Did you ever watch the TV show, The Time Tunnel? I liked it a lot, but not enough people did. It only aired one season (1966-67). The two heroes would go through a time tunnel and would be transported back in time to some great historical event. How amazing to actually be there to see such. What would you want to see? Today, I want to take you into the Time Tunnel. I want you to see the actual trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate. The following movie may be the closest we will get to actually seeing and hearing what really transpired. The film is based completely on the gospel of John, using the Good News Translation, which they stick to very closely. That's a very good thing about this movie (released in 2003 by the Visual Bible Project); it is so scriptural. Thus, it's unlike Hollywood films that take great liberties with the text. It's a 3 hour movie, so fast forward to 2 hrs. 27 min. and 00 seconds and stop it at 2:33:20, where Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified. You can read along in your own Bible, or you can see how closely they followed the Good News Translation below. I want you to see yet another great resource available to you for free on the internet. I am not saying that the movie perfectly captures the story, but it certainly does a great job sticking to the word of God. See for yourself.
Jesus Is Sentenced to Death (John 18:38-19:16)
Then Pilate went back outside to the people and said to them, “I cannot find any reason to condemn him. 39 But according to the custom you have, I always set free a prisoner for you during the Passover. Do you want me to set free for you the king of the Jews?”
40 They answered him with a shout, “No, not him! We want Barabbas!” (Barabbas was a bandit.)
19 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him whipped. 2 The soldiers made a crown out of thorny branches and put it on his head; then they put a purple robe on him 3 and came to him and said, “Long live the King of the Jews!” And they went up and slapped him.
4 Pilate went back out once more and said to the crowd, “Look, I will bring him out here to you to let you see that I cannot find any reason to condemn him.”5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Look! Here is the man!”
6 When the chief priests and the Temple guards saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
Pilate said to them, “You take him, then, and crucify him. I find no reason to condemn him.”
7 The crowd answered back, “We have a law that says he ought to die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.”
8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid. 9 He went back into the palace and asked Jesus, “Where do you come from?”
But Jesus did not answer. 10 Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Remember, I have the authority to set you free and also to have you crucified.”
11 Jesus answered, “You have authority over me only because it was given to you by God. So the man who handed me over to you is guilty of a worse sin.”
12 When Pilate heard this, he tried to find a way to set Jesus free. But the crowd shouted back, “If you set him free, that means that you are not the Emperor's friend! Anyone who claims to be a king is a rebel against the Emperor!”
13 When Pilate heard these words, he took Jesus outside and sat down on the judge's seat in the place called “The Stone Pavement.” (In Hebrew the name is “Gabbatha.”) 14 It was then almost noon of the day before the Passover. Pilate said to the people, “Here is your king!”
15 They shouted back, “Kill him! Kill him! Crucify him!”
Pilate asked them, “Do you want me to crucify your king?”
The chief priests answered, “The only king we have is the Emperor!”
16 Then Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified.
1.- What is one verse or phrase that grabbed you? Share some of your thoughts regarding it.
2.- Monday we will be moving into our new home. So that you start to know your way around, go there now- multiplyingmanlymen.com and place a comment on the blog and put up some fictitious scores on our new scoreboard. If you have any problems, juslemeknow.
Hmm. Some of you haven't put up any points on the board yet this week. Please do so now. For the rest of you, I commend you for your faithfulness.
Optional: If you have time to watch even the first few minutes of the following video that Luis Ortiz recommended on Jesus and Barabbas, you'll find it to be excellent. Thanks Luis!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPah8hxFTaM
Please keep Louie Ojeda in prayer. His brother Rick passed away yesterday after fighting the West Nile virus.
PS- After reading your good comments this morning, I want to add some
late edition comments. I differ with Guzik and many pastors
I've heard regarding the crowd that welcomed Jesus on Palm Sunday being the
same ones who a few days later were crying out for him to be crucified. No, those
people who had traveled down with him from Galilee for the Passover loved
Jesus. The crowd we read about today were Jerusalem loyalists of the Jewish
leaders. The whole population was not there early in the morning. Those who
loved Jesus were not even aware what was going on early that morning until it
was too late. When they found out they mourned for him.
1. Pilot was afraid. It's not a verse in the Bible, but in the video. I wonder how God looks at this. I mean, it was necessary to fulfill the prophecy and to save mankind. Someone had to do this part. Same with Judas. Where do they stand with God in eternity?
