Who was really on trial?

Who was really on trial?

Joh 18:28-40

In Joh 18:28, the civil trial was about to begin.

The city of Jerusalem simmered with religious fervor, and discontent with Roman rule.

Pilate’s home for most the year was in Caesarea. He came to Jerusalem for the Jewish feasts.

He was there to keep the peace, and to nip any insurrection in the bud.

The governor’s headquarters was called the Praetorium.

The dominant theme in John’s account is the kingdom: the authority of Jesus.

Joh 18:36

John’s account of the trial brings out the sharp contrast between the character of Pilate and the Person of Jesus.

Pilate was on trial before Jesus, not the other way around.

Joh 18:28

“They” in verse 28 is identified in Matthew 27: 1-2 as all the chief priests and the elders of the people.

Yet they had no problem at all with putting an innocent man to death on the Sabbath!

1Co 5:7

If they only had eyes to see, they would have realized that this Man truly is the Son of God.

Mat 23:24

They were leading the nation of Israel into a horrible pit of destruction.

Mat 27:25

Luk 23:27-31

Joh 18:29-30

Pilate was going to conduct his own civil trial according to Roman law.

They expected Pilate to rubber stamp their religious verdict and get on with the crucifixion.

This answer infuriated Pilate.

Joh 18:31-32

The Romans closely guarded their authority to issue and carry out a death sentence.

Had the Jews judged Jesus guilty of blasphemy, by the Law of Moses He would have been stoned.

Mat 20:17-19

As a result, he was able to spend time alone with Jesus.

His interrogation of Jesus convinced Pilate that He was an innocent man.

He lacked the courage of his convictions.

Joh 18:33-35

Was Jesus any kind of threat to Roman rule?

Jesus answers Pilate with a question of His own.

Are you making a claim to be a political king who was conspiring against Caesar?

Are You the Jewish Messiah?

Pilate was asking from a Roman point of view.

Joh 18:36

Jesus’ disciples were not outside fighting for His freedom.

Jesus was no threat to Caesar.

What realm was Jesus talking about?

Joh 18:37-38

His kingdom is the kingdom of the truth.