Scripture to Read: John 18:33–38
The mock trial of Jesus continued as Pilate questioned Him. Pilate needed to know if Jesus was a threat to Rome, so, we read his questions and Jesus’ answers in John 18:33–36. Jesus told Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world, for if it had been, Jesus’ servants (His holy angels) would have fought on His behalf, and He would not have been handed over to the Jews. Pilate had no idea he was speaking to the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords and that with one word from Jesus, His holy angels could have wiped out everyone. But Jesus knew He had been sent by God the Father to redeem mankind from the power and penalty of sin. So, we read in John 18:37, Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Jesus told Pilate, "Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Jesus knew the god of this world blinded (2 Corinthians 4:3–4) the minds of non-believers, and He knew Pilate and the rest of the crowd were blinded to Who He was and what He came to do. It’s no wonder Pilate responded to Jesus in John 18:38 by saying, “What is truth?” Until someone surrenders to Christ as Lord, they are blind to the truth (1 John 4:6).
Challenge & Application
• What was the problem with Pilate and the crowd? Why could they not see Who Jesus was as King and Lord?
• Why are people today still blind to Who Jesus is, and why can’t they discern that He is Truth?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!