ReplyDelete2. Will do.
I wonder the same things. Could they have repented of their sins and believed in Jesus, even as or after they handed Him over?
DeleteGreat question. I've often wondered that myself.
DeleteI commend you Mike, Kevin and Luis for your deep ponderings. We are left to ponder since Scripture is silent on what became of Pilate. We know what became of Judas. God foreknew what Judas would do, but that doesn't mean that he programmed him to betray Jesus. God is not the author of sin. Both Judas and Pilate remind us that our decisions have consequences and that we are not promised tomorrow to change our minds. There are certainly examples in Scripture of men who were very wicked who yet repented- Manasseh for one. There are others that had abundant light but rejected it- Judas for one. Thus, Jesus' words come to mind- "Put your trust in the light while you have it" John 12:36. This is the message we also need to pass on to others. Hope that helps.
DeleteGood thoughts Mike, and great insight Dave!
Delete8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid
DeleteGood catch Ed!
DeleteVery good questions, Mike. While we don't know what happened to Pilate( if he repented or not), one thing that stands out about Judas is that he never came to believe that Jesus was God (even though he felt remorse about his betrayal). He just believed that he killed an innocent man. He had a chance to repent, but he killed himself instead.
Delete1. John 19:11 "Jesus answered, “You have authority over me only because it was given to you by God. So the man who handed me over to you is guilty of a worse sin.”
ReplyDeleteIt was probably terrible for the disciples to have to see Jesus go through all of this but in Jesus' eyes he saw it differently, all of this had to happen in order for the prophecies of the Old Testament come true and because it was Gods plan for mans redemption.
He even tells Pilot that he has authority only because God has given it to him, showing that God was in complete control of what was happening. How thankful I am to Jesus for this wonderful sacrifice by which we could all obtain salvation if we repent and put our faith in Him.
2. Did it.
Right on Roger! Love your ending words of gratitude.
DeleteThx Roger I enjoy your posts he could have done anything but took it for us.
DeleteWhat unconditional undeserved love we receive
Great thoughts!
DeleteRoger, God does control all, good post brother
Delete1. John 18:(39-40) Even the ruthless Pilate was convicted and trying to free Jesus as he had no grounds to crucify, but the deck was stacked by the Jewish leaders as they shouted selfishly motivated against Jesus. Their power was more important to them than God's.
ReplyDeleteGuzik expands on this:
Pilate tries to release Jesus, but the crowd cries for Barabbas.
"But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" Then they all cried again, saying, "Not this Man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.
a. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews? Pilate looked for an easy way to escape a decision about Jesus, but he finds no easy escape.
b. Not this Man, but Barabbas: The crowd, whom Pilate hoped would release Jesus, instead condemned Him. Because of this, Pilate found it impossible to go against both the Jewish leaders and the crowd.
i. It is a strange, almost insane scene: a cruel, ruthless Roman governor trying to win the life of a miracle-working Jewish teacher against the efforts of both the Jewish leaders and the crowd.
ii. How could the crowd turn so quickly against Jesus? There are many possible explanations. First, many of them were probably disappointed that this Messiah who rode into Jerusalem didn't do what they wanted a Messiah to do. Second, there is a tendency in many people to tear down the very heroes they have built up; we see this in our culture today.
2. Will do
Great points Jack. How fickle we as humans are, we only want a Savior who will save us in the way we want to be saved -- otherwise we'll probably turn on them.
DeleteGreat points and digging Jack
DeleteThanks Jack. I differ with Guzik and many pastors I've heard regarding the crowd that welcomed him on Palm Sunday is now crying out for him to be crucified. No, they loved Jesus. This is a crowd of loyalists to the Jewish leaders. The whole city is not there early in the morning. Those who loved Jesus were not even aware what was going on early that morning until it was too late. When they found out they mourned for him.
DeleteThere were those loyal to the Pharisees, Scribes and the Sanhedrin among the crowds maybe with handful of those mourning and wanting to see Jesus set free instead of Barabbas but were overwhelmed; The majority of the people who show Lazarus raised from death, and those who welcomed him into Jerusalem weren't probably available. What a touching lesson. Thanks brother Jack for revealing this sensitive point.
