John 19

1. In John 18:38 Pilate states that he can find no basis for a charge against Jesus. Yet in 19:1 Pilate has Jesus flogged. If Jesus is innocent, why did Pilate have Him flogged?

 

How could this be considered an attempt by Pilate to save Jesus?

 

Read carefully 18:38-19:16. What attempts did Pilate make to spare Jesus’ life?

 

Do these attempts absolve Pilate from guilt in Jesus’ death?

 

How would you describe Pilate’s character?

 

2. John was an eyewitness during this time. We often focus on the death of Jesus and overlook the other details. What are some of the specific injustices and humiliations Jesus chose to endure?

 

How does this make you feel?

 

What can we learn about Jesus from this passage of scripture?

 

3. Look carefully at Pilate’s words in v. 5. What is the significance of his announcement?

 

4. Why do the chief priests and officials need Pilate’s help (vv. 6-7)? What does this reveal about them?

 

5. The Jewish officials finally give their real reason for wanting Jesus dead. What was that reason (v. 7)?

 

6. What was Pilate’s response to this reason? Why do you think he responded this way?

What had Pilate seen in the man Jesus that might have caused Pilate to "fear" Jesus?

 

Why did Pilate want to know from where Jesus had come (v. 10)?

 

Why do you think Jesus chose not to respond?

 

7. How do you explain Jesus’ comment to Pilate in v. 11?

 

According to Jesus, who was guilty of the greater sin? Why?

 

8. What is ironic and sad about the religious leaders statement in v. 15?

 

9. What can you find out about crucifixion as a form of punishment or death?

 

Why do you think the religious leaders wanted this form of death for Jesus?

 

Why do you think John does not go into detail about the actual crucifixion?

 

10. Much has been written about who is responsible for Jesus’ death. In these scriptures there are three groups involved. Who are they? What part did each play? Where were the disciples during all of this?

 

Keeping all of this in mind, whom do you consider to be responsible for Jesus’ death?

 

11. What is prophetic about the sign Pilate placed on Jesus’ cross?

 

Why did the religious leaders object to it?

 

12. Looking at 19:1 – 36, what are some of the specific things that happen to Jesus that are the fulfillment of scriptures?

 

 

13. What do vv. 26-27 tell us about Jesus?

 

14. What is the significance of Jesus’ last words in v. 30?

 

                What do they mean to you personally?

                What do they mean to the lost?

15. Some believe that Jesus did not really die on the cross. What evidence does John give that proves Jesus died on the cross?

 

Why was it so important to John that people believe Jesus died on the cross?

 

What else was going on in Jerusalem when Jesus died on the cross? Why is this significant?

 

16. Who were the men who buried Jesus? What do you know about them?

 

Why do you think they were willing to take the risk and bury Jesus?

 

Where were Jesus’ disciples during this time?

 

If you had been present, do you think you would have behaved like one of the disciples, like one of the women around the cross, or like Joseph and Nicodemus?

 

17. What about Jesus’ crucifixion impacted you the most? Why?