#247 (John 21:15-25) Jesus Challenges Peter - Life of Christ = Week 50 - Tuesday

Jesus Challenges Peter
John 21:15-25

Intro Questions

Jesus Reinstates Peter

John 21:15–19

^15aWhen they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me^† more than these?”

^15b“Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.”

^15c“Feed My lambs,” He told him.

^16aA second time He asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”

^16b“Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.”

^16c“Shepherd My sheep,” He told him.

^17aHe asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”

^17bPeter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?” He said, “Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You.”

^17c“Feed My sheep,” Jesus said. ¹⁸“I assure you: When you were young, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” ¹⁹He said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God. After saying this, He told him, “Follow Me!”

Jesus and Peter Discuss the Future of the Apostle John

John 21:20–24

²⁰So Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them. That disciple was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is the one that’s going to betray You?” ²¹When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord—what about him?”

²²“If I want him to remain until I come,” Jesus answered, “what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.”

²³So this report spread to the brothers that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not tell him that he would not die, but, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”

²⁴This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.^[1]

---

^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 252–253). Holman Bible Publishers.

Text Graphic

After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others?"
"Yes," Peter replied, "you know I am your friend."
"Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: "Simon, son of John, do you really love me?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I am your friend."
"Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.
Once more he asked him, "Simon, son of John, are you even my friend?"
Peter was grieved at the way Jesus asked the question this third time. "Lord, you know my heart; you know I am," he said.
Jesus said, "Then feed my little sheep. When you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and others will direct you and take you where you don't want to go." Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me."
Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following, the one who had leaned around at supper that time to ask Jesus, "Master, which of us will betray you?" Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord? What sort of death will he die?"
Jesus replied, "If I want him to live until I return, what is that to you? You follow me."
So the rumor spread among the brotherhood that that disciple wouldn't die! But that isn't what Jesus said at all! He only said, "If I want him to live until I come, what is that to you?"
I am that disciple! I saw these events and have recorded them here. And we all know that my account of these things is accurate.
And I suppose that if all the other events in Jesus' life were written, the whole world could hardly contain the books!

• 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.

OPEN:

• Have you ever been kicked off the team, out of the club, out of the house or out of school? Why? 
• Who was expected to do the most chores around your house when you were a kid? Who got off the easiest?

DIG:

• Why do you think Jesus repeated the same question and charge to Peter three times? How is Peter supposed to demonstrate his love and loyalty to Jesus now? In light of John 10:15, what would Jesus' shepherd image mean to Peter? 
• What does Jesus mean by his prediction in John 21:18? Why did Peter ask about John? 
• What is the crucial issue revealed in Jesus' response to Peter (John 21:22)? How is this linked with John 21:15-17?

REFLECT:

• What is the closest you have come to blowing it so badly that you thought God was never going to speak to you again? What did you discover about God in that experience? 
• When have you compared yourself with someone else and wondered why his or her life was the way it was? How did that affect your desire to do what you were supposed to do? 
• Whom do you know who needs to feel forgiven by God? What will you do to tell them they are forgiven? 
• If you were writing a book about Jesus' work in your life, what would be some of the chapter titles? 
• What has been brought to light for you through studying John's Gospel?

Do You Truly Love Him?
Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. The first time Jesus said, "Do you love (Greek agape: volitional, self-sacrificial love) me more than these others?" The second time, Jesus focused on Peter alone and still used the Greek word agape. The third time, Jesus used the Greek word phileo (signifying affection, affinity, or brotherly love) and asked, in effect, "Are you even my friend?" Each time Peter responded with the Greek word phileo. Jesus doesn't settle for quick, superficial answers. He has a way of getting to the heart of the matter. Peter had to face his true feelings and motives when Jesus confronted him. How would you respond if Jesus asked you, "Do you love me?" Do you really love Jesus? Are you even his friend?


This was a prediction of Peter's death by crucifixion. Tradition indicates that Peter was crucified for his faith—upside down because he did not feel worthy of dying as his Lord had died. Despite the future, Jesus told Peter to follow him.