DeleteIts ironic though that they said "Caesar is our king" when really they didn't want this foreign king to rule over them. They are just saying that to get what they want [Jesus killed]
DeleteYes Jack, we to fall short at times, pray that we stand strong n true
Delete(1). 7 The crowd answered back, “We have a law that says he ought to die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid. 9 He went back into the palace and asked Jesus, “Where do you come from?”
ReplyDeletePilate, a generally strong and ruthless Roman ruler was afraid. He was probably afraid of having the Jews rise up in revolt, and maybe of looking like a pushover to the Romans if he gives in to the Jews demands without just cause. Why does he go back to Jesus to ask where He's from?
Could it be that Pilate believed it possible that Jesus really was a King, not of this world, a Son of the Gods?
Good questions Kevin.
DeleteGood Kevin! That would account for his growing fear wouldn't it :)
DeleteGood question Kevin. Convicted.
DeleteHe was continuing to look for a way out,
Good questions Kevin. I believe Pilate was looking for a way out of condemning Jesus to death not knowing it was God's plan.
Delete1- John 19:11A
ReplyDeleteJesus answered, “You have authority over me only because it was given to you by God.
Although it was His mission to be crucified Jesus shows us his submission to authority. Although that very authority would be the one to torture and put him on the cross. This reminds me of
Romans 13:1
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
We have to remember that the authorities we submit to are not always going to be great. However just as Jesus did we must submit to a higher authority while we are under the authority of earthly government.
2- Done. And it's great!!
Lou, continue to be submissive to the Lord. He establishes our steps and paths. And he does not change like shifting shadows.
DeleteVery good Luis. Thanks again for passing on the Barabbas video.
DeleteThat is right Luis we submit to a greater authority
Delete1.12 When Pilate heard this, he tried to find a way to set Jesus free. But the crowd shouted back, “If you set him free, that means that you are not the Emperor's friend! Anyone who claims to be a king is a rebel against the Emperor!”
ReplyDeleteSeems like Pilate fell victim to people pleasing vs. doing what was right. But I guess doing what was wrong was actually right in God's story anyways. Like Luis commented it doesn't all make sense why it would come about this way. But we have little minds compared to our Almighty God.
2. Saved the link. Looking forward to Monday. Thanks again for your hard work.
Thank you Eddie!
DeleteLove you my brother.
Yup, such a great God that we can barely begin to imagine and or understand him. Yet God is in control of it all.
Delete1. Along the lines of what some of the other guys have already posted, it impresses me how Pilate is moved by the desires of the crowd more than anything else. John 19:15, "They shouted back, “Kill him! Kill him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Do you want me to crucify your king?” "
ReplyDeleteIt's human nature to want to go along with the majority. Sometimes it's out of a desire to fit in, sometimes out of fear, laziness, pride, etc.
Pilate was supposed to make the decision and not let the crowd change his mind. We all have this tendency and need to fight it. Of course the Lord used even Pilates' sin to bring about victory but Pilate still was wrong and guilty.
2. Looked at the website again. Great! Glad for the new look.
Great application Mike- "It's human nature to want to go along with the majority. Sometimes it's out of a desire to fit in, sometimes out of fear, laziness, pride, etc."
Delete"The fear of man brings a snare" Prov.29:25
It's a lot easier being a crowd pleaser than a God pleaser that's for sure.
DeleteGood thoughts!
DeleteJohn 18:38 (NIV) “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.
ReplyDeletePilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him.
Thus, Pilate terminated the interview, not waiting for a reply. He needed no reply, because the truth was of no particular concern to him. He was far more interested in what was politically expedient. This, of course, was exactly the attitude of Caiaphas (John 11:50); and both Pilate and Jesus' foes stood on that principle together, political expediency being the common ground upon which they agreed at last to crucify the Lord.
This was a verdict of innocence. At that moment, Pilate should have dismissed the hearing and ordered the legions in the tower of Antonio to disperse the mob; but he wilted before the venomous hatred of the mob demanding Jesus' death. The announcement of a verdict of innocence was another effort to release Jesus.
A lot of times people know the truth, even if they are willing to hear it. I pray that God softens their hearts to accept the word of God in their lives.
2. Did it
used Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible
DeleteGood digging Sam. Pilate caved before the rulers when they gave a veiled threat, "If you let this man go you are no friend of Caesar" That was a political term. To lose that reputation as a "friend of Caesar" was to lose one's job. Ironically, Pilate did anyway. He was removed from his position just a few years later in 37 AD.
