The Trial part Two. Outline

John 19:1–15 ESV

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” 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.” When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 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?” 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.” 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.” 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. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 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.”

Behold Your King: The Unexpected Majesty of Christ

Bible Passage: John 19:1–15

Summary: In this passage, Jesus stands trial before Pilate, showcasing the stark contrast between worldly authority and divine kingship. The people’s rejection of Jesus as their king leads to His brutal suffering, exemplifying how true majesty is often misunderstood and despised.

Application: This sermon can help Christians reflect on their understanding of authority and kingship, encouraging them to recognize Christ's sovereign rule even in times of suffering or confusion. It invites them to wrestle with personal or societal rejections of Christ’s authority and to find hope and strength in His willingness to bear the cross for their redemption.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Jesus, though condemned and mocked, remains the true King, whose authority transcends earthly rulers. It emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging Christ's sovereignty in our everyday lives, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith amidst worldly opposition.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is depicted here as the Paschal Lamb and the rejected King. His trial and suffering are pivotal moments that foreshadow His sacrificial death, showcasing the paradox of His kingship—a king who reigns through suffering and ultimate victory over sin and death.

Big Idea: Though rejected by His own, Christ’s kingship is revealed in His suffering, inviting us to embrace our King who reigns even in our darkest moments.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Roman governance in Judea and Pilate's role. Look into the symbolism of kingship in the Old Testament and how it culminates in Christ’s kingship. Logos can aid in examining different translations and interpretations of key phrases in this passage, providing insights into how the early church understood Jesus' kingship in their context.

1. Scourged in Silence

John 19:1–3

You could begin by exploring how the mockery and scourging of Jesus reveal the world's misunderstanding of true kingship. Despite the soldiers' cruel actions, Jesus' silent endurance showcases His divine authority and the irony of the scene—a true king in the face of mockery. This illustrates how Christ's majesty is revealed in His willingness to suffer for others, inviting your audience to find strength in His humility and grace.

2. Rejected by His Own

John 19:4–7

Perhaps consider focusing on Pilate's struggle to assert Jesus' innocence and the crowd's insistent demand for crucifixion based on their rejection of His divinity. This point highlights the contrast between human judgement and divine truth. By aligning more with the crowd's cry than with Pilate's hesitant justice, the passage reveals the world's repeated rejection of divine authority. Encourage listeners to see Christ's majesty in standing firm amidst rejection.

3. Sovereignty amidst Fear

John 19:8–11

Emphasize Pilate's reluctance and fear, met by Jesus' unwavering declaration of divine sovereignty. Despite Pilate's earthly authority, Jesus reminds him and us that all power comes from above. This encounter suggests how believers can find peace in trusting Christ's supreme control over earthly affairs, even when facing opposition. Encourage your listeners to recognize and rest in Christ's sovereign reign.

4. Choosing Caesar over Christ

John 19:12–15

Maybe explore how the people's choice to favor Caesar over Christ demonstrates their rejection of true kingship, ironically fulfilling God’s redemptive plan through Jesus’ crucifixion. This decision portrays humanity's shortsighted choices and invites reflection on our own allegiances. Suggest that embracing Christ as King means prioritizing His kingdom values over earthly pursuits, reminding believers of the eternal hope found in their rejected but triumphant King

What steps can we take to deepen our commitment to recognizing Christ's kingship in our daily lives?

In what ways do we tend to reject Christ's authority, and how can we work to overcome those tendencies?

How can the example of Jesus' humility inspire us to serve others in our everyday interactions?

What initiatives can we lead to spread hope and love in the face of societal challenges, mirroring Christ's mission?

How does Jesus' silence during the trial reflect His understanding of true authority?

In what ways does this passage challenge our modern perceptions of success and power?