Peace, Holy Spirit, Mission and Authority in the Risen Christ
John 20:19–23 (NKJV)
Christ Appears to the Disciples
19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Message
At the predawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene discovered the stone had been taken away from the tomb (John 20:1), and the resurrected Jesus met her and spoke to her (John 20:14-17). She told the disciples this (John 20:18).
On that evening, Jesus came to His disciples (19a). They were afraid of the Jews (19b). Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you.” (19c)
Earlier, Jesus had foreseen that they would be afraid, so He had already given them His peace (John 14:27). Jesus reaffirmed the peace He had already given them in John 14:27.
The disciples saw His scars from the crucifixion and could confirm that the person standing before them was indeed Jesus and that He was resurrected from the dead. So, they were glad (20).
Jesus give them ‘peace’ again and send them to the world, just as the Father has sent Him (21).
Then, He breathed the Holy Spirit on them (22). The Holy Spirit empowers them to be witnesses to Jesus (Acts 1:8). Jesus gave the authority to forgive or retain sins of any (23).
Mary Magdalene: The First Witness of the Risen Christ
John 20:11–18 (NKJV)
Christ Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).
17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ”
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.
Message
I. Mary’s Grief and the Empty Tomb (11-13)
It was Mary Magdalene who first discovered Jesus’ tomb to be empty (John 20:1-2). Peter and John heard of it, came and saw the tomb empty, but they went back home. However, Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping (1a). She saw two angels in white inside the tomb (12). The angels asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” (13a) What was her answer? See verse 13b.
She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
She thought some people had taken away Jesus’ dead body. She did not even consider the possibility that Jesus had risen and walked out of the tomb.
We are used to thinking that death is the end. Our hearts are negative and darkened by the power and finality of death. When Jesus took His disciple with Him to raise the four-day-dead Lazarus in John 11, Thomas, one of His disciples thought they were going to die to see Lazarus in the realm of the dead (John 11:16). When Jesus said, “Your brother will rise again.”, Martha didn’t expect that Lazarus would rise now but at the last day (John 11:23-24). When Jesus wept because He was saddened by their unbelief in the resurrection and their belief in death, they mistakenly thought He was grieving over Lazarus’s death (John 11:35-37). When Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”, Martha advised Him of the stench from the four-day-dead body of Lazarus, reminding Him of ‘being too late’ due to her faith in the power of death (John 11:39).
Thanks to Jesus, who is the Resurrection and the Life, we are no longer bound by such negativity and darkness.
II. The Risen Jesus Appears to Mary (14-16)
Her belief in death was so strong that she couldn’t even recognise the risen Jesus when she saw Him alive—until He called her name (14-16)!
III. Jesus' Instruction and the New Relationship with God (17)
See verse 17.
17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ”
Here, ‘My Father and your Father’ and ‘My God and your God’ reveal that the barrier between God and humans was removed through Jesus’ redemption on the cross (Matthew 27:50-51, Mark 15:37-38, Luke 23:45-46). From this point on, as Jesus promised in John 16:23, they could pray to the Father directly in the name of Jesus.
IV. Mary as the First Witness and Messenger of the Resurrection (18)
Jesus had delivered Mary Magdalene from seven demons (Luke 8:2). She thanked and loved Him because of His forgiveness and salvation (Luke 7:41-48). Verse 11 also reflects this. Jesus not only forgave and saved her but also honoured her gratitude, love, and faith in Him by blessing her as the first to see the risen Jesus (14-16) and proclaim His resurrection to the disciples (18).
The Resurrection of Christ
John 20:1–10 (NKJV)
The Resurrection of Christ
Matt. 28:1–8; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12
20 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.
Message
I. The Empty Tomb Witnessed by Mary, Peter, and John (1-8)
1.1 The Stone taken away
According to Jewish custom, a new day begins at sunset, around 6 PM. Jesus was buried before 6 PM on Friday. Saturday was the Passover Sabbath. The first day of the week was Sunday, and Mary Magdalene went to the tomb, while it was still dark (1a). ‘while it was still dark’ shows that the time was before the sunrise, likely between 3 AM and 6 AM. She saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb (1b). Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” (2)
1.2 The Linen Cloths and folded handkerchief
Peter and John ran to the tomb (3). John came to the tomb first, stooped down, looked in and saw the linen cloths lying there, but he didn’t go in (4, 5). Then, Peter came and entered the tomb first. Peter saw the linen cloths lying there (6), and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself (7).
