Title: John 19:1–16
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John 19:1–16
Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”
From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 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.” So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.
So they took Jesus, (ESV)
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In this sermon, Jed Gillis explores the profound narrative of Jesus' trial, suffering, and crucifixion as described in John 19:1-16. Pilate's interactions with Jesus reveal a man tormented by fear and confusion, unable to grasp the divine authority before him. Pilate's attempts to appease the crowd through mockery and flogging only escalate their demand for Jesus' crucifixion. The Pharisees’ hatred blinds them to Jesus' true identity, leading them to declare allegiance to Caesar over their rightful King.
Gillis emphasizes that the story's significance lies not in moral lessons or practical principles but in its historic reality. The events truly happened, marking a pivotal moment in God's redemptive plan. He challenges listeners to see beyond their pride and self-reliance, which obscure the glory of Christ. Instead, they should behold Jesus as both the suffering servant and sovereign King, whose sacrificial death offers freedom to all who believe.
The sermon calls believers to recognize their likeness to Barabbas—the guilty set free by Jesus' sacrifice. It underscores that while humanity's sin is immense, God's love is even greater, offering redemption through Christ’s ultimate act of love on the cross.
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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.
