1. In ch.18-20 of his Gospel the apostle John wrote about the Lord's "passion ministry," including His trials. 2. Previously, we covered passages that teach us about the Lord's betrayal by Judas, His arrest, His interrogation by Annas, Peter's denial, and His trials before Caiaphas and the Jewish council. 3. In this lesson we are studying passages from all 4 Gospels that teach us about the Lord's first trial before Pilate. a. At the time, Rome had control of Palestine. b. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea (Luke 3:1-2). Discussion: I. (John 18:28) JESUS WAS TAKEN TO THE HALL OF JUDGMENT
A. Jesus appeared before Pilate at the hall of judgment. 1. Matthew 27:1-2 2. Mark 15:1 3. Luke 23:1 B. The Scriptures mention 2 reasons why Jesus was taken before Pilate. 1. The Jews were not allowed to administer capital punishment (John 18:31). 2. Roman law allowed people accused of crimes to face their accusers (Acts 25:16). II. JESUS WAS TRIED BEFORE PILATE
A. Matthew 27:11-14 1. Pilate was concerned with whether Jesus was "the King of the Jews." 2. Although Jesus acknowledged being the King of the Jews to Pilate, He did not respond to the accusations from the Jews. 3. Because Jesus refused to answer the Jews' accusations, Pilate "marveled greatly." B. Mark 15:2-5 C. Luke 23:2-6 1. The Jews' accusations against Jesus are listed in vs.2. a. In their religious court, the Jews condemned Jesus for "blasphemy." b. In the civil court, the Jews accused Jesus of: 1) "perverting the nation" [treason] 2) "forbidding to give tribute to Caesar" (Matthew 17:24-27; 22:15-22) 3) claiming to be "Christ a King." 2. The last charge shows why Pilate asked Jesus about being "the King of the Jews." 3. (vs.4) Pilate found "no fault" in Jesus. 4. (vs.5) The Jews said Jesus had caused trouble among them from Galilee to Jerusalem. 5. (vs.6) Pilate asked if Jesus was from Galilee. D. John 18:29-38 1. (vs.29-32) Pilate spoke to the Jews. a. (vs.29-30) The Jews did not immediately bring a specific accusation against Jesus. b. (vs.31a) Pilate apparently did not want to be involved in judging Jesus. c. (vs.31b) The Jews needed Pilate's judgment because they could not lawfully execute anyone. d. (vs.32) The Lord's statement about His death was being fulfilled (John 12:32-33). 2. (vs.33-38a) Pilate questioned Jesus about being "the King of the Jews." 3. (vs.38b) After questioning Jesus, Pilate found "no fault" in Him.