After this, John also entered the tomb, and he saw and believed (8).
II. Understanding the Resurrection Through Scripture (9-10)
As yet, they didn’t know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead (9). But, the resurrection of Jesus was prophesied in the Old Testament. Also, Jesus foretold His resurrection many times during His ministry.
2.1 Old Testament Prophecies of Resurrection
Psalm 16:10 NLT
10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Peter quoted Psalm 16:10 when he preached to them about the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 2:31).
Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT
10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him
and cause him grief.
Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,
he will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.
11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for he will bear all their sins.
2.2 Jesus Foretells His Resurrection
Jesus foretold His resurrection in Matthew 12:39-40, 16:21, 17:9, 17:22-23, 20:18-19, 26:31-32, Mark 8:31, 9:9-10, 9:31-32, 10:32-34, 14:27-28, Luke 9:22, 11:29-30, 18:31-33, John 2:19-22, 10:17-18, 11:25-26, 12:23-24, 14:19, and John 16:16.
2.3 Post-Resurrection Enlightenment
After the resurrection, Jesus taught His two disciples about His resurrection in Luke 24:25-27.
Then, they returned to their own homes (10).
The Burial of Jesus: Actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus
John 19:38–42 (NKJV)
The Burial of Christ
Matt. 27:57–60; Mark 15:42–46; Luke 23:50–54
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
Message
Joseph was a rich man from Arimathea (38, Matthew 27:57). He was a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders) (John 19:38 NLT, Matthew 27:57). He was a good and upright man (Luke 23:50). He was a prominent member of the high council (Mark 15:43 NLT, Luke 23:50) but, he had not consented to their decision and action (Luke 23:51). The high council was called the Great Sanhedrin. It was the highest religious and legal authority, comprising 71 members. He was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come (Mark 15:43 NLT, Luke 23:51 NLT).
He went boldly to Pilate (Luke 15:43) and asked him that he might take away the body of Jesus and Pilate gave him permission (38). So, he came and took the body of Jesus (38).
Nicodemus was with him. Nicodemus earlier had visited Jesus at night (John 3:1-2). He brought a large amount of mixture of myrrh and aloes (39). Following Jewish burial customs, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth (John 19:40 NLT). The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before (John 19:41 NLT). Joseph had cut out of the rock to make this tomb (Matthew 27:60). And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there (John 19:42 NLT).
Jesus, the Passover Lamb: Fulfillment of Scripture in His Death
John 19:31–37 (NKJV)
31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”
Message
The Preparation Day (31a) is the day before the Sabbath. On this day, people prepared for the Sabbath so they would not have to work on the Sabbath. They cooked food in advance so they could eat meals without cooking on the Sabbath.
Also, this day was the Preparation Day for the Passover Festival because the following day was both the Passover and the Sabbath at the same time. The Preparation Day was the 14th day of the first month, called Nisan, in the Hebrew religious calendar. On the evening of Preparation Day, the Passover lambs were slaughtered in preparation for the Passover (Exodus 12:6).
John the Baptist saw Jesus and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NKJV) Jesus is the Passover Lamb whose blood saves us from the judgment of God just as God passed over the Israelites and spared them from judgment because of the blood as written in Exodus 12:12-13.
Jesus died on the cross on the Preparation Day of the Passover just as the Passover lambs were slaughtered on that day. Jesus is our Passover lamb who saves us from God’s judgment.
The bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day) (31b). See Deuteronomy 21:22 NKJV.
22 “If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.
According to Deuteronomy 21:22-23 NKJV, a body hung on a tree should not remain there overnight but must be buried that same day; otherwise, the land will be defiled.
So, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away (31c). Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him (32). But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs (33). But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out (34). The disciple John witnessed the event himself (35).
These things (33-35) were the fulfilment of the Scripture (37a):
- “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” (37b) This is written in Exodus 12:46 NKJV, Numbers 9:12 NKJV, and Psalm 34:20 NKJV.