DeleteGreat job there Sam doing all the research
DeleteAs I was listening to Dr. David Jeremiah this morning, he was describing God’s judgment towards Nebuchadnezzar and I immediately thought of the Miranda Rights read to individuals as they’re being arrested for pending prosecution. I thought what the Miranda Rights might look like from a Christian perspective and came up with the following. I don’t know if there’s something identical or similar already written, but I took the liberty to write one anyway.
ReplyDeleteEternal Life Rights
You have the right to remain a sinner. Anything you say or do will be used against you in the highest court of “The Law”. You have the right to be your own attorney, but since you can’t afford to, Jesus is available to you if only you ask. Do you understand the rights to life and death I have just written/spoken to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to God in prayer, confess your sins and receive His G.R.A.C.E. (God's Righteousness At Christ's Expense)?
Will post today's assignment later, God bless you brothers :-)
Excellent Robert!!!
DeleteThat's great!
Delete1.They answered him with a shout, “No, not him! We want Barabbas!” (Barabbas was a bandit.) Life is full of choices. Sometimes we choose Barabbas instead of Jesus. My former pastor and I would joke around when my X would go out to smoke we would say "she is out side with Barabbas".
ReplyDeleteHilarious!
DeleteGeorge glad you remained faithful with your choice to follow Christ
DeleteYou're so right George, life is full of choices. Oh, Father, help us keep choosing Jesus, not a substitute.
ReplyDelete1. – John 18:11 Jesus answered, “You have authority over me only because it was given to you by God. So the man who handed me over to you is guilty of a worse sin.”
ReplyDeletec. Do you not know that I have power: Pilate still didn't understand the true nature of power? He believed that He had real power; but Jesus makes it plain: You could have no power at all against me unless it have been given you from above. d. The one who delivered me to you has the greater sin: Jesus sees through the mob mentality and the political maneuvering to see the hand of God in these circumstances.
It was God’s will that Jesus be crucify to take away the sin of the world. And for this we have eternal life we believe in faith that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. Amen.
2. – Did it.
Amen, PTL brother Oscar for this very sacrifice that sets us free from the bandage of sin & death.
DeleteVery insightful, Thanks.
DeleteIts interesting that really Pilate is letting the crowd control him, but he speaks of having power. People often speak about their power when they aren't really powerful.
DeleteAmen indeed we do believe in Jesus as our Savior
DeleteYou got me thinking and digging for the past half hour Oscar about authority and power. We'll have to explore that more.
DeleteGreat digging Oscar. Praying for our squad :)
Delete1-Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.
ReplyDeleteJohn 18:38 NKJV
In the judgment hall of Pilate, the Roman governor, Christ stands bound as a prisoner. About Him are the guard of soldiers, and the hall is fast filling with spectators. Just outside the entrance are the judges of the Sanhedrin, priests, rulers, elders, and the mob. DA 723.1
After condemning Jesus, the council of the Sanhedrin had come to Pilate to have the sentence confirmed and executed. But these Jewish officials would not enter the Roman judgment hall. According to their ceremonial law they would be defiled thereby, and thus prevented from taking part in the feast of the Passover. In their blindness they did not see that murderous hatred had defiled their hearts. They did not see that Christ was the real Passover lamb, and that, since they had rejected Him, the great feast had for them lost its significance. DA 723.2
When the Saviour was brought into the judgment hall, Pilate looked upon Him with no friendly eyes. The Roman governor had been called from his bedchamber in haste, and he determined to do his work as quickly as possible. He was prepared to deal with the prisoner with magisterial severity. Assuming his severest expression, he turned to see what kind of man he had to examine, that he had been called from his repose at so early an hour. He knew that it must be someone whom the Jewish authorities were anxious to have tried and punished with haste. DA 723.3
Pilate looked at the men who had Jesus in charge, and then his gaze rested searchingly on Jesus. He had had to deal with all kinds of criminals; but never before had a man bearing marks of such goodness and nobility been brought before him. On His face he saw no sign of guilt, no expression of fear, no boldness or defiance. He saw a man of calm and dignified bearing, whose countenance bore not the marks of a criminal, but the signature of heaven. DA 724.1
Christ’s appearance made a favorable impression upon Pilate. His better nature was roused. He had heard of Jesus and His works. His wife had told him something of the wonderful deeds performed by the Galilean prophet, who cured the sick and raised the dead. Now this revived as a dream in Pilate’s mind. He recalled rumors that he had heard from several sources. He resolved to demand of the Jews their charges against the prisoner. DA 724.2
Who is this Man, and wherefore have ye brought Him? he said. What accusation bring ye against Him? The Jews were disconcerted. Knowing that they could not substantiate their charges against Christ, they did not desire a public examination. They answered that He was a deceiver called Jesus of Nazareth. DA 724.3
Again Pilate asked, “What accusation bring ye against this Man?” The priests did not answer his question, but in words that showed their irritation, they said, “If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him up unto thee.” When those composing the Sanhedrin, the first men of the nation, bring to you a man they deem worthy of death, is there need to ask for an accusation against him? They hoped to impress Pilate with a sense of their importance, and thus lead him to accede to their request without going through many preliminaries. They were eager to have their sentence ratified; for they knew that the people who had witnessed Christ’s marvelous works could tell a story very different from the fabrication they themselves were now rehearsing. DA 724.4 (Ellen G. White - Desire of Ages)
2- Will do.
