Interrogation

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Opening Prayer

Father, I thank You for the gift of this day. May I abide in Your presence and abound in Your power.

Read John 18:19-40

^[19] Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. ^[20] “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. ^[21] Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” ^[22] When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded. ^[23] “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” ^[24] Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. ^[25] Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” ^[26] One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” ^[27] Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow. ^[28] Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. ^[29] So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?” ^[30] “If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.” ^[31] Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” they objected. ^[32] This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die. ^[33] Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” ^[34] “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” ^[35] “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” ^[36] Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” ^[37] “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” ^[38] “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. ^[39] But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” ^[40] They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.

Meditate

“What do you think of Jesus Christ? No question is more pivotal. Jesus is the one figure who, like no other, has changed lives, shaped culture and offers one sure hope for the future” (John Stott, 1921-2011).

Think Further

I’ve just finished a really engaging novel that hinged on the true identity of its main character being unknown. The plot only made sense once his identity was revealed and then, too late, people wished they’d treated him differently. When Jesus went on trial, his judges clearly had no idea who he really was, or they would have acted very differently.

In the trial before the high priest (19-23), John concentrates on Annas, Caiaphas’ father-in law and virtual high priest. John says little of Caiaphas, the reigning high priest, because he had prejudged Jesus earlier, ironically declaring, “It is better … that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (11:50). The high priest was supposed to be on lookout for the Messiah and welcome him. Now the Messiah stood before him, having openly taught in public, yet he was not recognized (1:11). Clouded by the cataracts of religious minutiae (28), they could not see the obvious and condemned the One they should have welcomed.

The Roman governor (28-40), Pilate, had a different agenda. Representing the world’s most powerful government, he could not let any sedition undermine it. The Jews had a reputation for being troublesome, especially at Passover time, so he was on his guard. Their leaders alleged that Jesus had claimed to be a king, but the simple Galilean who stood before him, weary and alone, didn’t look like one. Pilate struggles to square their allegations with the man he encounters. Is he really a king? Does he have any power? What is this claim to speak truth in a world where Rome decided what was truth? Their conversation proved a classic in non-communication, as Jesus and Pilate functioned on different planes over questions of power and truth. If only Pilate had known who really was on trial!

Apply

How accurate is your picture of Jesus? Is it obscured by myth and supposition? Read his story again with unclouded eyes.

Closing prayer

Lord, I need to be like Jesus (1 Pet. 2:21). I pray for the courage, focus, and authority of Jesus. May the Holy Spirit make me more like him.

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