- Exodus 12:46 (NKJV)
46 In one house it shall be eaten; you shall not carry any of the flesh outside the house, nor shall you break one of its bones.
- Numbers 9:12 (NKJV)
12 They shall leave none of it until morning, nor break one of its bones. According to all the ordinances of the Passover they shall keep it.
- Psalm 34:20 (NKJV)
20 He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
- Exodus 12:46 (NKJV)
- “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.” (38) This is written in Psalm 22:16-17 NKJV, Zechariah 12:10 NKJV, and Revelation 1:7 NKJV.
- Psalm 22:16–17 (NKJV)
16 For dogs have surrounded Me;
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
They pierced My hands and My feet;
17 I can count all My bones.
They look and stare at Me. - Zechariah 12:10 (NKJV)
10 “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.
- Revelation 1:7 (NKJV)
7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
- Psalm 22:16–17 (NKJV)
Jesus’ Care, Thirst, and Completion on the Cross
John 19:25–30 (NKJV)
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Message
I. Behold Your Son: Jesus’ Care (25-27)
See v25.
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
By the cross of Jesus stood three or four people. They are His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Here, His mother’s sister and Mary the wife of Clopas could be the same person. See v26.
26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!”
On the cross, Jesus must have been in excruciating pain. However, when He saw His mother, He took care of her. He gave His mother the disciple whom He loved standing by as her son.
See v27.
27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
Then, Jesus entrusted the disciple with the care of His mother.
II. I Thirst: Fulfillment of Prophecy (28-30a)
See v28-30a.
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30a So when Jesus had received the sour wine,
Jesus knew that all things were now accomplished; That is, He sacrificed on the cross, redeemed our sins, and restored our relationship with God. His mission on the cross was completed. Then, Jesus said, “I thirst!” (28) to fulfill Psalm 22:15 NKJV and Psalm 69:21 NKJV.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And My tongue clings to My jaws;
You have brought Me to the dust of death.
21 They also gave me gall for my food,
And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
This also demonstrates His humanity. John 4:7 also shows Jesus as a human who thirsted.
We find that Jesus took food only after accomplishing all things first. When His disciples urged Him to eat (John 4:31), Jesus said in John 4:32-33 NKJV,
“I have food to eat of which you do not know. My food is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to finish His work.”
We can observe a similar example with the servant of Abraham in Genesis 24:33 NKJV.
33 Food was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told about my errand.”
Also, Jesus taught a similar priority in Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV.
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Similarly, another example is as follows. In the wilderness, Jesus was fasting to prepare for His public mission (Matthew 4:1-2). Then, the devil tempted Jesus when He was hungry (Matthew 4:3). Jesus answered in Matthew 4:4 NKJV,
“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
III. It Is Finished: The Sacrificial Completion of Christ’s Mission (30b)
See v30b.
30b He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
After fulfilling the food-related prophecy in the end (30a), Jesus said, “It is finished!”, indicating that His mission on the cross was completed.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’ Crucifixion and Psalm 22
John 19:23–24 (NKJV)
23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 24 They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:
“They divided My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots.”
Therefore the soldiers did these things.
Message
They had crucified Jesus (23, John 19:17-18). Then, the soldiers took Jesus’ garments, including the outer cloak, sandals, and belt, divided them into four parts, and distributed them among themselves (23). As for the undergarment (the seamless tunic), they didn’t tear it but cast lots to determine who would receive it (24). This fulfilled the prophecy written in Psalm 22:18 NKJV.
Psalm 22 starts with:
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Psalm 22:1 NKJV)
Jesus spoke these words on the cross, as recorded in Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34 and Luke 23:34.
Psalm 22:6-8 NKJV also described how people mocked Jesus while He was on the cross:
6 But I am a worm, and no man;
A reproach of men, and despised by the people.
7 All those who see Me ridicule Me;
They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
8 “He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him;
Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”
This event is recorded in Matthew 27:39-44, Mark 15:29-32 and Luke 23:35-39.
Psalm 22:16 NKJV foretold the piercing of Messiah’s hands and feet:
“…They pierced My hands and My feet;”
Psalm 22 was written between 1011 B.C. and 970 B.C., but it was fulfilled in 33 A.D. when Jesus was crucified.
