Not Guilty?

Here's the link to the Sermon: The Innocent Man 

Reading: John 19:1-16


Read question 7 and keep that in mind as you run through the first 5 questions.

1. How many trials had Jesus had, who were they with and what were the individual 'Judges' positions - who held the real authority?
2. What did Pilate hope to achieve by having Jesus scourged? Describe scourging, and discuss the other nasty things the soldiers did to Jesus. V. 1-3
3. What was Pilate more afraid of and why?
4. V.8Why did Pilate question Jesus again?
5. How many times is Jesus declared "not guilty"?
6. What does Verse 11 mean, who is 'the one' and how is one sin greater than another?
7. There is some interesting fact and history here, but what is there in this passage that we can apply to our lives today?

The whole truth

If you missed it, here's a link to the Sermon: The truth is...

Reading: John 18:28-40

1. What was the time and what had been going on during the night? (18:1-27).
2.  What concession did Pilate make to the Jews? (29) Why do you think that was? What was the Jews reply? (30)
3. What did Pilate ask the Jews and how did they respond? Is there anything wrong with their answer? Why did the Jews demand Jesus be tried by Pilate? How does this fulfil Jesus’ words in 12:32-33? (32)
4. What did Pilate ask Jesus? (33) Why did he ask that? How did Jesus respond?
5. Jesus taught Pilate about his kingdom, what did He teach and what does this mean? (36)
6. Why is Jesus’ kingship different from the kingship in the world? What does it mean, “All who love the truth recognise that what I say is true.”? (37)
7. Why did Pilate ask, “What is truth?” (38) Did he stand on the side of truth? How did Pilate seek a compromise? (39) Why did he fail? (40)
8. What can we learn from Jesus who was rejected by people? (Isa 53:3-5)

Crunch Point

If you missed it, here's a link to the Sermon: Crunch Point

Reading: John 18:1-27

Group discussion points:

1. What is the context of John 18, and what do the other gospel accounts say happened in the garden before Jesus’ arrest?
2. Why does John seem to miss thing out?
3. Why was Judas needed by the religious leaders to betray Jesus?
4. How does Jesus show that He is in control and not the men with swords and clubs? Why did Jesus tell Peter to put his sword away?
5. Why is John the only one that mentions Peter and Malchus by name?
6. Who was Annas and why was he important? Who was the other disciple that followed Jesus?
7. What was Peter’s first mistake?
8. Why did he deny Jesus (vs. 17)?
9. What was illegal about Jesus trial by Annas, the chief priests, scribes
   and elders?
10. What did Jesus’ response to the enquiry prove?
11. Why does John mention that it was one of Malchus’ relatives that was questioning Peter?
12. How many times did Peter deny Jesus?
13. How do the other gospels describe his denials?
14. What was Peter’s reaction after he heard the cock crow?

Personal points to chat about with God

1. What do you do to avoid temptation?
2. What do you do when you find yourself tempted?
3. What should you do?
4. How can you be more like Jesus in facing betrayal and trials?