The Gospel of John: The Trial
John 18:28-40
Questioning the Prosecution (v. 28–32)
• Annas & Caiaphas send Jesus to the Roman ruler, Pilate
– Roman prefect under Emperor Tiberius from AD 26 to 37
– Known for his moral weakness, vacillation, stubbornness, and brutality (cf. Luke 13:1)
• They refuse to enter his home so that they can stay ceremonial clean
– And partake in the impending Passover
• Pilate comes out to the crowd and questions them
– They need Pilate’s permission to execute Jesus
– Because they are not allowed to put anyone to death under Roman law
• Which also fulfilled Jesus’ words about being crucified, the Roman form of execution (12:32-33)
• Rather than being stoned, the Jewish one
The Defense Questioned (v. 33–38a)
• Pilate brings Jesus inside for a private questioning
• He asks if Jesus is claiming to be the Jewish King: the Messiah
– This claim would make Jesus a threat to Caesar, the Roman Emperor
• Jesus asks Pilate a clarifying question (v. 34)
– Which is met with indignation
• Jesus clarifies that He is no threat to Rome
– By defining His kingdom as ‘not of this world’
• Jesus’ Kingdom
– Spiritual in nature
• And therefore greater than any human kingdom
• And yet, not a threat to them either
– Is not built or established by human means
• When Pilate asks Jesus to verify His kingly claim
– He does so; but clarifies that He is the king of those who live in the truth
• Pilates’ rhetorical question is telling:
– He does not known truth, though the Truth is standing before him
The First Trial (v. 19-24)
• When the high priest questions Jesus, it is at night
– Thus considered illegal
• Unlike Jesus who does His work in the open (v. 20)
• Perhaps one reason why Jesus does not testify about Himself is to shed light on the injustice
– He calls on the high priest to produce witnesses
• Which was required by the Law (Num 35:30; Deut. 17:6; 19:15)
• Jesus also points out the soldier’s response is illegal
– Not based on wrongs committed or witnesses
• Thus, those who claim to obey the Law:
– Fail to keep it
– Fail to understand that the Law points to Jesus the Messiah
The Verdict (v. 38b-40)
• Pilate announces to the crowds that he finds ‘no guilt in [Jesus]’
– Speaking greater than he knows
• He invokes a Roman custom to release a prisoner at the Passover
– Asking if they want their King back
• The crowd calls for the insurrectionist, Barabbas (cf. Mark 15:7)
– Irony: Barabbas may have actually posed a threat to Roman rule and is released
• While Jesus poses no real threat is executed
So What?
• Jesus is building a kingdom that is greater than any this world has ever known
• Are you a part of that kingdom?
• Have you listened to the Truth and believed Him?
Meditation Verse: John 18:37
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