God’s unique ability to foretell the distant future with perfect accuracy sets Him apart from all creation, proving His sovereignty over time, history and all things. Isaiah 46:9-10 NKJV declares:
9 Remember the things I have done in the past.
For I alone am God!
I am God, and there is none like me.
10 Only I can tell you the future
before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass,
for I do whatever I wish.
Amen. Praise God. Everything He foretells comes true.
Jesus, the King: Pilate’s Inscription and God’s Sovereign Plan
John 19:17–22 (NKJV)
17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:
JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS
20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.
21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ’ ”
22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
Message
I. Jesus Carries His Cross and Is Crucified (17-18)
See v17.
17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha,
Jesus carried His cross to the site of execution. See v18.
18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.
Jesus and two others were crucified. Jesus was in the center between them.
II. Pilate's Inscription: A Statement of Truth (19-20)
See v19.
19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:
JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS
Pilate inscribed Jesus' name and the charge against Him on a title, placing it on the cross. The charge read: 'The King of the Jews.' In John 12:13, the Jews hailed Jesus 'King' after He raised Lazarus, who had been dead for four days. This was an astonishing miracle that no one else had performed. Yet, He was neither an earthly king nor a political threat to Rome. Nevertheless, the Jewish leaders later twisted this glorious title to justify His execution. See v20.
20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.
When Jesus was scourged, they mocked Him by putting a crown of thorns on His head, and a purple robe on Him (John 19:1-2). This time, Pilate translated the title into three languages. This also mocked Jesus and the Jews. However, unknowingly, Pilate declared the truth. What was their response?
III. The Chief Priests’ Objection and Pilate’s Response (21-22)
See v21.
21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ’ ”
The chief priests opposed the public declaration of Jesus as the King of the Jews. So, they tried to make it seem as though it was merely His own claim. What was Pilate’s response? See v22.
22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
Pilate firmly refused to change the title on Jesus’ cross, which declared Him "King of the Jews." Though Pilate may have intended it politically or mockingly, his words unknowingly affirmed a profound truth about Jesus' identity. This verse highlights God’s sovereignty, demonstrating that even human decisions ultimately align with His divine plan.
Pilate’s Dilemma: The Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus
John 19:4–16 (NKJV)
4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”
5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”
6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”
7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”
8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.
10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”
11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”
13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”
15 But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!”
Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”
The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”
16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away.
Message
The Jews arrested Jesus (John 18:1-12) and brought Him to Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, accusing Him of a crime—claiming to be a king (John 18:28-33). Jesus clearly let Pilate know that His kingdom was not of this world and that He was therefore no political threat (John 18:36). So, Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. He tried to release Jesus through a custom at the Passover (John 18:39). He probably didn’t expect it, but the Jews cried out to release a notorious criminal (Matthew 27:16) Barabbas instead of Jesus (John 18:40). Barabbas received an undeserved release, while Jesus suffered an unjust punishment. Jesus was whipped, pierced, mocked, and struck (John 19:1-3).
Today let us study v4-16.
I. Jesus Presented Before the Crowd (4–5)
See v4-5.
4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”
5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”
After scourging Jesus (John 19:1-3), Pilate told the Jews that he found no fault in Him (4). Then, Pilate brought Jesus before the public (5). The scourging took place before the crucifixion. However, Pilate had Jesus scourged in an attempt to appease the Jews so that he could release Him.
They might have tried to scorn Jesus for having no power as a king by dressing Him in a crown and robe (5). Jesus was not guilty or a threat.
II. The Rejection and Pilate’s Questioning (6–11)
What was the Jews’ response? See v6.
6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”
The chief priests and officers cried out for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate asked them to crucify Him and declared that he found no fault in Him (6). Earlier, Pilate had asked them to take Jesus and judge Him according to their law, but the Jews, under Roman rule, had no legal right to put anyone to death (John 18:31). What was the Jews’ response? See v7.
7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”
Although the Jews did not have the legal right to carry out a death sentence, they claimed that their law condemned Him to die (7). What was Pilate’s response? See v8-9.
8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.
