The Burial of Jesus: Actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus
John 19:38–42 (NKJV)
The Burial of Christ
Matt. 27:57–60; Mark 15:42–46; Luke 23:50–54
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
Message
Joseph was a rich man from Arimathea (38, Matthew 27:57). He was a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders) (John 19:38 NLT, Matthew 27:57). He was a good and upright man (Luke 23:50). He was a prominent member of the high council (Mark 15:43 NLT, Luke 23:50) but, he had not consented to their decision and action (Luke 23:51). The high council was called the Great Sanhedrin. It was the highest religious and legal authority, comprising 71 members. He was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come (Mark 15:43 NLT, Luke 23:51 NLT).
He went boldly to Pilate (Luke 15:43) and asked him that he might take away the body of Jesus and Pilate gave him permission (38). So, he came and took the body of Jesus (38).
Nicodemus was with him. Nicodemus earlier had visited Jesus at night (John 3:1-2). He brought a large amount of mixture of myrrh and aloes (39). Following Jewish burial customs, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth (John 19:40 NLT). The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before (John 19:41 NLT). Joseph had cut out of the rock to make this tomb (Matthew 27:60). And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there (John 19:42 NLT).
Jesus, the Passover Lamb: Fulfillment of Scripture in His Death
John 19:31–37 (NKJV)
31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”
Message
The Preparation Day (31a) is the day before the Sabbath. On this day, people prepared for the Sabbath so they would not have to work on the Sabbath. They cooked food in advance so they could eat meals without cooking on the Sabbath.
Also, this day was the Preparation Day for the Passover Festival because the following day was both the Passover and the Sabbath at the same time. The Preparation Day was the 14th day of the first month, called Nisan, in the Hebrew religious calendar. On the evening of Preparation Day, the Passover lambs were slaughtered in preparation for the Passover (Exodus 12:6).
John the Baptist saw Jesus and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NKJV) Jesus is the Passover Lamb whose blood saves us from the judgment of God just as God passed over the Israelites and spared them from judgment because of the blood as written in Exodus 12:12-13.
Jesus died on the cross on the Preparation Day of the Passover just as the Passover lambs were slaughtered on that day. Jesus is our Passover lamb who saves us from God’s judgment.
The bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day) (31b). See Deuteronomy 21:22 NKJV.
22 “If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.
According to Deuteronomy 21:22-23 NKJV, a body hung on a tree should not remain there overnight but must be buried that same day; otherwise, the land will be defiled.
So, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away (31c). Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him (32). But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs (33). But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out (34). The disciple John witnessed the event himself (35).
These things (33-35) were the fulfilment of the Scripture (37a):
- “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” (37b) This is written in Exodus 12:46 NKJV, Numbers 9:12 NKJV, and Psalm 34:20 NKJV.
- Exodus 12:46 (NKJV)
46 In one house it shall be eaten; you shall not carry any of the flesh outside the house, nor shall you break one of its bones.
- Numbers 9:12 (NKJV)
12 They shall leave none of it until morning, nor break one of its bones. According to all the ordinances of the Passover they shall keep it.
- Psalm 34:20 (NKJV)
20 He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
- Exodus 12:46 (NKJV)
- “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.” (38) This is written in Psalm 22:16-17 NKJV, Zechariah 12:10 NKJV, and Revelation 1:7 NKJV.
- Psalm 22:16–17 (NKJV)
16 For dogs have surrounded Me;
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
They pierced My hands and My feet;
17 I can count all My bones.
They look and stare at Me. - Zechariah 12:10 (NKJV)
10 “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.
- Revelation 1:7 (NKJV)
7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
- Psalm 22:16–17 (NKJV)
Jesus’ Care, Thirst, and Completion on the Cross
John 19:25–30 (NKJV)
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Message
I. Behold Your Son: Jesus’ Care (25-27)
See v25.
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
By the cross of Jesus stood three or four people. They are His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Here, His mother’s sister and Mary the wife of Clopas could be the same person. See v26.
26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!”
On the cross, Jesus must have been in excruciating pain. However, when He saw His mother, He took care of her. He gave His mother the disciple whom He loved standing by as her son.
See v27.
27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
Then, Jesus entrusted the disciple with the care of His mother.
