Sermon Tone Analysis

The Roman Trial before Pilate (18:28-40)

This pericope continues to depict the events surrounding the sacrificial death of the Son of God.

Jesus has already been arrested and interrogated by the Jewish authorities in this pericope he is taken and handed over to the Roman authorities.

who perform the equivalent of a Roman trial of Jesus so as to respond to the legal requirements (and political tension) share between them.

The narrative initially contrasts Christ with two significant characters and what they represent: “the Jews” (representing the authorities of Judaism) and Pilate (representing the powers of Rome).

The read is guided to understand more fully the authority of Jesus comparison to the powers of this world both religious and political and is exhorted to see Jesus not only as the true King )and Judge) but also that the “truth” Pilate seeks is not a “what” but a “who.”

Jesus Delivered to the Roman Authorities (v.

28)

Jesus given from authorities of the Jews to the Gentiles.

The great exchange has begun.

The Jews ironically defile themselves by handing over the sacrificial lamb who would carry away their sins.

Pilate and the Jews: "What Accusation Do You Bring?" (vv.

29-32)

Pilate requests the crime Jesus has commited.

God appointed Christ’s death on a cross as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

He would not be stoned by the Jews, but sentence to death via Roman capital punishment.

Jesus is our immolated goat from Leviticus 16:6-10.

Jesus’ mission was to be an offering and a removal of sin.

Pilate and Jesus: "What is Truth?" (vv.

33-38a)

The roman trial begins under the authority of Pontius Pilate.

His first encounter with Christ is a means of integration.

As the roman governor, Pilate is responsible for determining if Jesus has commited an unlawful acts that would indite him in the court of law.

Quid est veritas?

Truth is not a concept, it is a person.

What we share in common with the ancient audience is our desperate need to hear and obey the truth (Jesus Christ).

We live a culture of lies which provides sorrow and shame.

Those who live according to the truth imitate the actions of Christ.

Those who listen to the truth listens to Christ's voice.

Obeying the words of Jesus sets us free.

The Negotiation of Jesus (vv.

38b-40)

We can have only one choice - Barabbas (son of the father or Jesus (Son of the Father).

What difference this passage should make in the lives of my congregation is that we live according Son of the Father - turn-the-other-cheek, love-your-enemies, pay-your-taxes Jesus rather than Barabbas who bear-arms, overpower-your-enemy, topple-the-government revolutionary.

Jesus is the Son of the Father who graces us with truth.