In this episode the Jewish authorities are
shown to be the worst sort of hypocrites. They will not enter the governors’
residence because he is a gentile rendering them unclean and unable to
celebrate Passover, whilst trying to murder an innocent man!
They bring Jesus to Pontius Pilate (governor
over Judea from A.D. 26-36). During this
episode he is revealed as putting his career above his integrity. He wants to
release Jesus but is bullied into letting a criminal go instead; anything for a
quiet life!
It seems that evil is winning the day. But,
this is all according to God’s perfect plan of grace that Jesus will die at the
hands of sinners, to save sinners.
Monday: The Passover
Read John 18:28, Ex. 12:24-32. Reference to
Passover is pointing to Jesus as our Passover Lamb. Jesus’ death parallels the
Passover events in that blood is spilt (a life is given) so that we can have
freedom.
Tuesday: The man in
the middle
Read John 18:29-30 and Proverbs 29:25. During this and the
next chapter we see Pilate going back and forth between Jesus and those accusing
Him. He is a man concerned to keep the peace and keep his job. Even his desire
to set Jesus free (19:12) is overruled by fear. Ambition and desire for as
quiet a life as possible keep Pilate from being a man of faith and conviction.
Are we ruled by ambition, pride, reputation and status? Or are we ruled by
Jesus?
Wednesday: Jesus’ manner of death
Read John 18:31-32, 12:32-33
and Galatians 3:13. If the Sanhedrin (Jewish authorities) had executed him, they
would have stoned rather than crucified Him. Stoning would not have fulfilled
the Jesus’ prediction of being ‘lifted up’ (12:32-33) or carry the same idea of
being cursed for our sin (Deut. 21:23). Jesus has died for you and me,
according to His own will, in His chosen manner, as our perfect Saviour.
Thursday: Jesus is
king, kingdom and subjects
Read John 18:33-37. Pilate
questions Jesus about His kingship because he is concerned about political stability
and whether Jesus is actually opposing Caesar. Jesus’ response reveals that He
is the King of the Kingdom but it’s not of this world – it does not exert power
in the manner of the kingdoms of this world; God’s Kingdom has truth at the
centre – they live by the truth of God’s word, and the truth of Jesus’ coming
again to restore His kingdom over the earth.
Friday: What is truth?
Read John 18:38 and
6:68-69. “What is truth?” This isn’t Pilate seeking an answer
from Jesus; rather, it’s a cynical ending to the conversation as Pilate
confesses that Jesus, nor anyone else can provide an answer. John’s citation of
Pilate is to cause us to ask whether we find truth in Jesus? Do you sincerely
believe that He is the answer for all of life’s deepest questions and longings?
Saturday: Give us Barabbas!
Read John 18:38-40, Acts
4:27-28 and 1 Pet. 2:22-24. Pilate has in mind to release Jesus but is
bullied by the crowds into having Jesus crucified and a criminal released.
God’s will to save mankind is being fulfilled through a coward like Pilate and
the maliciousness of the leaders. Do we see the gospel here? Jesus the innocent
will die, the criminal, Barabbas, will be released. He has died in our place,
we, the guilty, have gone free! Evil can never overcome the love of God.
You can catch up on all the messages in the
John series at:
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