Don't Compare
Peter asked Jesus how John would die. Jesus replied that Peter should not concern himself with that. We tend to compare our lives to others, whether to rationalize our own level of devotion to Christ or to question God's justice. Jesus responds to us as he did to Peter: "What is that to you? You follow me." When you follow Christ and live as he wants you to, there is no need to compare yourself with others. People make comparisons for many reasons. Some point out others' flaws in order to feel better about themselves. Others simply want reassurance that they are doing well. When you are tempted to compare, look at Jesus Christ. His example will inspire you to do your very best, and his loving acceptance will comfort you when you fall short of your expectations.


Early church history reports that after John spent several years as an exile on the island of Patmos, he returned to Ephesus where he died as an old man, near the end of the first century.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

 

"Do You Love Me?"

“Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love You.’  Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’” (John 21:15-19)

How do Christians stumble and fall? How can there be such a disconnect, sometimes, with believers who are forgiven, redeemed, have a new heart, and have the Holy Spirit?

Peter was discipled by Jesus for three years, yet Jesus often saw the disconnect in Peter’s life.  Volumes could be written on this question, but let’s consider three points from Jesus’ question to Peter that might help Christians move from being a participant in Christianity to becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus.

First, we can learn from Peter’s disconnect with Jesus.  Throughout Jesus’ ministry Peter displayed a false direction with Jesus’ purposes and ways by reacting in his flesh rather than responding from a spiritual perspective. Some examples are in Matthew 16:23, John 13:38, and John 13:8. Peter was a man passionate about Jesus, but too often saw things from an earthly perspective. Knowing truth and living in the truth are two different things. As Christians we must vigilantly guard against living in the flesh by remaining in Jesus, just as he teaches in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Second, we must be established in faith and grounded in God’s word. Jesus, when speaking to Peter in today’s verse, used the word “lamb.” Just as a child flounders in life without being established in how to live, so a new Christian flounders without being established in his/her faith. Christianity is more than imparting knowledge of God’s word, it is about allowing God’s word to take root in our lives and transform us through the work of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 4:20 emphasizes living this way: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”

Third, we should be discipled by others and work to disciple others. God wants you to grow to maturity by being fruitful. Hebrews 5:13-14 explains: “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”  Maturity in Christ is best defined by a person’s fruitfulness – your ability to live out God’s truths in visible ways in this world. That is why Jesus defined a disciple the way He did in John 15:8: “This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

Jesus wanted his followers to be known as those who pursued God in a passionate, intimate way. The living Christ brings life to our spirit and fruitfulness to our walk with him. God calls every Christian to be fruitful in witnessing, discipling others, and ministry.

Maybe today Jesus is asking you the same three questions he asked Peter: “Do you love me?”, “Are you willing to feed my lambs?”, and “Are you willing to shepherd or tend my sheep?”

 

 

 

“Transforming Love”

“Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love Me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love You.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed My lambs.’ Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love Me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love You.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of My sheep.’ The third time He said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love You.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed My sheep.’” (John 21:15-18)

Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, knowing that Peter did not grasp the depth and calling of his love for Jesus.

Peter’s love for Jesus could only be fully known when his life demonstrated a love and compassion for people. There was no doubt that Peter could love Jesus and what He was about, but could Peter’s love for Jesus translate into a love and compassion for others?

Jesus explained in Matthew 9:12-13, “Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”

Jesus confounded His disciples by constantly living a life that said, “My mission is the lost, those in need.”

Do you love the Christian organizations you belong to more than Jesus? Do you love the tools (quiet time, worship, Bible class, missions, Christian activity) more than Jesus? Do you love your Christian way of life more than Jesus? Jesus saw that Peter could easily love the Jesus that represented establishment, organization, processes, goals, mission, revolution, and self-righteousness, but not love the Jesus that loves the unlovable, cares for the down and out, and meets the needs of those around Him.

Is your love for Jesus represented by a transforming love or simply the appearances of love? Is your love for Jesus represented by caring, feeding, and witnessing to those around you or the Christian entities in which you are involved?

Matthew 9:36-37 says, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’”

Jesus does not want your practice of Christianity to only be with organizations and the trappings of religion, but as one who sees the hearts and souls of those around you and whose heart overflows with compassion for them.

