1]
[1]
Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp.
229–230). Holman Bible Publishers.
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
- As a child, were you ever blamed for something you didn't do? How did you react?
- Where was Jesus taken next? When? Why are the Jewish leaders rushing this trial?
- What is the irony in John 18:28?
- What reason do they finally give Pilate for bringing Jesus to him (John 18:33-34)? Why would Pilate take this seriously? How are Pilate's fears like those of the Jewish leaders in John 11:48?
- What does Jesus tell Pilate about his kingdom (John 18:36-37)? Who is included in it? What do you think Pilate meant by his concerns in John 18:38?
- In his pursuit of "truth," is Pilate trying to absolve himself, or Jesus? Why do you think so?
- Since both Peter and Pilate caved in under pressure, why do we tend to scorn Pilate but honor Peter?
- Do you see any of Pilate's qualities in yourself?
- How does Barabbas' freedom at Christ's expense illustrate the Gospel?
Devotional Thought
In John 18:28–40, we are taken into one of the most solemn and revealing moments of Jesus’ trial: His appearance before Pilate. The religious leaders, unwilling to enter the Gentile governor’s headquarters for fear of ceremonial defilement, bring Jesus to Pilate, demanding judgment. Their concern for ritual purity stands in striking contrast to their willingness to condemn the sinless Son of God. How easy it is for externals to overshadow the heart of true worship. This passage warns us against clinging to outward forms while neglecting the weightier matter of truth.
Pilate is caught in tension: he recognizes Jesus’ innocence yet feels the pressure of political survival. When he questions Jesus, he hears words that turn the whole trial upside down. Jesus declares, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Unlike earthly rulers, His reign does not advance by force, swords, or manipulation. His kingdom is one of truth, where hearts are transformed by hearing and believing. Pilate, skeptical and dismissive, utters the haunting question: “What is truth?”
That question lingers still. In a world of shifting values, relativism, and competing voices, the quest for truth seems elusive. Yet Jesus had already told His disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Truth is not merely an idea; it is embodied in the living Christ, who stands before Pilate silent yet sovereign. While others scramble for position and power, Jesus reveals a kingdom founded on divine authority and eternal reality.
The scene also unveils humanity’s divided response to Christ. Pilate seeks compromise—offering to release Jesus according to custom—but the crowd chooses Barabbas, a violent rebel, over the Prince of Peace. How tragically ironic, and yet how true to the human heart. Each of us faces the same choice: will we cling to our own ways, our “Barabbas,” or will we surrender to the King who rules in righteousness?
When we meditate on this passage, we are invited into deeper surrender. Following Jesus means recognizing that His kingdom does not operate by worldly standards but by truth, humility, and sacrificial love. The cross looms ahead, but so does the resurrection, proof that His kingdom cannot be shaken.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Truth we long for. Forgive us when we choose substitutes and turn to lesser kings. Help us to live as citizens of Your kingdom, rooted not in fear or compromise, but in Your eternal reign. Teach us to hear Your voice above all others and to bear witness to Your truth in the world. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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