Focus and Truth

Focus

Focus Distorted by Outward Issues (V. 28)

The Jews were concerned about becoming unclean by entering the house of a gentile. They were afraid of missing out on a special holy meal. They were ultimately afraid of being defiled by location rather the defiling of theirs hearts. They were focused on the environment rather than their hearts.

Hate poisons and taints

What was the issue?

Pride. Hypocrisy. White washed tombs (Matthew 23:27). They were focused on looking good, not being good internally. In doing so they missed Jesus and the true meaning of being a follower.

What were they looking at?

The governors headquarters. He may have unclean foods. May have some uncleanness. May have idols. Also it was a roman rulers house, that's the enemy.

What were they doing?

Taking an innocent man to be murdered. Destroying innocence.

Were they clean standing outside the governors house? No, the state of their heart had them defiled before they were even in site of the Roman’s house.

Proverbs 4:23 ESV

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

We have this tendency to focus on everybody else’s issues rather than our own. We ignore our shortcomings by enlarging others issues.

We may focus on how other people treat others. We may focus on others lifestyles. We may focus on people of other religions. We focus on something that we ration to be larger than whatever our struggles may be.

It is easy to talk about people but difficult to make lifestyle changes. It is easy to point fingers but difficult to lift hands of surrender.

Focus is not going to be where it needs to be if we keep focusing on everyone else issues. Focus on others, you don’t have to come up with solutions, just make the other person look awful. Think politics. Politicians don’t offer solutions they just make their opponents look bad.

Benefits of Proper Focus (V. 29)

Pilate asked them what the accusation was. And they don’t give any, just that hey if he wasn’t bad we wouldn’t be bringing him to you. SO Pilate tries to give him back over, which shows you as far as the Romans were he was not a problem.

We see Jesus was above reproach. His enemies could not give a true accusation. Then the ones were telling Jesus was evil, had trouble believing them because Jesus’ life showed no evidence of wrongdoing.

We give people too much power over us at times. We let people’s opinions carry too much weight. We cave to the what if they say this or that. People did not give you your calling, God did.

When our focus is on the word of God and living according to it, it helps us live more in line of being above reproach.

When we are living right, we don’t need to stress ourselves over people talking about us. Action means much more than talk. Our actions will disprove and put the rumors out. People are always watching. In a sense our actions are like a currency. Your actions either increase or decrease your value to people.

Could others name evil on you?

Focus on the Mission (V. 32)

The things that happened were so Jesus could accomplish the mission he came to earth for. Jesus knew how to carry himself and answer people in a way that helped Him glorify God the most. The only way to do that is to focus on the purpose God has given you. You cannot let other people and things in this world distract you from what God has called you to. What Jesus went through, He only kept through it because His focus was properly placed.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Distractions abound: Social media, music, pictures, netflix/hulu, sports, work, cell phones, busy schedules, lack of sleep

Truth

The theme of focus has been very evident so far, but another evident theme is truth. They really tie together. In the end truth is what helps tune our focus to where it should be.

Source of Your Truth (V. 33-34)

Is your truth based on what others say or by what you have experienced yourself. Pilate asked Jesus if he was the king of the jews. Jesus ask right back, is this what you say from your own heart, or is this what others say?

Pilate had second hand knowledge of Jesus. If he had first hand knowledge do you believe he may have responded differently? He would not had to have asked if Jesus was King of the Jews. He would have realized yes he is the king of the Jews and gentiles.

What is your knowledge of Jesus based on? Is your knowledge from the Bible? Or is it all second hand? Is it all others opinions? Or have you gotten in the word yourself and experienced the holiness of God firsthand?

You will be easily pulled off course if it is second hand info.

It is easy to say who Jesus is, but where is it coming from?

More than What the Eye Can See (V. 36-37)

Jesus here in verse 36 starts to get to the root of the issue. It is not a worldly kingdom issue. It is not an issue that can be see with your eyes necessarily, but a spiritual. It came down to their heart condition.

Colossians 1:15–16 ESV

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

We have a tendency to approach things from what we can see and from the physical and forget about the spiritual side of things. Their is demonic warfare going on that we see the affects of not necessarily the demons. And many ways we aproach these things is just putting a band-aid on a severed leg.

What is Truth? (V. 38)

In this dialogue tonight Pilate ends it with asking, “What is truth?”

Ask students what is truth?

This was almost a decree of lostness from Pilate. Pilate did not know the truth. He knew though Jesus was innocent and their was something special. Did he ever accept Jesus? We don’t know. The Jews had a clear presentation of Jesus and still choose to release a murderer.

Gospel in verse 40

Barabbas means son of Abba

The Son of God (Jesus) took the place of a son of God (Barabbas).

Barabbas was a murderer and thief. Deserved death.