From priesthood to kingship, the trial of Jesus unveils many facets of who Christ is. And this week, as the two high priests (Annas and Caiaphas) bring Jesus to Pilate, we will see a debate about who is truly on the throne.

Indeed, in John 18:28–40, we will take the next step in the account of Jesus’s trial. Yet, as with all of John, we are not simply looking to consider historical details. Those are given. What John is showing us in this account is the way that Jesus Christ is the king who lays down his life for his kingdom. That’s what we will see on Sunday.

As you have time, please read John 18:28–40 and Deuteronomy 16:18–17:13. This passage in Deuteronomy will help us understand what is going on, and what is going wrong, in the trial of Jesus.

As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday and to worshiping our great king who gave his life to pay for our sins, so that we could be forgiven and brought into his kingdom. As a reminder the County Center Community Group is in the overflow this Sunday. And all of us will gather for worship at 10:00am.

For His Glory and your joy in the Christ,

Pastor David

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Discussion & Response Questions for John 18:28 – 40

What does the movement of John 18–19 tell us about the events?

How does Deuteronomy 16:18–17:13 provide interpretive light for the trials of Jesus?

What is ironic about the priests’ pursuit of holiness in v. 28?

How does Jesus describe his kingdom and his kingship?

What can be learned about Pilate from his questions?

What does Pilate conclude about Jesus? What does that say about the priests?

What is the contrast between Jesus and Barabbas? What does this illustrate for us?

What do we learn about Jesus’s kingdom? Is that kingdom present, future, or both?

What attributes of Christ does this passage highlight?

How should we respond to this text?