For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice. John 18:37b-c
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 18:33-40, where we Pilates' final questioning of Jesus. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is questioned by Pilate and the dialogue can be summarized as follows: (1) Pilate asks Jesus whether He is King of the Jews and Jesus responds with a question in return whether Pilate truly wants to know this or whether Pilate asks this because the Jewish elders think this of Jesus and of course want to trap into guilt for blasphemy. (2) In v35, Pilate seeks to assess Jesus' guilt - what is the crime of which Israel (His own nation) accuses Him. Jesus then seeks to clarify that He and His Kingdom are unlike Israel which are of the world - He is not from the world. (3) Pilate than asks if Jesus is a king and Jesus does not respond directly but instead clarifies that His purpose is to "bear witness to the truth."
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Pilate asks an interesting question in v38 that in the next two verses - vv39-40 demonstrates that the Jewish leadership is not interested in the truth because if they were they would seek it and believe in Jesus. But instead they see Jesus as a threat to their status and power and seek to kill Him.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid listening and falling for Satan's lies. Claim the promise that Jesus is King of an everlasting Kingdom and He is saving a place in Heaven for us. Follow the example of Jesus to bear witness to the Truth. Know Jesus's voice and His truth (v37c) - the Bible (study it!) - then share it!.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You give me Truth and reveal Truth/Yourself to me...and save me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.
