Week of November 25, 2012

1. Read John 18:28-40.
2. Have you ever pulled over by the police?  Accused of speeding (or something else) when you were not?  What happened?
3. Why are the Jewish leaders rushing this trial through so fast?
4. What is so ironic about the religious leaders in v. 28?  How do their actions serve to illustrate Jesus' charges against them in John 5:39-40 and 7:24?
5. From verse 33, what reason do they finally give to Pilate for bringing Jesus to him?  Why would Pilate take this seriously?  How are Pilate's fears similar to those of the Jewish leaders in 11:48?
6. What do you think Pilate meant by what he said in v. 38?  How do you think he said it?
7. What is Pilate's conclusion?  Why doesn't Pilate just release Jesus?  From this episode, what type of person do you think Pilate is?
8. Today, Peter is held in esteem and Pilate is scorned.  Why do you judge these two so differently when they both "caved in" under pressure?
9. Barabbas (a deserving criminal) gets off free and Jesus (an innocent victim) is condemned.  What is the lesson here for you?
10. Pray for one another...