II. I Thirst: Fulfillment of Prophecy (28-30a)
See v28-30a.
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30a So when Jesus had received the sour wine,
Jesus knew that all things were now accomplished; That is, He sacrificed on the cross, redeemed our sins, and restored our relationship with God. His mission on the cross was completed. Then, Jesus said, “I thirst!” (28) to fulfill Psalm 22:15 NKJV and Psalm 69:21 NKJV.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And My tongue clings to My jaws;
You have brought Me to the dust of death.
21 They also gave me gall for my food,
And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
This also demonstrates His humanity. John 4:7 also shows Jesus as a human who thirsted.
We find that Jesus took food only after accomplishing all things first. When His disciples urged Him to eat (John 4:31), Jesus said in John 4:32-33 NKJV,
“I have food to eat of which you do not know. My food is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to finish His work.”
We can observe a similar example with the servant of Abraham in Genesis 24:33 NKJV.
33 Food was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told about my errand.”
Also, Jesus taught a similar priority in Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV.
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Similarly, another example is as follows. In the wilderness, Jesus was fasting to prepare for His public mission (Matthew 4:1-2). Then, the devil tempted Jesus when He was hungry (Matthew 4:3). Jesus answered in Matthew 4:4 NKJV,
“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
III. It Is Finished: The Sacrificial Completion of Christ’s Mission (30b)
See v30b.
30b He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
After fulfilling the food-related prophecy in the end (30a), Jesus said, “It is finished!”, indicating that His mission on the cross was completed.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’ Crucifixion and Psalm 22
John 19:23–24 (NKJV)
23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 24 They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:
“They divided My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots.”
Therefore the soldiers did these things.
Message
They had crucified Jesus (23, John 19:17-18). Then, the soldiers took Jesus’ garments, including the outer cloak, sandals, and belt, divided them into four parts, and distributed them among themselves (23). As for the undergarment (the seamless tunic), they didn’t tear it but cast lots to determine who would receive it (24). This fulfilled the prophecy written in Psalm 22:18 NKJV.
Psalm 22 starts with:
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Psalm 22:1 NKJV)
Jesus spoke these words on the cross, as recorded in Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34 and Luke 23:34.
Psalm 22:6-8 NKJV also described how people mocked Jesus while He was on the cross:
6 But I am a worm, and no man;
A reproach of men, and despised by the people.
7 All those who see Me ridicule Me;
They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
8 “He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him;
Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”
This event is recorded in Matthew 27:39-44, Mark 15:29-32 and Luke 23:35-39.
Psalm 22:16 NKJV foretold the piercing of Messiah’s hands and feet:
“…They pierced My hands and My feet;”
Psalm 22 was written between 1011 B.C. and 970 B.C., but it was fulfilled in 33 A.D. when Jesus was crucified.
God’s unique ability to foretell the distant future with perfect accuracy sets Him apart from all creation, proving His sovereignty over time, history and all things. Isaiah 46:9-10 NLT declares:
9 Remember the things I have done in the past.
For I alone am God!
I am God, and there is none like me.
10 Only I can tell you the future
before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass,
for I do whatever I wish.
Amen. Praise God. Everything He foretells comes true.
Jesus, the King: Pilate’s Inscription and God’s Sovereign Plan
John 19:17–22 (NKJV)
17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:
JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS
20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.
21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ’ ”
22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
Message
I. Jesus Carries His Cross and Is Crucified (17-18)
See v17.
17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha,
Jesus carried His cross to the site of execution. See v18.
18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.
Jesus and two others were crucified. Jesus was in the center between them.
II. Pilate’s Inscription: A Statement of Truth (19-20)
See v19.
19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:
JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS
Pilate inscribed Jesus’ name and the charge against Him on a title, placing it on the cross. The charge read: ‘The King of the Jews.’ In John 12:13, the Jews hailed Jesus ‘King’ after He raised Lazarus, who had been dead for four days. This was an astonishing miracle that no one else had performed. Yet, He was neither an earthly king nor a political threat to Rome. Nevertheless, the Jewish leaders later twisted this glorious title to justify His execution. See v20.
20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.
When Jesus was scourged, they mocked Him by putting a crown of thorns on His head, and a purple robe on Him (John 19:1-2). This time, Pilate translated the title into three languages. This also mocked Jesus and the Jews. However, unknowingly, Pilate declared the truth. What was their response?
