Title: John 18:28–40
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John 18:28–40
Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 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.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber. (ESV)
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In today's sermon, Jon Farra delves into John 18:28–40, where Jesus stands trial before Pilate. The scene is set with Jesus being led from Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters early in the morning. The Jewish leaders avoid entering to maintain ceremonial purity for Passover. Pilate questions the accusations against Jesus, but the Jews insist they cannot execute anyone, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy about his death.
Pilate interrogates Jesus, asking if he is the King of the Jews. Jesus responds that his kingdom is not of this world, highlighting a spiritual reign rather than a political one. Pilate remains skeptical and famously questions, "What is truth?" Despite finding no guilt in Jesus, Pilate offers the crowd a choice to release either Jesus or Barabbas, a known criminal. They choose Barabbas.
Farra contrasts this with the story of the rich young ruler from Mark 10. Unlike Jesus, who fully relies on God’s grace, the rich young ruler clings to his possessions and walks away sorrowful when asked to give them up. This comparison underscores the theme of reliance on divine grace versus worldly attachments.
The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives. Are we fully relying on God’s grace? Do our actions show that we believe God's ways are worth it? By examining these questions, Farra encourages believers to align their lives with Christ's example of complete surrender and trust in God’s plan.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
