The Gospel Of John Chapter 19:1-13
I. Outline: I. Jesus Is Mocked And Scourged: 19:1-6 II. Pilate Learns Jesus Claimed To Be The Son of God: 19:7-12 III. Pilate Caves Into Political Pressure: 19:7-16 IV. Jesus Is Crucified: 19:17-30 V. The Body Of Jesus Is Taken Down And Buried: 19:31-42
II. Introductory Comments: Previous to the events of John chapter 19, Pilate had sent Jesus to Herod (Luke 23:5-15). Even though such a move had patched up things between Herod and Pilate, Herod had sent Jesus back, and Pilate found himself once again in the thick of it. ‘When Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate attired in the royal robes of mockery it was a sign to Pilate that “Herod, who from his position must have known Jesus’ history, had no knowledge of any seditious practices in Galilee, and regarded Him as a harmless man, whose Messianic pretensions were rather to be ridiculed than severely punished. Pilate was convinced that, politically speaking, the Nazarene himself was harmless to Caesar’s throne. In fact, as one reads the account of Pilate’s efforts in this section one is aware that Pilate’s conscience is telling him to release Jesus.’ (Butler p. 382) In addition, Pilate’s attempt to save Jesus through Barabbas had backfired and rather, Barabbas was spared because of Jesus. Barclay notes: ‘The choice of the mob has been the eternal choice. Barabbas was the man of force, the man of blood, the man who chose to reach his end by violent means…It is the tragic fact of history that all through the ages men have chosen the way of Barabbas and refused the way of Jesus.’ (p. 290) Barabbas was trying to bring about a kingdom of force, Jesus was concerned with a kingdom of truth. Barclay is right, and even to this day many religious people who are very zealous would rather be part of a group that “looks successful”, “looks like it is accomplishing something”, “bends the rules to achieve the end goal” than a group which practices the truth.