Jesus Questioned by Pilate
9 June 2013 PM – John 18:28-40 – Scott Childs
Introduction: After the long night of questioning and falsely accusing Jesus, in the early hours of the new day the hateful religious leaders took Jesus to the hall of judgment (praetorium). The hall of judgment was actually Pilate’s house and place where he made judgments. Pilate was the Roman governor. The Jew hated him for his severity, but they went to him because he was the only one who could order a crucifixion. They refused to enter the hall to avoid defilement.
Henry Mahan points out that, “They could falsely accuse the Son of God, lie, be filled with covetousness, hate and evil; but they were careful to observe their traditions.”
It is here, at Pilate’s judgment hall, that our text begins.
Transition: This evening I will point out several principles for our lives as we see how Jesus was accused, questioned, and acquitted.
I. Jesus is Accused (28-32)
A. Pilate asked for the accusation (28-30)
1. Before Pilate would consider the case, he wanted to know of what they had accused Jesus. That is a reasonable demand, but note the response.
2. They answered him rather impolitely (v.30).
a) They called Jesus a “malefactor”. That is an evil doer. That is a very vague charge. Privately they had charged Jesus with blasphemy.
b) Chuck Smith states, “They couldn’t bring this charge of blasphemy before Pilate. So, before Pilate they had to bring other charges. He is inciting people to rebel against Rome.”
c) Peter Pett adds, “There is a strong hint here that, having tried Him, they expected Pilate to ratify their decision without looking at the matter too closely.”
d) Luke records that the Jews told Pilate that Jesus claimed to be the King of the Jews.
Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
The Jews knew full well that they had no genuine charge against Jesus. They knew He was not guilty.
B. Pilate said, Judge Him yourselves (31-32)
1. This was not the response the Jews wanted. They wanted Pilate to pronounce the death penalty.
2. The Jews did not want to stone Jesus, else the people would blame them and rebel. If Jesus was crucified by the Romans for civil rebellion, then the Romans would get most of the blame.
3. God had other reasons. Christ must shed His blood for the sins of mankind as the sacrificial Lamb. Jesus had predicted the kind of death he would experience. God’s Word must come to pass.
John 12:32-33 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die.
God is very careful to protect His truthfulness. This is another reason why we know that the prophecies of the Bible are truly going to be fulfilled. If God said something, it WILL come to pass.
II. Jesus is Questioned (33-38)
John records that Pilate asked Jesus four questions.
A. Are you the king of the Jews? (33-34)
1. Pilate wanted to know if Jesus truly did claim to be the king of the Jews. He said, “You are the King of the Jews?” This was a statement question.
2. Jesus asked Pilate if he came to that conclusion on his own or if he learned it from others.
3. To this Pilate responded, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have accused you.”
4. Jesus did not curse the Jews nor did he defend Himself against the accusations. This seemed to startle Pilate.
When we are falsely accused, we must not get angry but calmly stick to the facts.
B. What have you done? (35-36)
1. Instead of asking Jesus if the accusation was true, Pilate asked Him what He had done to anger the Jews.
2. Jesus answered that His kingdom is not of this world.
a) If Jesus’ kingdom was of this world, His servants would fight to protect Him from the Jews.
b) However, His kingdom is not of this world.
(1) His kingdom is spiritual not material.
Luke 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
(2) His kingdom is within believers. Christ reigns as King in believer’s hearts.
Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
(3) The millennial kingdom will be literal, but Christ was not building that kingdom yet.
3. Christians are not to fight and persecute those who disagree with them.
The Bible teaches “soul liberty.” Every person has the right to believe has he is convinced, whether right or wrong. However, if he is wrong, he will suffer the consequences.
C. Are you a king then? (37)
1. Pilate asks another statement question, “Then king of the Jews you are?”
2. Jesus replied that what Pilate said was true.
a) Jesus said He was born and came into the world in order to bear witness unto the truth.
(1) Jesus is full of grace and truth (Jn 1:14, 17)
(2) The truth is that Jesus was the Messiah (Jn 6:14, 7:40).
(3) The truth sets sinners free (Jn 8:32).
(4) Jesus spoke the truth about himself and the way of salvation (Jn 8:40, 46)
(5) There is no truth in the devil (Jn 8:44).
(6) Jesus is the truth (Jn 14:6)
(7) The Holy Spirit is truth (Jn 14:17, 15:26, 16:13).
(8) God’s word is truth (Jn 17:17).
b) Jesus is the true light, the true bread, the true judge, and the true vine.
c) Paul mentioned Jesus’ witness to Timothy.
1 Timothy 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
This one act of our Lord’s life, His courageous witness-bearing before the governor, was selected as an encouraging example of the fidelity which Timothy ought to display. (JFB)
d) Everyone who is of the truth hears His voice. All those who are finding their hope in the truth are hearing Jesus’ voice.
D. What is truth? (38)
1. Pilate did not know the truth.
2. He had not interest in the truth. If he had an interest, he could have continued the conversation.
III. Jesus is Acquitted (38-40)
A. Pilate found no fault in Jesus (38)
1. Pilate addressed the mob again.
2. As far as Pilate was concerned, Jesus was innocent. He found nothing worthy of punishment in Him.
B. Pilate tried to release Jesus (39-40)
1. Pilate reminded the Jews of their custom of releasing one criminal at the time of the Passover. He suggested that he release the King of the Jews.
2. The wicked Jewish mob cried, “Not this man, but Barabbas.” They chose a robber over Jesus.
Mark 15:7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
Conclusion: Jesus was not guilty, but He died for the guilty. He is the truth. He spoke the truth – we are helpless sinners in need of His salvation provided by His death and resurrection. Have you believed and received the truth?
When falsely accused, do you stay calm like Jesus? Remember, all people have soul liberty. You cannot force them to believe on Christ, but like Jesus, you can witness of the truth.
Song: Rescue the Perishing – 432