7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.”8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”
12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” 13 So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.
Discussion Questions:
The Jews understood that Jesus’ actions were God-like actions (Jn. 3:2), and they understood Jesus was claiming to be God (Jn. 19:7). Yet, they’re still choosing to crucify Jesus. How does this show us that “knowing things about Jesus is not the same thing as submitting to Jesus as Lord?”
How is Jesus’ response to Pilate in verse 11 an example of how we should treat our governing authorities?
The Jews are rushing to get Jesus crucified so that they can observe the Sabbath at sundown. How is this an example of hypocrisy? What are some ways that we do something similar in our own lives?
How do both Pilate and the Jews forsake the truth about Jesus in order to preserve their own kingdom here? How is that a warning for us today?
Which kingdom do you find yourself giving your time, effort, and resources to building up: yours or Jesus’?