Pilate was even more afraid (8). He asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” (9a) Jesus had already explained to Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36-38). But Pilate was only concerned with maintaining his earthly position and life. To appease the Jews, he even had the innocent Jesus scourged. Speaking further would have served no purpose. Moreover, Pilate might have envied Jesus if He had answered. So, Jesus remained silent (9b). However, Jesus indirectly answered him by saying ‘from above’ in v11. How kind Jesus is! What was Pilate’s response? See v10.
10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”
Pilate likely had enough reason to release Jesus due to His innocence, but he continued questioning Him out of fear of political consequences, pressure from the Jewish leaders, and a desire to avoid conflict. What was Jesus’ response? See v11.
11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
Jesus mentioned that the power given to him was from above, meaning that the one who delivered Him to Pilate had the greater sin. 'From above' also indirectly answers Pilate's question, 'Where are You from?' (9) Jesus helped Pilate understand that condemning Him would be a great sin, and it was an even greater sin for the others to have handed Jesus over to him. Jesus taught Pilate that it would be a great sin unless he released Him. What was Pilate's response?
III. The Political Pressure and Final Decision (12–16)
See v12-13.
12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”
13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha.
In the moment that the Jews said v12, Pilate’s concern likely shifted from justice to political survival (13). See v14.
14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”
Pilate's statement, "Behold your King!" (14), was likely sarcastic or mocking, highlighting the absurdity of Jesus' kingship given His beaten state. It may have been an attempt to provoke the crowd, show the Jews the irony of condemning a "king," or reflect Pilate’s internal conflict, caught between his recognition of Jesus' innocence and pressure to avoid political fallout.
See v15-16.
15 But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!”
Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”
The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”
16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away.
A Roman governor could lose his life or position if a riot broke out due to his mismanagement of the Jews. They cried out for Jesus' crucifixion (15a). Pilate’s question, “Shall I crucify your King?” (15b) was meant to highlight the irony of the Jews rejecting their own king and demanding Jesus' death. It also reflected Pilate's frustration and internal conflict, as he recognized Jesus' innocence but was under pressure from the Jewish leaders.
The crowd’s declaration, "We have no king but Caesar!" (15c) highlighted that they rejected Jesus as their king and affirmed their loyalty to Rome. This put Pilate in a difficult position—despite knowing Jesus was innocent, he feared that releasing Him would spark unrest and jeopardize his position under Roman rule—so he handed Jesus over to be crucified.
Jesus was Crushed for our Sins
John 19:1–3 (NKJV)
1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. 2 And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 3 Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.
Message
I. Jesus was whipped (1)
See v1.
1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.
Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. But he was afraid of the crowd. They could start a riot if he did not handle them carefully. It could cost his position or even his life. So, he tried to please them by scourging Jesus.
When he prioritized the earthly position or life, he worried about them and was shaken by fear. He couldn’t stand for the truth. To please the crowd and to protect his position and life,, he even scourged the innocent man Jesus.
Verse 1 in NLT (New Living Translation) reads,
“Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip.”
This is a very painful punishment. This event was foretold by the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 53:5 NLT, “…He was whipped so we could be healed.”
II. Jesus was pierced (2a)
See v2a.
2a And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head,
The soldiers twisted and put a crown of thorns on His head. His head was bleeding because the thorns pierced the skin of his head. He was pierced by nails and a spear as well. These events were foretold by the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 53:5 NLT, “…he was pierced for our rebellion…”
III. Jesus was mocked (2b-3a)
See v2b-3a.
2b and they put on Him a purple robe. 3a Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
They put on Him a purple robe (2b). Purple was a color associated with royalty, power, and wealth in the ancient world. By dressing Jesus in a purple robe, the soldiers were sarcastically mocking His claim (or the claim others made about Him) to kingship.
They mocked Jesus by saying “Hail, King of the Jews!” (3a) as well as putting the crown of thorns on His head (2a) and putting on a purple robe (2b).
These events were foretold in Isaiah 53.
“He was despised and rejected— … ”(Isaiah 53:3 NLT)
“He was oppressed and treated harshly,…” (Isaiah 53:7 NLT)
IV. Jesus was struck (3b)
See v3b.
3b And they struck Him with their hands.
Jesus was unjustly struck in John 18:22 as well. These events were foretold by the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 53:5 NLT, “…He was beaten so we could be whole. …”
In this process, Jesus was crushed for our sins (Isaiah 53:5 NLT).
