TITLE: TRUTH UNDER TRIAL SCRIPTURE: John 18:19-40

BIG IDEA: John continues weaving together the events surrounding Jesus’ trial before the Jews and the Roman Governor, Pilate. Many did not like the message of Jesus, and through this trial, it was clear they wanted it to come to an end. Despite this persecution from the Jews and Rome, Jesus stood firm, thus giving us a model on how to stand firm in the midst of persecution.

1. UNJUST TRIAL – READ John 18:19-27 CONTEXT: The Jewish leaders fast tracking Jesus’ trial would seem to be extremely discouraging to the Followers of Jesus. Much of how the leaders conduct their questioning is, in fact, illegal and further evidence that this isn’t really a trial at all. The injustice of this scene serves to highlight Jesus’ example of obedience to the Father in any circumstance. Here, Jesus is being questioned about His teaching, and His response is to stand on the truth of His message. A. As you read through this section, who are some of the individuals questioning Jesus? What types of questions do they ask of Jesus, and how would you describe the tone of those questions? B. Brad mentioned several ways that this trial was illegal: name a few. How did Jesus respond in the face of injustice? C. If you’re comfortable, discuss a time or season in your life where you experienced injustice. What should this type of season look like for the Christ Follower? How might a time like this be dangerous for our faith? D. If you were a bystander to this illegal trial and monitoring Peter, knowing he’s a close friend of Jesus, how might you react? Remembering John’s purpose for this Gospel (John 20:31), why might he be including Peter’s denial?

2. TRUTH TESTIFIED – READ John 18:28-40 CONTEXT: The Jewish leaders take Jesus to be questioned by the Roman Governor, Pilate. With a political situation on his hands, Pilate takes it upon himself to determine if Jesus is guilty of anything that would warrant crucifixion. Jesus clarifies that He is not a political threat, but that His real purpose is much greater than politics. He has come to bear witness to the truth of who God is, who we are, and our need for a Savior. He willfully took the place on the cross of a known criminal, Barabbas, and in the same way takes the cross meant for us, that we could know the love, peace, forgiveness, and truth of God.

A. Discuss a time in your life where your affiliation with Jesus had cost you something. Brad applied this by pointing out that those who follow Christ will be mistreated, maligned, and falsely accused. How is Christ our example in these things? B. What does Jesus tell Pilate about His purpose in the world? How does Barabbas’ freedom at Christ’s expense clearly illustrate the gospel?

PRAYER & ACTION A. PRAYER: Ask the Lord to remind you of His presence in the midst of injustice. Ask Him to prepare your group to stand firm in the truth when in a season of struggle. B. ACTION: Challenge your perception of what injustice looks like for Christ Followers across the world today by researching “modern Christian persecution.” Find a way to share what you find with someone from your group and pray together for those experiencing injustice.