John 18:28-40 In Pilate’s Court
Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”
They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”
Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.”
Therefore, the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.
Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
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. “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.”
Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. We studying Jesus’ progress toward Calvary as recorded in the Book of Luke. Today we are ending our study of principles of ministry drawn from the life of Jesus as recorded by John, the disciple whom Jesus loved.
Be in ministry long enough and you may find yourself on trial for your beliefs and your performance. These verses describe Jesus’ trial at the hands of the Romans. The Jews want to eliminate Jesus, but they want the Romans to do their dirty work for them. Jesus has already undergone extensive questioning at the hands of Annas and Caiaphas; now the Jews send Jesus to the Praetorium, the main Roman government building. The Jews have no desire to enter the Praetorium because they will become ritually unclean and be unable to celebrate Passover. (It’s ironic that the Jews are more worried about their religious rituals than the fact that they are trying to sacrifice the Son of God.) The local Roman ruler, Pontius Pilate, walks out to question the Jewish leaders and learns that they really want him to sentence Jesus to death. But when Pilate inquires about Jesus’ crime, the Jewish leaders begin waffling.
Pilate goes back in and interviews Jesus, quickly realizing that Jesus is innocent and that the Jewish leaders are trying to manipulate him. But when Pilate tries to free Jesus, the mob demands he free Barabbas, a local criminal instead.
What can we learn from this story? Earlier, Jesus has told his disciples that servants are not above their masters, and that if he is persecuted, they will be also. Throughout the history of the Christian Church, Jesus followers have found themselves being arrested, hauled before authorities, and martyred. It’s shocking and frustrating to realize that you can do the right thing and be punished for it.
How will we respond to persecution? We must be willing to suffer for righteousness’ sake. Jesus promises his disciples, “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11)
May God help us so that we will rely on Him when we are on trial.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to trust You when we are under examination. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
Burunche's Blog 
Leave a comment