We realize you may not be able to discuss d. How important is the debate over absolute truth in all the questions. Pick the ones you like. our contemporary culture? What is at stake if Small Group Questions Christians lose the battle for absolute truth? “The True King” Discussion Questions John 18:33-40 Read John 18:33-40 Previous message summary: After being on trial before 2. We read that Pilate “entered his headquarters.” Annas and Caiaphas, the high priests in Israel, Jesus is taken Where are the Jews at this point? Why were they before Pilate, the Roman governor in Judea. In this passage, there? Read John 18:28. we see that the Jewish religious leaders will do whatever it takes to deny Jesus and reject him. In addition to that, Pilate is a. What is Pilate’s first question to Jesus? Why unwilling to take a stand for him, even when he knows that would Pilate be interested in knowing the answer Jesus is an innocent man who is being falsely accused. As the to this question? Is his question political or Apostle John writes this section, we learn that his point is to spiritual? demonstrate that Jesus is in control, and when he spoke about b. How does Jesus respond to Pilate’s first his death, he always spoke in terms of crucifixion. question? Does Jesus ever answer the question? What we learned: The Jews are not in control. Pilate is not in Why does Jesus respond the way he does? control. Satan is not in control. Jesus, who has already told his disciples that he would be handed over to the Jewish religious c. Is this a question that people wrestle with today? leaders who would then hand him over to the Romans to be What are the implications if Jesus came to be an mocked, beaten, and crucified ... is still in control. Jesus is the earthly king of the Jewish nation? What are the Christ, the Son of God, and in his crucifixion we clearly see the ramifications if Jesus came to be the spiritual king perfect will of God being worked out. over all people? Introduction 3. Does Pilate seem to get upset when Jesus answers his question with another question? What does Pilate 1. How would you define truth? Is it absolute or can truth ask Jesus in order to get to the heart of this trial? be subject to every individual situation? a. What does Jesus say about his kingdom? What a. What do you know to be absolutely true all the do the Apostles say about Jesus’ kingdom in their time? Are the things that you hold to be absolute letters to the early Christians? Read Philippians truth under attack by the world around you? 3:20 and 1 Peter 2:9-11. b. If you believe truth to be absolute, how would you b. If Jesus were to be an earthly king with an earthly explain your position to someone who does not physical kingdom, what does he say he would do? believe that truth is absolute? Is this the same message that he told Peter c. If you do not believe in absolute truth, how would earlier that night in the garden? Read Matthew you explain your position to someone who does 26:52-54. believe in absolute truth? c. Is it hard to comprehend the truth that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world? Why or why not? d. Since Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world, how is it b. Who was Barabbas? Read Luke 23:18-19; Mark different than a kingdom that is of this world? Do 15:6-7; and Matthew 27:15-21. What is the these things make his kingdom attractive to you? contrast between Jesus and Barabbas? How about to people in the world? 7. Barabbas was sentenced to be crucified. How does 4. What does Pilate conclude about Jesus from listening the fact that Jesus was crucified in his place, on the to him talk about his kingdom? Do you think Pilate is cross meant for him, represent what Jesus has done fully convinced that Jesus is a king? for you? a. What does Jesus tell Pilate about the purpose for which he has come into the world? Read John Challenge: Jesus is the true King, and his Kingdom is not 18:37. of this world. Stop living for the kingdom of this world, and b. Does this verse help you understand why Jesus devote yourself to living for Jesus’ Kingdom. Store up came into the world? What truth is Jesus bearing treasure in heaven, not on earth (Matt. 6:19-20). Fight witness to as he puts on flesh and gives his life as against the forces of evil in the spiritual realm, not against a ransom for the world? Read John 14:6. flesh and blood (Eph. 6:12). May your life be defined by the way that you surrender daily to the one True King ... c. Does the world understand the truth for which Jesus. Jesus came to bear witness? What do those who are on the side of truth do? Action: Finish this statement: This week, I will d. How important is it for Christians to listen to demonstrate my allegiance to Jesus’ Kingdom by Jesus? Read John 10:1-5. What does it mean if ______. we choose not to listen? Next Steps: 5. How does Pilate respond to Jesus’ statement of truth? Is his question serious or is he dismissing Jesus as G I will listen to Christ’s voice (18:37)–I know that merely a philosopher? absolute truth is found in him.

a. What has John told his readers about truth in the G I will strive to live for Christ’s kingdom (18:36), not my Gospel of John? Read John 1:14; 4:23-24; 8:31- own kingdom. 32; 14:6; and 17:17-19. G I am so thankful that Jesus took Barabbas’ place (and mine) on the cross (18:40). b. How has the truth changed your life?

6. What does Pilate conclude about Jesus after his conversation with him? Read John 18:38b. How many times does Pilate come to this conclusion?

a. What choice does Pilate offer the Jews? Why does he make this offer?