John 18:28-40


"Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside to them and said, 'What accusation do you bring against this man?' They answered him, 'If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.' Pilate said to them, 'Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.' The Jews said to him, 'It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.' This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, 'Are you the King of the Jews?' Jesus answered, 'Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?' Pilate answered, 'Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?' Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.' Then Pilate said to him, 'So you are a king?' Jesus answered, 'You say that I am a king. 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.' Pilate said to him, 'What is truth?' After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, 'I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?' They cried out again, 'Not this man, but Barabbas!' Now Barabbas was a robber." (John 18:28-40 ESV)


The True Kingdom of Jesus

In this passage, we see Jesus standing before Pilate, the Roman governor, as accusations are brought against Him by the Jewish leaders. Pilate is perplexed by Jesus' calm demeanor and His claim to kingship. Jesus responds by clarifying that His kingdom is not of this world. He is not a political ruler seeking to overthrow Roman power. Instead, His kingdom is spiritual, transcending earthly politics and power structures. "My kingdom is not from the world," He declares (v. 36).

Jesus came to reveal and establish the kingdom of God, a kingdom defined by truth, righteousness, and the reign of God in the hearts of His people. His kingdom operates on a different plane than earthly kingdoms—it is not marked by military power, but by spiritual authority. Jesus' kingdom is one of truth, and He came to testify to that truth. Those who are of the truth hear His voice and follow Him (v. 37).

For us as disciples, this distinction is crucial. We are called to live as citizens of Christ's heavenly kingdom, not being overly entangled in the concerns and divisions of this world. Our loyalty and allegiance are to Jesus, and we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in living according to His truth.

Scriptures to Study:

Colossians 1:13-14, Philippians 3:20, John 17:14-16, Romans 14:17


Jesus, the Witness to Truth

When Pilate asks Jesus whether He is a king, Jesus reveals that His mission is to "bear witness to the truth" (v. 37). In a world filled with lies, deception, and moral confusion, Jesus stands as the embodiment of truth. He came to reveal the truth about God, salvation, and the way of righteousness. Pilate’s question, "What is truth?" (v. 38), reflects the skepticism of a world that often rejects absolute truth in favor of personal opinions and shifting standards.

However, Jesus does not only speak the truth; He is the Truth (John 14:6). As disciples, we are called to embrace the truth that Jesus reveals, and this truth sets us free from sin and falsehood (John 8:32). We rely on the Holy Spirit, the "Spirit of truth" (John 16:13), to lead us into all truth and help us discern the lies of the world. In a culture that often denies or distorts truth, we must remain anchored in the truth of God's Word and the person of Jesus Christ.

Scriptures to Study:

John 14:6, John 8:31-32, Ephesians 6:14, 2 Timothy 2:15


Barabbas and the Substitutionary Sacrifice

The release of Barabbas instead of Jesus is a profound moment in the narrative. Barabbas, described as a robber and insurrectionist, was guilty of rebellion against Rome, yet he is freed while Jesus, the innocent Son of God, is condemned to death. This scene vividly illustrates the concept of substitutionary atonement: the innocent One takes the place of the guilty.

This exchange symbolizes what Jesus would soon accomplish on the cross. He would take the place of sinners—people like Barabbas, and like us—bearing the punishment for our sins so that we might go free. In this moment, we see the heart of the gospel: Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, willingly takes on the penalty that we deserve, offering us forgiveness and eternal life. The righteousness of Christ is exchanged for our guilt, and through faith in Him, we are justified before God.

As we reflect on this, it should stir our hearts to gratitude and worship. Jesus' sacrifice was not just for Barabbas, but for every one of us. Our sin deserved punishment, but Jesus took that punishment on Himself, freeing us from condemnation.

Scriptures to Study:

Isaiah 53:4-6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 3:18


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