Verdict | Week 2 | Pilate’s Plea Deal
Luke 23:1-7 | Pastor Keoni Hughes
Condemning Evidence for Pagan Pilate’s Plea Deal
1. Lying About Facts and Missing the Truth | v. 1-2
Misleading Our Nation (False Accusation)
“When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world! Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.” – John 6:14-15
Forbidding Us to Give Tribute to Caesar (False)
“So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.” – Luke 20:21-26
Saying He Was the Christ (Truth!)
2. Pilate’s Indecision | v. 3
“Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.’” – John 18:31a
“My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world…“ – John 18:36a
3. Pilate’s Contempt for Truth | John 18:38
“What is truth?”
4. Pilate Calling Jesus “Not-Guilty” | v. 4
5. Pilate’s Deferral of a Decision | v. 5-7
Discussion Questions
What are things you believe about Jesus that may not be true?
What is holding you back from making a decision about Jesus?
What is truth and why is it so hard to believe in truth today?
What have you referred to Jesus as other than King and what keeps you from calling him King today?