John 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."

 

#236 (Matthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-37) Jesus Dies on the Cross - Life of Christ = Week 48 - Monday

Jesus Dies on the Cross
Matthew 27:45-56
Mark 15:33-41
Luke 23:44-49
John 19:28-37

Supernatural Events Surrounding Jesus’ Death

Matthew 27:45–54; Mark 15:33–39; Luke 23:44–48; John 19:28–30

^{Mt 27:45–49}From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land. ⁴⁶At about three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” ⁴⁷When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling for Elijah!…” ⁴⁹But the rest said, “Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him!”

^{Jn 19:28–30}After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, He said, “I’m thirsty!” ²⁹A vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on hyssop and held it up to His mouth. ³⁰When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” [^{Lk 23:46a}And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, ‘into your hands I entrust My spirit’ ”]. Then bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.

^{Mt 27:51–53}Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked^† and the rocks were split. ⁵²The tombs also were opened and many bodies of the saints who had gone to their rest were raised^†. ⁵³And they came out of the tombs after His resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.

⁵⁴When the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, “This man really was God’s Son [^{Lk 23:47b}This man really was righteous].”

^{Lk 23:48}All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests.^[1]

Soldiers Pierce the Side of Jesus

John 19:31–37

³¹Since it was the preparation day, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special day). They requested that Pilate have the men’s legs broken and that their bodies be taken away. ³²So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with Him.

³³When they came to Jesus, they did not break His legs since they saw that He was already dead. ³⁴But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. ³⁵He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth. ³⁶For these things happened so that the Scripture may be fulfilled: “Not one of His bones will be broken.” ³⁷Also, another Scripture says: “They will look at the One they pierced.”

---

^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 238–239). Holman Bible Publishers.

Whose death (family, friend or national figure) has affected you most? Why?

That afternoon, the whole earth was covered with darkness for three hours, from noon until three o'clock. About three o'clock, Jesus shouted, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine and put it on a stick and held it up to him to drink. But the rest said, "Leave him alone. Let's see whether Elijah will come and save him."
Then Jesus shouted out again, dismissed his spirit, and died.

And look! The curtain secluding the Holiest Place in the Temple was split apart from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and rocks broke, and tombs opened, and many godly men and women who had died came back to life again. After Jesus' resurrection, they left the cemetery and went into Jerusalem, and appeared to many people there.
The soldiers at the crucifixion and their sergeant were terribly frightened by the earthquake and all that happened. They exclaimed, "Surely this was God's Son."
And many women who had come down from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of James and John (the sons of Zebedee).

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• What is the meaning of the darkness (see Luke 25:53)? The torn curtain (Hebrews 9)? Jesus's prayer (Psalm 31:5)? The centurion's confession in Luke 23:47?
• Describe the attitude with which Jesus met death in Luke 23:46
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• From the elements here, how would you describe to someone what Jesus's death was all about? How does it make difference in your view of sin and failure? Your confidence in God's love?
• 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.

OPEN:

• What movie or book (such as "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Godspell," or "Jesus of Nazareth") brought home to you most vividly the events of the crucifixion?

DIG:

• From here and throughout John's Gospel, we see that Jesus' death has a special paradoxical meaning: In what sense was Jesus' death necessary, yet voluntary? Triumphant, yet tragic? Pre-ordained, yet avoidable? Lifted up, yet laid down? Unjust, yet just? Finished, yet ongoing?

REFLECT:

• How would you explain the need for the crucifixion to someone else?
• How is Jesus' death real to you? How have Jesus' "blood" and "water" touched your life? What would your life be like without them?

The Cup
Jesus was not questioning God; he was quoting the first line of Psalm 22—a deep expression of the anguish he was feeling as he was taking on the sins of the world, which caused him to be separated from his Father. This was what Jesus had dreaded as he had prayed to God in the garden to take the cup from him (Matthew 26:39). The physical agony was horrible; even worse was the period of spiritual separation from his Father. Jesus suffered this double death so that we would never have to experience eternal separation from God. Jesus has gone through so much for you. What can you do for him?


