Introduction
Memory Text: “Then Pilate said to him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.’ ” (John 18:37, ESV).
Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are the climax of John. Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of Scripture, Mark emphasizes the parallel between the baptism of Jesus and the Cross; and Luke focuses on the Cross as healing and salvation (the story of the thief on the cross), John presents the Cross as the enthronement of Jesus, particularly tied to the idea of the hour (John 7:30, John 8:20, John 12:27). Jesus is dying in shame, but it is, at the same time, His glorious enthronement as a Savior.
What is Truth?
As the eternal Word (logos, John 1:1-5), Jesus is the Light and the Truth. He is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Grace and truth came through Him (John 1:17). John the Baptist bore witness to the truth (John 5:33). Jesus affirmed that His Father is “true” (John 7:28). Jesus Himself heard the truth from His Father (John 8:40). Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The Word of God is “truth” (John 17:17).
Why did Pilate miss the opportunity to know the truth?
Pilate missed his opportunity to know the truth because of his prejudice, his earlier decisions, and the pressures upon him.
How did Pilate try to persuade the people to ask for Jesus’ release?
Pilate did not wait for an answer from Jesus concerning truth. Instead, he went back to try to persuade the people. They chose that the Brigand, Barabbas be rather set free than innocent Jesus. Even after the mockery from the soldiers, Pilate sought to gain pity from the people for Jesus by calling on the people to ‘Behold the Man’ (John 19:5, ESV) reminding us of John the Baptist’s words in John 1:29, ESV, “ ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” Pilate becomes frightened because the mob calls for Jesus’ crucifixion on account of His claiming to be the Son of God. The leaders sealed Jesus’ faith by claiming that to release Jesus is to oppose Caesar because Pilate’s loyalty to Caesar would mean he could not release someone claiming the same role. How ironic that a pagan governor sought to release Jesus but the leaders were bent on crucifying Him, they were willing to sacrifice claims to national autonomy to rid themselves of Jesus.
What touching scene regarding Jesus’ mother happened at the cross?
Jesus’ mother, Mary, saw the prediction of Simeon come to pass as Jesus hung on the cross. Now in His dying moments, Jesus speaks to His mother. “ ‘Woman, behold your son!’ ” To John He says, “ ‘Behold your mother!’ ” (John 19:26, 27, NKJV).
What is the significance of Jesus’ dying words, “It is finished”?
When Jesus says, “It is finished!” he is completing, fulfilling, the work that the Father gave Him to do.
What lessons can we draw from John 20:1-7?
Jesus died on a Friday afternoon and rose early on Sunday. However much they loved Jesus, His followers kept the Sabbath day and did not go to the tomb.
What was the meaning of the folded face cloth?
Peter and John entered into the tomb, saw, and believed. The typical answer to why the tomb was empty would possibly be grave robbers. But this explanation fails for three reasons. First, Matthew tells us that the tomb was guarded (Matt. 27:62-66), making grave robbery unlikely. Second, grave robbers typically steal valuables not rotting bodies. Third, grave robbers are in a hurry and do not fold up grave clothes. No wonder, then that when John saw the face cloth folded, he believed that Jesus had risen from the dead.
How do we know that Mary Magdalene still did not understand the meaning of the empty tomb?
Mary after telling Peter and John about the empty tomb, came back to the tomb weeping. To her surprise, two angels in white were in the tomb, sitting where Jesus’ body was lain. They asked her, “ ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ ” (John 20:13, NKJV). Her pained reply was that they had taken away her Lord, and she did not know where they had laid Him.
What changed everything for Mary in John 20:14-18?
Through tear-dimmed eyes, Mary turned and saw someone standing behind her who asks, “ ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ ” (John 20:15, NKJV). The Stranger says one word “Mary” and suddenly, the surprised Mary recognizes that the risen Jesus is talking to her and acknowledges Him. Jesus gives her a task to go and tell His disciples that He is ascending “ ‘to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God’ ” (John 20:17, NKJV) which she did (John 20:18).
In Conclusion,
The great work of redemption was accomplished for the angels, the unfallen worlds, and us as we all share the fruits of Christ’s victory. May God help us not to exclude ourselves from this victory, in Jesus’ name.
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