Pilate cared more about his rep!
DeleteLemmy, this narrative adds so much to the verse. It's sad that Pilate cared more about himself than justice.
DeleteBrother Lemmy, excellent :-)
Delete1. "Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified." John 19:16
ReplyDeletePilate made several attempts to release Jesus but found himself in the proverbial saying "Caught between a rock and a hard place"
2. Did it :-)
I think Pilate had probably heard some rumor about Christ performing miracles and had long to see the man called Jesus. Seeing Jesus he showed no signs of criminal, instead calm and humble shining face of a KING. "From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”John 19:12.
Deletev. 15 "Shall I crucify your King?", Pilate asked. "We have no king but Casar," the chief priests answered. Really? This is a flat out denouncement of the Messiah, who was to come (or in this case was standing before them) and rule over Israel forever. This was a rejection of God's ruler-ship overall. This bordered on blasphemy, the very thing that the the religious leaders accused Jesus of.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, Caesar (Emperor Titus) would kill 1.1 million Jews in 70 AD. He would expel them from Rome; He would perpetrate countless injustices and atrocities upon them. This was to whom the religious leaders were pledging their allegiance to, in rejecting God.
But the haunting question is to whom have I pledged my allegiance through my actions and attitudes? Humm...
2. Wrote it :)
Wow Tim I love the history and the application. Yes blasphemous and straight out of their minds!
DeleteGreat question there Tim that we should all ask ourselves
DeleteVery good Tim :)
DeleteGreat words Tim. History shows us they chose wrong.
Delete1) “Jesus replied, "You would have no authority over me if it had not been given to you from above. That’s why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin."”
ReplyDeleteJohn 19:11 CEB
2) will do
1. 13 When Pilate heard these words, he took Jesus outside and sat down on the judge's seat in the place called “The Stone Pavement.” (In Hebrew the name is “Gabbatha.”) 14 It was then almost noon of the day before the Passover. Pilate said to the people, “Here is your king!”
ReplyDelete15 They shouted back, “Kill him! Kill him! Crucify him!”
Pilate asked them, “Do you want me to crucify your king?”
The chief priests answered, “The only king we have is the Emperor!”
What traitors to Yahweh and their country claiming the emperor King and crucifying an innocent man. They were either completely deceived or just plain wicked.
2. Did it.
I vote for both Nic- they were deceived and wicked.
DeleteBrother Nic, "What traitors to Yahweh" yes indeed, Judas wasn't the only traitor!
Delete8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid.
ReplyDelete9 He went back into the palace and asked Jesus, “Where do you come from?”
But Jesus did not answer. 10 Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Remember, I have the authority to set you free and also to have you crucified.”
Pilate doesnt want to crucify Jesus, and claims to have authority to set him free, but actually cowers under the will of the people. (such a contrast to Jesus who could easily set himself free, but submits to the Father's will). But he reminds us of ourselves at times- we know what we aught to do, but we don't do it because we are afraid of what others will think.
I agree that the crowd is probably a different group of people.
2 scores are up
I agree. I think he really knew there was something special about Jesus but then gave in to pressure.
DeleteGood insight Ed!
DeleteGood point of application Ed- Pilate "reminds us of ourselves at times- we know what we aught to do, but we don't do it because we are afraid of what others will think."