III. The Chief Priests’ Objection and Pilate’s Response (21-22)
See v21.
21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ’ ”
The chief priests opposed the public declaration of Jesus as the King of the Jews. So, they tried to make it seem as though it was merely His own claim. What was Pilate’s response? See v22.
22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
Pilate firmly refused to change the title on Jesus’ cross, which declared Him “King of the Jews.” Though Pilate may have intended it politically or mockingly, his words unknowingly affirmed a profound truth about Jesus’ identity. This verse highlights God’s sovereignty, demonstrating that even human decisions ultimately align with His divine plan.
Pilate’s Dilemma: The Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus
John 19:4–16 (NKJV)
4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”
5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”
6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”
7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”
8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.
10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”
11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”
13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”
15 But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!”
Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”
The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”
16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away.
Message
The Jews arrested Jesus (John 18:1-12) and brought Him to Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, accusing Him of a crime—claiming to be a king (John 18:28-33). Jesus clearly let Pilate know that His kingdom was not of this world and that He was therefore no political threat (John 18:36). So, Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. He tried to release Jesus through a custom at the Passover (John 18:39). He probably didn’t expect it, but the Jews cried out to release a notorious criminal (Matthew 27:16) Barabbas instead of Jesus (John 18:40). Barabbas received an undeserved release, while Jesus suffered an unjust punishment. Jesus was whipped, pierced, mocked, and struck (John 19:1-3).
Today let us study v4-16.
I. Jesus Presented Before the Crowd (4–5)
See v4-5.
4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”
5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”
After scourging Jesus (John 19:1-3), Pilate told the Jews that he found no fault in Him (4). Then, Pilate brought Jesus before the public (5). The scourging took place before the crucifixion. However, Pilate had Jesus scourged in an attempt to appease the Jews so that he could release Him.
They might have tried to scorn Jesus for having no power as a king by dressing Him in a crown and robe (5). Jesus was not guilty or a threat.
II. The Rejection and Pilate’s Questioning (6–11)
What was the Jews’ response? See v6.
6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”
The chief priests and officers cried out for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate asked them to crucify Him and declared that he found no fault in Him (6). Earlier, Pilate had asked them to take Jesus and judge Him according to their law, but the Jews, under Roman rule, had no legal right to put anyone to death (John 18:31). What was the Jews’ response? See v7.
7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”
Although the Jews did not have the legal right to carry out a death sentence, they claimed that their law condemned Him to die (7). What was Pilate’s response? See v8-9.
8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.
Pilate was even more afraid (8). He asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” (9a) Jesus had already explained to Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36-38). But Pilate was only concerned with maintaining his earthly position and life. To appease the Jews, he even had the innocent Jesus scourged. Speaking further would have served no purpose. Moreover, Pilate might have envied Jesus if He had answered. So, Jesus remained silent (9b). However, Jesus indirectly answered him by saying ‘from above’ in v11. How kind Jesus is! What was Pilate’s response? See v10.
10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”
Pilate likely had enough reason to release Jesus due to His innocence, but he continued questioning Him out of fear of political consequences, pressure from the Jewish leaders, and a desire to avoid conflict. What was Jesus’ response? See v11.
11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
Jesus mentioned that the power given to him was from above, meaning that the one who delivered Him to Pilate had the greater sin. ‘From above’ also indirectly answers Pilate’s question, ‘Where are You from?’ (9) Jesus helped Pilate understand that condemning Him would be a great sin, and it was an even greater sin for the others to have handed Jesus over to him. Jesus taught Pilate that it would be a great sin unless he released Him. What was Pilate’s response?
III. The Political Pressure and Final Decision (12–16)
See v12-13.
12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”
13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha.
In the moment that the Jews said v12, Pilate’s concern likely shifted from justice to political survival (13). See v14.
14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”
Pilate’s statement, “Behold your King!” (14), was likely sarcastic or mocking, highlighting the absurdity of Jesus’ kingship given His beaten state. It may have been an attempt to provoke the crowd, show the Jews the irony of condemning a “king,” or reflect Pilate’s internal conflict, caught between his recognition of Jesus’ innocence and pressure to avoid political fallout.
See v15-16.
