Better Together

John 19:1-15

Connecting Questions

What does the phrase “choosing the lesser of two evils” mean to you? Have you ever been put in that situation?
What happens when the crowd is divided over the significance of a public figure? What are dangers of “mob mentality?”

Context

There is one phrase that we must understand properly in order to grasp what is happening in the story this week: The Son of God. This is not a title that offended the Hebrew’s theology. In fact, the Hebrew scripture teaches that we are all sons/daughters/children of God. This was a title that attacked Rome. This title was reserved only for the Roman Emperor. He claimed to be The Son of God. He demanded that all his subjects worship him as a god. His Imperial domination of the world was what brought peace on earth. This was the Good News of Caesar that was proclaimed in every city, as everyone shouted, “Caesar is Lord!” Let that soak in.

It is also important to note that Pilate was under great pressure from Rome. The emperor placed Pilate in Judea because there had been a great deal of insurrection and uprisings against the empire. Pilate was told that if he allowed insurrection to happen under his watch he would be executed along with the insurrectionists.

Look at the Book

Read John 19:1-15.
How did the soldiers treat Jesus? Why do you think they did this?
What was Pilate’s opinion of Jesus (verses 4-6)?
What was the accusation brought against Jesus in verse 7?
Why do you think Pilate was afraid?
How does Jesus respond to Pilate’s questions?
How do Pilate and Jesus use the term power differently?
What accusation does the crowd bring against Pilate in verse 12?
What allegiance does the crowd make in order to convince Pilate to execute Jesus?

Taking it Home

There is a great deal of fear in this story. Both Pilate and the religious leaders are afraid that if Jesus starts an uprising, then the Roman army would destroy them. This fear leads them to execute a man of peace as if he were a violent insurrectionist. In what ways has this type of fear motivated our own society to do horrific things?
This is a deeply personal question, and you may or may not want to share as a group. How has your own fear and self-protection led you to do something you knew was contrary to the way of justice and peace?
How does this story connect with our Lenten theme Better Together?

Grow Guide | April 3, 2022