DeleteGreat insight, brother. I completely missed that contrast. What false idols do we worship in our everyday life? For me, it is work. I do whatever it takes to do my job and do it well, but can I say the same about the work God is calling me to do? I can do better there. I want to submit to the Father's will and quit bending a knee to the things of this world. God bless you, brother.
DeleteBrother Ed, "Pilate doesn't want to crucify Jesus, and claims to have authority to set him free, but actually cowers under the will of the people." Great insight, it's almost as if Pilate is trying to convince himself of the fallacy that he has "Authority".
Delete1. John 19:13 When Pilate heard this, he tried to find a way to set Jesus free. But the crowd shouted back, “If you set him free, that means that you are not the Emperor's friend! Anyone who claims to be a king is a rebel against the Emperor!”
ReplyDeletePilate kept hesitating on killing Jesus. I wonder if he believed Jesus was the Son of God because of this. It seems like at the moment they said the only King is the emperor he acted quick to let Jesus be killed.
2. Did it.
I posted again because I realized my post did not show up.
Ugh! Sorry to hear that your post gotten eaten. That shouldn't happen within our new home.
Delete1- John 19:11New International Version (NIV)
ReplyDelete11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
I feel that even in death Jesus was still teaching. Here, he told Pilate some truth. How I would love to be a fly on the wall. there at that moment when Jesus who has all authority in front of Pilate.
2- All good. everything seem to have went in fine.
U are way better than a fly on the wall my brother ;) good thoughts tho
DeleteVery good Vince- Truly, it is Pilate who is on trail before Jesus.
DeleteBrother Vince, thanks for faithfully blogging and posting your scores brother :-)
Delete1. Jesus answered, “You have authority over me only because it was given to you by God. John 19:11
ReplyDelete-This is a great example to any of us who might suffer under unjust authority. Jesus attitude was still to submit although he wasn't being treated justly.
2. Did it
Yes indeed Dave. Glad you're feeling better.
DeleteGlad He submitted Himself for us. Thanks for sharing.
Delete1 – John 19:9 He went back into the palace and asked Jesus, “Where do you come from?”
ReplyDeleteBut Jesus did not answer.
When I read this I wondered why Jesus didn’t answer. Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible has a few reasons.
1. Jesus had already told Pilate Jesus‘ design, and the nature of his kingdom, John 18:36-37.
2. Jesus had said enough to satisfy Pilate of Jesus‘ innocence. Of that Pilate was convinced. Pilate‘s duty was clear, and if he had had firmness to do it, he would not have asked this. Jesus, by his silence, therefore rebuked Pilate for his lack of firmness, and his unwillingness to do what his conscience told him was right.
3. It is not probable that Pilate would have understood Jesus if Jesus had declared to Pilate the truth about Jesus‘ origin, and about his being the Son of God.
4. After what had been done - after he had satisfied Pilate of his innocence, and then had been beaten and mocked by his permission he had no reason to expect justice at his hands, and therefore properly declined to make any further defense. By this the prophecy Isaiah 53:7 was remarkably fulfilled.
2 – Did it.
Good digging George!
Delete1. John 19:15 They shouted back, “Kill him! Kill him! Crucify him!”
ReplyDeletePilate asked them, “Do you want me to crucify your king?”
I wonder if Pilate knew that Jesus was really the King of the Jews and the Son of God, and if that's why he wanted to let Him go.
2. Doing it
Good question Phil. It does seem like Pilate was looking for a way out.
DeleteI think you're right Phil.
Delete1.“The only king we have is the Emperor!” - I think the people spoke better than they knew. If God was truly their King, they would have loved Jesus, but they weren't interested in the things of God, only in themselves. They had truly given their aliegence to Caesar instead of the God of Israel.
ReplyDelete2. Will do
Great insight Mark!
DeleteBrother Mark, yes, they were seeking their comfort rather than their convictions!
Delete1) John 19:10 Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”
ReplyDeletePilot took pride in the authority granted to him by the Roman Government. He felt that it was within his power and control to release or crucify the innocent and the guilty as he boasted to Jesus. Jesus acknowledged Pilot's authority but identified it as coming from God above. As it turned out, when Pilot really wanted to release Jesus, but was unable to do so because he feared the mob. Ultimately it was God in charge accomplishing His plan that was determined before the creation of everything. God delights in dependence upon Him and trust as Jesus obediently displayed rather then pride and the delusion of self confidence that Pilot portrayed.
