Day 42- The Trial Before Pilate

The Jews are under Roman occupation and under Roman law they were not permitted to exercise the death penalty. Pilate, the Roman governor ruling over them, now has to be convinced Jesus is guilty of crimes worthy of execution. Had the religious Jews been able to follow out their own judgment, Jesus would have been stoned to death. If the religious Jews can persuade Pilate, Jesus will be sentenced to death by crucifixion on a cross by Roman soldiers. Pilate is not convinced of Jesus' guilt and offers them an alternative. "Crucify Him!" is the crowd's reply. Not wanting a riot under his watch, Pilate orders Jesus scourged and sent to the cross.

READ: Matthew 27:1-26; Mark 15:1-15; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-40; 19:1-16

Major Events

  • Judas hangs himself (Matt)
  • Jesus is brought before the Roman Governor Pilate (Matt; Mark; Luke; John)
  • Jesus is sent before Herod (Luke)
  • Jesus is sent back to Pilate and judgment is sentenced (Matt; Mark; Luke; John)
  • Jesus is scourged and sentenced to the cross (Matt; Mark; Luke; John)

Major Topics

  • Prophecy
  • Suicide
  • Shame
  • Sorrow
  • Despair
  • Sin
  • Scourge
  • Kingdom
  • Truth

Video

Matthew 27

Luke 23

John 18

John 19

Key Verses & Words

The Story

  • Matthew 27:5 And he [Judas] threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself.
  • Matthew 27:11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?" And Jesus said to him, "It is as you say."
  • Luke 23:7-9 And when he learned that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time. (8) Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him. (9) And he questioned Him at some length; but He answered him nothing.
  • John 18:36 Jesus answered [Pilate], "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm."
  • John 18:37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
  • Matthew 27:26 Then he [Pilate] released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

Questions for Reflection

Judas hangs himself (Matt)

  • How can we avoid (or break out of) a downward spiral of sin, guilt, depression, more sin, greater sin, deeper depression, etc?
  • How does sin, if allowed to go unchecked, cause us to lose all sense of rightness and kindness?

Jesus before Pilate (Matt; Mark; Luke; John)

  • Why were the people, priests, and rulers so determined to put Jesus to death?
  • How would you answer the question posed by Pilate, "What is truth?"
  • How is Jesus King in your life?
  • What difference does it make that Jesus underwent humiliation and unfair treatment?

Digging Deeper

Curious Christians

The Horror of Scourging

Jesus was scourged before going to the cross. Listen to Pastor Rick Renner teach on The Horror of a Roman Scourging.

Living the Lesson

Here is where the Holy Spirit has opportunity to bring great revelation and transformation in your life--in reflection and obedience to what you have been reading and studying in God's Word today. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can respond in obedience to the devotion today. Use the following questions to prompt you.

Is there a...

  • SIN to confess?
  • PROMISE to claim?
  • ATTITUDE to change?
  • COMMAND to obey?
  • EXAMPLE to follow?
  • PRAYER to pray?
  • ERROR to avoid?
  • TRUTH to believe?
  • SOMETHING for which to praise God?