John 18:28—19:16, Jesus’ Civil Trial

Bible Study with Dr. Thomas Constable

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Podcast Summary: John 18:28—19:16 - Jesus’ Civil Trial

Title: The Civil Trial: Jesus Before Pilate

Episode Description:
In John 18:28-19:16, we move into the civil phase of Jesus' trials, where He is taken before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. The religious leaders bring Jesus to Pilate with the intent to have Him executed, but Pilate is uncertain about the charges and repeatedly questions Jesus about His identity and the accusations against Him. Throughout the interrogation, Jesus maintains His composure, offering profound truths about His kingdom and His mission. Despite finding no fault in Jesus, Pilate eventually succumbs to pressure from the crowd and the religious leaders, delivering Jesus to be crucified. This passage shows the political and religious dynamics at play as well as the fulfillment of Jesus’ purpose to suffer and die for the salvation of humanity.

Episode Notes

1. Jesus Before Pilate (Verses 28-38a)

• The Religious Leaders’ Accusations:
  The religious leaders bring Jesus to Pilate early in the morning. They are eager to have Jesus condemned but are unable to carry out the execution themselves due to Roman authority. Pilate questions them about the charges against Jesus, but they offer only vague responses, insisting that Jesus is guilty of crimes worthy of death. They are unwilling to articulate their accusations clearly, perhaps because they know Pilate may not view their religious charges as significant enough for capital punishment.
• Pilate’s Interrogation of Jesus:
  Pilate begins questioning Jesus directly, asking, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus answers by asking Pilate if he is asking out of his own curiosity or if he has heard it from others. Pilate, in frustration, states that he is not a Jew, and asks Jesus what He has done to deserve such accusations. Jesus responds by speaking about His kingdom, emphasizing that His kingdom is not of this world. If it were, His followers would have fought to prevent His arrest. Pilate is intrigued, asking, "So You are a king?" Jesus affirms His kingship but clarifies that His purpose is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Him.
• Pilate’s Dilemma:
  Pilate is caught in a moral and political dilemma. While he is intrigued by Jesus’ words, he also sees no reason to condemn Him. Pilate's response to Jesus' declaration about truth, “What is truth?” reflects his skepticism and confusion, as he struggles to reconcile the charges against Jesus with the lack of concrete evidence. Pilate seems to recognize Jesus' innocence but remains uncertain about how to handle the situation.

2. Pilate’s Attempts to Release Jesus (Verses 38b-40)

• Pilate’s Decision to Offer to Release a Prisoner:
  Pilate, seeking a way out of the predicament, offers to release one prisoner as part of the Passover tradition. He presents the crowd with a choice: Jesus or Barabbas, a known insurrectionist and criminal. Pilate seems to hope that the crowd will choose Jesus, whom he believes to be innocent, but the chief priests and the religious leaders persuade the crowd to ask for Barabbas’ release instead. Pilate is left with no other option but to deal with the pressure of the crowd.
• The Crowd Chooses Barabbas:
  The crowd calls for Barabbas to be freed and demands that Jesus be crucified. Pilate, frustrated and helpless, questions them again, “What has He done wrong?” The crowd responds with growing intensity, shouting, “Crucify Him!” Pilate is forced to give in to the demands of the crowd, showing how public opinion, fueled by the religious leaders, plays a significant role in the decision to condemn Jesus.

3. Jesus’ Scourging and Mocking (19:1-3)