15 But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!”
Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”
The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”
16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away.
A Roman governor could lose his life or position if a riot broke out due to his mismanagement of the Jews. They cried out for Jesus’ crucifixion (15a). Pilate’s question, “Shall I crucify your King?” (15b) was meant to highlight the irony of the Jews rejecting their own king and demanding Jesus’ death. It also reflected Pilate’s frustration and internal conflict, as he recognized Jesus’ innocence but was under pressure from the Jewish leaders.
The crowd’s declaration, “We have no king but Caesar!” (15c) highlighted that they rejected Jesus as their king and affirmed their loyalty to Rome. This put Pilate in a difficult position—despite knowing Jesus was innocent, he feared that releasing Him would spark unrest and jeopardize his position under Roman rule—so he handed Jesus over to be crucified.
Jesus was Crushed for our Sins
John 19:1–3 (NKJV)
1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. 2 And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 3 Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.
Message
I. Jesus was whipped (1)
See v1.
1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.
Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. But he was afraid of the crowd. They could start a riot if he did not handle them carefully. It could cost his position or even his life. So, he tried to please them by scourging Jesus.
When he prioritized the earthly position or life, he worried about them and was shaken by fear. He couldn’t stand for the truth. To please the crowd and to protect his position and life,, he even scourged the innocent man Jesus.
Verse 1 in NLT (New Living Translation) reads,
“Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip.”
This is a very painful punishment. This event was foretold by the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 53:5 NLT, “…He was whipped so we could be healed.”
II. Jesus was pierced (2a)
See v2a.
2a And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head,
The soldiers twisted and put a crown of thorns on His head. His head was bleeding because the thorns pierced the skin of his head. He was pierced by nails and a spear as well. These events were foretold by the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 53:5 NLT, “…he was pierced for our rebellion…”
III. Jesus was mocked (2b-3a)
See v2b-3a.
2b and they put on Him a purple robe. 3a Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
They put on Him a purple robe (2b). Purple was a color associated with royalty, power, and wealth in the ancient world. By dressing Jesus in a purple robe, the soldiers were sarcastically mocking His claim (or the claim others made about Him) to kingship.
They mocked Jesus by saying “Hail, King of the Jews!” (3a) as well as putting the crown of thorns on His head (2a) and putting on a purple robe (2b).
These events were foretold in Isaiah 53.
“He was despised and rejected— … ”(Isaiah 53:3 NLT)
“He was oppressed and treated harshly,…” (Isaiah 53:7 NLT)
IV. Jesus was struck (3b)
See v3b.
3b And they struck Him with their hands.
Jesus was unjustly struck in John 18:22 as well. These events were foretold by the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 53:5 NLT, “…He was beaten so we could be whole. …”
In this process, Jesus was crushed for our sins (Isaiah 53:5 NLT).
Satan’s Tactics: Lie & Enticement
John 18:39–40 (NKJV)
39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
Message
Let us think about whether we tend false accusations and sinful choices.
Satan’s Tactics
I. Setup: False Accusation
In a previous lesson, we studied that they accused Jesus falsely (John 18:23). The devil is a liar (John 8:44) and an accuser (Revelation 12:10).
False accusation is against the truth. If you choose to accuse falsely,
- You are not standing on the side of truth but are opposing it
- you are helping the devil in his work.
At this point, Jesus was bound in chains and appeared as a criminal on trial.
II. Enticement: A Sinful Choice
See v39.
39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
There was a custom to release someone at the Passover (39a). Jesus was innocent and therefore deserved this opportunity for release even more. Pilate reminded them of this custom and asked whether they wanted him to release Jesus (39b). Pilate attempted to release Jesus through this custom.
However, what was their response? See v40.
40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
Barabbas, a prisoner who was a known robber (40b), was chosen by the people instead of Jesus (40a). The opportunity to live was taken away from Jesus and given to Barabbas.
It was very clear that Jesus was the right person to release, and Barabbas was the wrong person. However, they were enticed to make a wrong choice.
This looks like an impossible mistake. However, the combination of a lie (deception) and enticement might blind and mislead us. So, we need to learn to pray effectively and scrutinise the word of God so that we may triumph even amid the fierce spiritual war.
Pilate Asked ‘What Is Truth?’ but Walked Away from the Answer
John 18:38 NKJV
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.”