2) I will try to post this again on the new blog site.
Great point Dave- "Ultimately it was God in charge accomplishing His plan that was determined before the creation of everything. God delights in dependence upon Him and trust as Jesus obediently displayed rather than pride and the delusion of self confidence that Pilot portrayed."
Delete1. John 18:11 Jesus answered, “You have authority over me only because it was given to you by God. So the man who handed me over to you is guilty of a worse sin.”
ReplyDelete2. Doesn't let me login.
Ugh! Tim or I will contact you tomorrow re. that login issue.
DeleteJose good verse, God is in control, and it has already been predestined.
Delete1. The verse I chose is:
ReplyDeleteJohn 18:11 “Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”
This gave me a shudder thinking about, and even more the way the Actor portrayed this exchange in the Movie on today's blog. I couldn't imagine. Being the one Christ is talking about, the one that handed Him over. From the one that said "He that has no cast the first stone" to "...the one who handed me over has the greater sin"
2. Did it. Can't wait to start
Great cross ref Will. No one qualified to put Christ to death, yet we all did.
DeleteThat must have been terrifying to hear Him say that! Good thoughts, Will!
DeleteBrother Will, keep up the good work, you reminded me of the following quote: "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" (author unknown, to me)
Delete1. 19:11 Jesus answered, “You have authority over me only because it was given to you by God. So the man who handed me over to you is guilty of a worse sin.”
ReplyDeleteI read a lot of your comments on these thoughts. I like the way we come to the conclusions of choice and God's will. Not that they are supposed to line up but that what God knows our thoughts and consequences in line with His plan. Our choices effect us is this linear time dimension, but He sees us out side of that and sees our mind. And how they work with Him.
I also like how Pilot really doesn't argue with Jesus, only to say, you're right, but why don't you defend yourself? He's clearly giving Pilot a lesson in epistemology and logic, but at more of a Russian roulette pace.
2. Yeah looks like it will be nice
1. 19:11 Jesus answered, “You have authority over me only because it was given to you by God. So the man who handed me over to you is guilty of a worse sin.”
ReplyDeleteI read a lot of your comments on these thoughts. I like the way we come to the conclusions of choice and God's will. Not that they are supposed to line up but that what God knows our thoughts and consequences in line with His plan. Our choices effect us is this linear time dimension, but He sees us out side of that and sees our mind. And how they work with Him.
I also like how Pilot really doesn't argue with Jesus, only to say, you're right, but why don't you defend yourself? He's clearly giving Pilot a lesson in epistemology and logic, but at more of a Russian roulette pace.
2. Yeah looks like it will be nice
Brother Rich, very good. God bless you :-)
Delete1) John 19:12 "When Pilate heard this, he tried to find a way to set Jesus free. But the crowd shouted back, “If you set him free, that means that you are not the Emperor's friend! Anyone who claims to be a king is a rebel against the Emperor!”"
ReplyDeleteDespite Pilate's disliking the idea of crucifying Jesus, his fear of losing his standing and power ultimately influenced him to do it. Reminds me of this verse...John 12:43 "for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God."
2) Did it.
Great cross-reference, Alex. I am writing John 12:43 on an MP3 card. I am weary of pursuing the approval of men. I have learned, finally, after 30 years of life, that the greatest joy to be had can be found in our pursuit of God's approval. God bless you, brother.
DeletePlease pray for me! Tomorrow, I have a big math test.
DeleteBrother Alex, prayed for you to ace your math exam ;-)
Delete
ReplyDelete1.- Jn. 18:38a
"What is truth?" Retorted Pilate.
Jesus is before Pilate the Roman governing official and is told by Pilate what is truth in response to Jesus's testimony of truth. Pilate may have been jesting and meant "what does truth matter?" Or he might of been serious and meant "it's not easy to find truth. What is it?" Either way it was clear to him that Jesus was no rebel, and therefore his teaching the truth was not a criminal offense which he could charge Jesus with.
Guzik's comments,
a. What is truth? "It was the question of the practical politician, who attached no importance to the speculations of philosophers or the dreams of enthusiasts. If the truth was all that Jesus was concerned about, there was no need (Pilate thought) to take him seriously." (McClymont)
b. For Pilate, soldiers and armies were truth, Rome was truth, Caesar was truth, political power was truth, but Jesus knew what truth was, while Pilate was still seeking. Why do Christians try to advance the truth of Jesus by means of the truth of Pilate?
