Conversation with Jesus: Jesus and Pilate

Intro

Read John 18:33-38

John 18:33–38 ESV

33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.

Who Do You Say I am

Read John 18:33-34

John 18:33–34 ESV

33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?”

Pilate asks the question

Are you really you the one who looks like peasent

The one who is stained with blood

Are you really the king of the jews

The man with the power to end Jesus life ask him the question

Are you the King of the jews

A simple question with profound importance

If Jesus relies yes he is guilty and Pilate’s decision is easy

If Jesus says no he can return him to the jews and say he has denied his kingship

So how Jesus answers tells us a lot about how Jesus operated on this earth

He answers Pilates question with a question of his own

Do you say this or do others say this

Are you asking for your own purposes or for someone else

Jesus is confronting pilate with a question we are confronted with

Do you say that he is the king of the jews on your own accord

Or do you say so because someone else told you

Jesus asks for clarity from pilate

Are you asking me if I am a political threat

Or are you asking if i am the messiah

What is it that you want to know about me????

This is the question

Who’s Kingdom are we talking about

read John 18:35-36

John 18:35–36 ESV

35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

Pilate asks what have you done

He cant fathom why they would want to kill this man

The jews being irrational

Jesus explains that his kingdom is not of this world

Cant you see that my kingdom is different

Leads into the true kingdom and truth

Who’s truth

John 18:37–38 ESV

37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.

Truth Under Trial

Bible Passage: John 18:33–38

Summary: This passage describes Jesus' trial before Pilate, where He declares the nature of His kingdom and the concept of truth.

Application: This sermon can help teens understand the importance of standing firm in their beliefs and values in a world that often distorts the truth. It encourages them to seek and embrace truth even when it is challenged.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that Jesus is the ultimate embodiment of truth and challenges us to discern what is true in our lives and stand up for it, even when it is difficult.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Jesus reveals that He is the King whose kingdom is not of this world, pointing to His divine authority and the truth He brings to humanity, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

Big Idea: The pursuit of truth is essential for living a life aligned with Christ, and we must aspire to reflect His truth in a world filled with falsehoods.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring the historical context of Pilate's judgment and the political climate of the time using your Logos library. This can help you understand the complexities Jesus faced and how these elements play into His declaration of truth. Additionally, examining different translations of the passage might reveal nuances in how truth is characterized in Jesus' conversation with Pilate.

1. Stand in Identity

John 18:33-34

You could focus on how Jesus stands firm in His identity even when questioned by earthly authorities, illustrating His confidence and unwavering commitment to His mission. Encourage teens to know and affirm their identity in Christ, finding security even when challenged by peers or societal norms. Emphasize the vital role of knowing who we are in standing up for truth.

2. Separate Kingdom Values

John 18:35-37

Perhaps highlight Jesus' explanation of His kingdom's nature as distinct from worldly kingdoms, emphasizing His role as a witness to the truth. Discuss how as followers of Christ, teens are called to live differently, reflecting His kingdom values, which often contradict the world's. Reinforce the importance of aligning with Christ's truth, which provides a firm foundation in a changing world.

3. Seek Absolute Truth

John 18:38

Maybe delve into Pilate's question, "What is truth?" to address the confusion concerning truth in today's society. Discuss how Jesus embodies ultimate truth, and challenge listeners to pursue His truth above all, recognizing that clarity and moral direction stem from aligning with Christ's teachings. Inspire teens to question, learn, and affirm their beliefs through Christ's example.