John 18:28–19:16
Read John 18:28–19:16
Helpful Background Information:
What is truth? That’s what Pontius Pilate asked Jesus while He stood trial just hours before His crucifixion on (what we now call) Good Friday (John 18:38). For today’s devotional, we’ll take a closer look at that trial and the characters involved in the events that led up to the crucifixion.
Early on that Friday morning, the first group on the scene was the Jewish leaders (18:28). We’re essentially told that they wanted Jesus dead but they didn’t want His blood to be on their hands (18:31). That’s why they handed Him over to the Romans so that Pilate (who was the governor at the time) could deal with the dilemma for them.
After questioning Jesus, Pilate tells the Jewish leaders that he found no grounds for charging Him. Even when Pilate offered to release a prisoner to the Jews for Passover, they chose to free Barabbas (a known criminal) over Jesus. Eventually, Pilate gave into the pressure and had Jesus brutally flogged, crowned with thorns, and clothed in a purple robe (19:1-2). After all kinds of mockery and mistreatment, Jesus was handed over and crucified.
There’s a lot happening in this passage—different voices, decisions, and competing claims about what’s right. But at the center of it all is a question that still echoes today: What is truth? Pilate asks it out loud, but everyone in this story is answering it with their actions. As you read, don’t move too quickly through the events. Step into the scene. Watch each person. Listen to what they say—and what they choose. And then consider:
Reflection Questions:
First, as you look at each of the main characters—the religious leaders, Pilate, and Jesus—how do they handle what they know to be true in the face of pressure?
Second, picture the scene with Jesus and Barabbas. The only truly innocent One was condemned while the truly guilty one walked free… how does that interplay connect to the Christian life?
Lastly, as you read the passage, circle or underline each reference to “king” or “kingdom” in the story and see how clearly the truth is written all over it. Truth isn’t just something Jesus talked about. On Good Friday, it’s something He showed us.