I. Pilate Asked ‘What Is Truth?’ (38a)
See v38a.
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?”
During the trial, Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” The Jews accused Jesus of committing a crime. However, Pilate recognised the teacher in Jesus and seemed to seek understanding from Him. Similarly, during the Jewish trial, the high priest Annas questioned Jesus about His doctrine (John 18:19 NKJV). The high priest also recognised Jesus as a teacher and appeared to seek insight from Him.
Pilate asked a good question. “What is truth?”
‘Truth’ in Jesus’ Statements
- Jesus Himself Is the Truth (John 14:6)
- “What is ‘truth’?” ‘Jesus’ is the answer.
- Truth is the revelation of God (John 1:18 NIV). Jesus Christ reveals God the Father. He who has seen Jesus has seen the Father (John 14:9b, also see John 8:19b). Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible Father (Colossians 1:15 NKJV) and the exact representation of His being (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).
- Truth is the reality as opposed to the Law being mere a shadow of the reality (Colossians 2:17, Hebrews 10:1).
- Truth comes from God’s Word and Spirit (John 17:17b; John 16:13).
- God’s Word is Truth (John 17:17b).
- The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13)
- Truth has liberating and sanctifying power (John 8:32; John 17:17a).
- Truth Frees People (from the Slavery of Sin) (John 8:32).
- Truth Sanctifies them (John 17:17a).
- Truth is central to worship and salvation (John 4:23; John 18:37).
- Truth in Worship (John 4:23)
- Truth Is Tied to Jesus’ Mission (John 18:37)
Truth as opposed to Grace
- Truth reveals and assures ‘what grace does’ such as forgiveness and gift.
- Truth is divine thought while grace is divine love. * Jesus Christ is the Word of God (Revelation 19:13, John 1:14).
Truth is as opposed to gnostic and all other heresy
II. Pilate Walked Away from the Answer (38b)
See v38b.
And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.”
Pilate’s question indicated that he didn’t know the truth (=Jesus). But, Pilate didn’t wait for Jesus’ answer to his question. Perhaps he was primarily interested in whether Jesus posed a political threat. He then went out again to the Jews, and said, “I find no fault in Him at all.” However, later, Pilate committed the grave sin of handing Jesus over to be crucified (John 19:16). To avoid sinning, it would have been better for Pilate to follow and know Jesus (=the truth), and be set free from the slavery of sin (John 8:31-32).
The Kingdom Not of This World: Pilate Questions Jesus
John 18:33-37 (NKJV)
33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. 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.”
See 33.
33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
Pilate spoke with Jesus inside the Praetorium asking, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Earlier, Jesus had raised four-day-dead Lazarus (John 11:40-44). After that, when Jesus entered Jerusalem near the Passover Festival, people took palm branches and went out to meet Him, crying, “Hosanna! (meaning ‘Save us now!’) Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel!” (John 12:13 NKJV). Pilate may have heard about this event and wanted to know if Jesus posed a political threat.
See v34.
34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
Jesus asked whether Pilate’s question came from personal belief or from what others had said. By asking, Jesus might have been encouraging Pilate to distinguish his faith based on the truth and his worries about a king as a political threat according to the Jews who was accusing Jesus of a crime. See v35.
35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”
Pilate didn’t answer Jesus’ question. His answer could be ‘both’.
- He had heard about Jesus from others, though the Jewish crowd shouting “The King of Israel” in John 12:13 may have had differing views on what that meant.
- Pilate may have believed that Jesus was considered the King of the Jews because of His popularity and miracles but was concerned about any political threat Jesus’ kingship might pose. Pilate might be reminded of his political concerns, as Jesus was brought before him by the Jewish leaders. He wanted to know what political crime Jesus was accused of.
Pilate needed to know the true meaning of Jesus’ kingship.
See v36.
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
Jesus explained to him that His kingdom was not of this world. If it were, His servants would have fought to prevent His arrest.
See v37.
37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. 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.”
Based on Jesus’ previous answer, Pilate deduced that Jesus was a king. Jesus confirmed this, stating that He was born and came into the world to bear witness to the truth. All who love the truth hear His voice.
Jesus came to declare the truth, so that people caught in the falsehood might believe the truth and be saved.