We do not know how this darkness occurred, but it is clear that God caused it. Nature testified to the gravity of Jesus' death, while Jesus' friends and enemies alike fell silent in the encircling gloom. The darkness on that Friday afternoon was both physical and spiritual.


Direct Access
The tearing of the Temple curtain symbolized Christ's work on the cross. The Temple had three parts: the courts for all the people; the Holy Place, where only priests could enter; and the Most Holy Place, where the high priest alone could enter once a year to atone for the sins of the people. It was in the Most Holy Place that the Ark of the Covenant, and God's presence with it, rested. The curtain that was torn had closed off the Most Holy Place from view. At Christ's death, the barrier between God and man was split in two. Now all people can approach God directly through Christ (Hebrews 9:1-14; 10:19-22). Because of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, we have direct access to God. You can talk to God about anything, at any time. Stay close to him.


Christ's death was accompanied by at least four miraculous events: darkness, the tearing in two of the veil in the Temple, an earthquake, and dead people rising from their tombs. Jesus' death, therefore, could not have gone unnoticed. Everyone knew something significant had happened.


https://youtu.be/VgsycyHAca8

https://youtu.be/dvPPmQnj8Zw

More Resources:
Mark 15:39-47 — The Powers Recognize the Reality of the Kingdom of God in Jesus
http://johnmarkhicks.com/2012/08/15/mark-1539-47-the-powers-recognize-the-reality-of-the-kingdom-of-god-in-jesus/

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Links to other resources:

THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS

A Physician Analyzes the Crucifixion

A Physician's View of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The Passion of Jesus. Jesus' Crucifixion -- From a Medical Point of View

https://youtu.be/HgJm8Gr9qpk

https://youtu.be/8gx6_rGLz20

Jesus’ Seven Last Words from the Cross

            1.   “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

            2.   “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

            3.   “Woman here is your son … Here is your mother” (John 19:26–27).

            4.   “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34).

            5.   “I’m thirsty” (John 19:28).

            6.   “It is finished!” (John 19:30).

            7.   “Father, ‘into Your hands I entrust My spirit’ ” (Luke 23:46).

Working Document for DBS

Series Questions Jesus Asked

Title: Why Have You Forsaken Me?

Bookmark: Click Here

Opening Thoughts:

v  Angel Park

o   Prayer for it to be able to advance God’s kingdom.

v  Darkness at the crucifixion.

o   “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Jesus

§  A gut-wrenching question to His Father.

§  Reflect on that.

 

Text: Matthew 27:45-56

 

The Death of Jesus

⁴⁵ From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

⁵⁰ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

⁵¹ At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split ⁵² and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. ⁵³ They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

⁵⁴ When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

⁵⁵ Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. ⁵⁶ Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

 

Summarize main story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.

·          Review and retell the story.

Reflections for applications:

v  Look at the question, “Why Have You Forsaken Me?”

o   Psalm 22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.

o   Why did Jesus ask the question?

§  It was our sin that separated him from the Father.

·         Isaiah 53:4 Surely he took up our pain and he bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

·         Psalm 22:22-24 I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.

·         1 John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it

Digging Questions:

·         How will you respond to this question Jesus asked?

·         What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?

·         What is God calling us to do?

Take Away Challenges

·         What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

·         Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

·         What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?

Hash tags #Reward #Jesus #enemies

Sunday sermon link          https://youtu.be/VgsycyHAca8

Kevin’s Blog Link to more resources: Click here for Kevin’s Blog Notes

Comments and resources with some more details:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27%3A45-56&version=NIV

#230 (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-37) Jesus' Trial Before Pilate - Life of Christ = Week 46 - Friday

Jesus' Trial Before Pilate
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 18:28–29}Then 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 23:2}They 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 15:3}And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things.

^{Mt 27:13–14}Then 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 23:5}But 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.

OPEN:

• As a child, were you ever blamed for something you didn't do? How did you react?

DIG:

• 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?

REFLECT:

• 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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Other Resources:

https://youtu.be/jYM0IOnwAxA

https://youtu.be/sDtirOypgw8

https://youtu.be/KTZfHmrmpAU