Group Notes | April 9

Outsiders: Pilate
April 9, 2017
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Few things can probably get on our “last nerve” as quickly as someone’s child whining until they get their way—and it may even be ours! Can you think of an example, and why do you think it is so irritating?

This week we look at the third of four characters who were affected by the events that took place the week before the crucifixion, and their reaction to Jesus Christ. Pilate, the governor of Judea, had to listen to the Jews as they relentlessly sought his approval to put Jesus to death. Though Pilate gives in under pressure, he could have made a different choice.

Focal Passages: John 18:28-40; John 19:1-16.

 

Discuss:

Complacency

  1. Throughout the focal passages, you read of Jesus being brought before Pilate; what did Pilate keep repeating that seemed to indicate he wanted to avoid making the decision to kill Jesus?
  2. Last week we saw that the religious leaders were concerned their positions of authority would be lost if He continued to draw followers. What did Pilate have to lose?
  3. How like parents who finally cave in from a child’s continual whining was Pilate as the crowd continued to cry out for Jesus’ death? Why did he do this?

Confusion

  1. Read verses 33-38. These verses serve to build a judgment against Pilate. How? He was confused, and kept asking questions, but did not seem to understand he was hearing truth as Jesus answered each question. Do you ever run from the truth of something because you are confused?
  2. Pilate heard Truth from Jesus in these verses. If he had had any genuine interest, what options did he have as governor that he could have exercised at this time?

Compromise

  1. Read 19:6b-8 and 15b-16. Pilate knew there was nothing that warranted Jesus dying, yet he finally gave in. He looked for ways to avoid responsibility for His death, but how did God see his actions (verse 11)?
  2. Read verses 7 and 8 again, and Matt. 27:19. Why do you think Pilate was afraid after hearing these two statements?
  3. We can all see ourselves in the actions of Pilate, as we look at our own life when in a situation we don’t want to get involved in. Can anyone share as we close?

 

Close:

One can’t help but feel some empathy for Pilate as he was placed in the situation where he was asked to give the order to crucify a Man he felt was innocent. And yet in the end—just like parents whose children don’t give up—he folded when the Jews played their Ace, that Caesar was their only king (19:12). He knew if Caesar heard of the turmoil, his reign could be ended. Pilate, if anything, was a politician, hired by Rome to keep peace in the region of Judea. Now, with Jesus, he had to choose between doing the right thing, or giving in to the anarchists who wanted Jesus killed. Pilate heard Jesus’ answers, was told He called Himself the Son of God (19:7,8), and was afraid. He, like so many today, had received the truth and hit a “Y” in his life when a choice could be made to learn more of Jesus, or take the world. How often do you find yourself taking the easy way out, because you have become too comfortable with the world or don’t want to deal with the continual yelling? Pilate didn’t want to deal with this problem and shake up his world! He seemed to think “washing his hands” would eliminate his responsibility. When we pass on an obligation that we know must be made, what do we call that? Passing the buck? Don’t pass the buck on making a decision that will determine your eternal destiny: if you have heard of Jesus but side-stepped the issue, make your choice and leave the world behind. His Truth could have set Pilate free (John 8:32)!

Memory Verse: John 18:37b: “…for this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

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