Ellicott's commentaries
(38) Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?—“‘What is truth?’ said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer.” Such is Lord Bacon’s well-known interpretation of Pilate’s well-known question. Others have seen in it the bitterness of a mind that had been tossed to and fro in the troubled sea of contemporaneous thought, and despaired of an anchorage. Others, again; have traced the tone of sarcasm in the governor’s words—“Is the son of Roman freedom and Greek thought, which had at this time been welded into one power, to learn truth of a Jewish enthusiast?” while the older interpreters, for the most part, regarded the question as that of an earnest inquirer desiring to be satisfied. These are a few among the many thoughts the passage has suggested; and yet none of them seem to give the natural impression which follows from the words. Bacon’s is nearest to it, but Pilate was far from jesting. He seems rather to have been irritated by the refusal of the Jews to furnish a formal accusation (John 18:31), and more so at the question of Jesus in John 18:34, and the subtleties, as he thinks them, of John 18:36. This seems to him to be another, and at all events it is wholly irrelevant to the question at issue. He has neither time nor will to deal with it, and at once goes from the palace again to the Jews.
2.- Did it, like new format, only hope I'm able to make the transition successful using my iPhone.
Brother Armando, well done :-)
Delete1. John 19:10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above."
ReplyDeleteAt the end of John 18 (John 18:38), Pilate retorts, "What is truth?", thereby expressing a commonly held belief, even today, that their is no such thing in this world. Christ, however, is not of this world, nor is His kingdom. He took human form and lived among us as one of us, but the Son was with the Father from the beginning of time. What is truth? Jesus is the way, the TRUTH, and the life. The Word of God is truth. Pilate simply couldn't understand this. In John 19:10, however, Pilate boasts of another concept that people don't really understand: power. Many of us wouldn't recognize the TRUTH if Jesus stood before us. We miss Him in our day to day lives, in the opportunities we have to help others but fail to act upon. Yet, we covet power and speak of it as something to be had by mere humans. We forget the source of all power, which is God. Like Pilate, we would have no power if it were not given to us from above, and God does give us power. He gives us the power to share His Word and to make disciples. He gives us the power to lead other to His Son, Jesus Christ. He gives us the power to choose to live righteously and He has given us power in the form of the Good News. That is Truth.
2. Did it. Excited for the move.
Brother Osiris, "We forget the source of all power, which is God." Sad but true!
Delete1
ReplyDeleteVerse 19:11
Jesus is clear and dictates how all authority comes from God. In His sovereign hand is delegated leaders either good or bad, which caused Pilate to become fearful
2
Did it
Brother Gary, "all authority comes from God." Yes indeed, Romans 13:1 "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
Delete1. John 19: 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.
ReplyDeleteWe must not forget that PILATE’S WICKED REFUSAL TO LISTEN to his own conscience, AND OUR LORD’S consequent REFUSAL TO SPEAK TO HIM ANY MORE, WERE ALL OVERRULED BY THE ETERNAL COUNSELS OF GOD to the carrying out of His purpose of redemption. If our Lord had revealed who He was, and forced Pilate to see it, the crucifixion might perhaps never have taken place, and the great sacrifice for a world’s sins might never have been offered. Our Lord’s silence was just and well merited. But it was also part of God’s counsels about man’s salvation.
Jesus was always quick to defend himself. His words were quick and on point but here he said nothing. Jesus always had a way of communicating with people in a positive way. I believe Jesus accepted his faith and knew that this had to be done for salvation to be upon us.
2. Will do
Brother Horacio, "I believe Jesus accepted his faith and knew that this had to be done for salvation to be upon us." very good, it reminded me of 1 Peter 2:23-24 "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
Delete1.Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
ReplyDeleteJohn 19:11 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.19.11.NIV
My thoughts on John 19:11 (a) is we may not have power or authority over people since we're not kings or emperors but through Jesus Christ, he did give us authority to overcome the enemy.
Luke 10:19
Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.
2. Did it.
1.12 When Pilate heard this, he tried to find a way to set Jesus free. But the crowd shouted back, “If you set him free, that means that you are not the Emperor's friend! Anyone who claims to be a king is a rebel against the Emperor!”
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy how Pilate wanted to set Jesus free but he feared the world more then God.
2. Will do.