Dear OBC Family,

This Sunday we will continue in our series in the Gospel of John, and I invite you to read John 19:1-16 in preparation for worship. This is a difficult text as we behold the world’s greatest injustice in the mistreatment and sufferings of our Lord, and the unjust sentence of execution by crucifixion. As we gather this Sunday and in the weeks ahead, may we fix our eyes on Jesus and behold the sufferings of our Savior. May we rejoice in the salvation we have been given in his finished work!

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Ben

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Discussion & Response Questions for John 19:1 – 16

What might we learn from the ironies of the farcical worship (vv. 1-3) and the charge brought by the Jews (v. 7)?

Consider the thorns, the cross, the innocence of Jesus, and Pilate’s pronouncement “Behold the man!” Theologically, how do these observations add up? (Consider the following texts: Gen 3:17-19; Deut 21:18-21; Rom 5:15-21; Gal 3:10-14).

Notice how Pilate and the chief priests both act contrary to their beliefs. Pilate, against his knowledge of the innocence of Jesus, and the chief priests in claiming loyalty to Caesar (Deut 17:14-15). How would you explain this? What conclusions should we draw from this?

What does Jesus teach Pilate about his authority? Consider also John 10:18. How should this frame our understanding of the events that are unfolding in our text?

Consider Pilate’s pronouncement “Behold your King!” and the crowd’s rejection of Jesus (vv. 6, 12, 15) in light of John 1:9-13.

How should we respond to Christ’s kingship? (See Psalm 2; Rev 19:11-16).

Consider the lyrics to Isaac Watt’s hymn “Joy to the World.” What does he present as implications of Christ’s kingship?

As we consider Jesus in John 19:1-16, how ought we to respond to this text?