Encounter Three. The High Priest And Pontius Pilate. (Includes Discussion Questions At The End) Series

THE HIGH PRIEST AND PONTIUS PILATE

What is the main idea of the message? We must learn to listen to, walk in and practice THE TRUTH.

Jesus washed his disciple’s feet in love and compassion. Pilate washed his hands in disdain and rejection.

Truth. noun, 'trüth, plural truths\ 'trüt?hz , 'trüths \

Definition of truth

1a(1): the body of real things, events, and facts : ACTUALITY

(2): the state of being the case: FACT

(3) often capitalized: a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality

b: a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true. truths of thermodynamics

c: the body of true statements and propositions

2a: the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality

chiefly British: TRUE SENSE 2

c: fidelity to an original or to a standard

3a: sincerity in action, character, and utterance

archaic: FIDELITY, CONSTANCY

: in accordance with fact: ACTUALLY

Truth | Definition of Truth by Merriam-Webster (Merriam-webster.com)

“Confidence in our institutions is lower than ever. The home, The Church, Our Government. The Bible tells the truth about man, God, and the devil.” Billy Graham, 1983

Here’s a simple definition is drawn from what the Bible teaches: Truth is that which is consistent with the mind, will, character, glory, and being of God.

https://www.gty.org/library/Articles/A379/What-Is-Truth

People turn to worship bugs, animals, and other human beings because they have no moral requirements.

https://www.gty.org/library/Articles/A379/What-Is-Truth

Following his defeat at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, Mark Antony heard a rumor that Cleopatra had committed suicide and, in consequence, stabbed himself in the abdomen—only to discover that Cleopatra herself had been responsible for spreading the rumor. He later died in her arms. ‘Fake news is nothing new, but in our internet age it has spread like a disease . . . What Is Truth? | Psychology Today

READ . . .

FIRST INTERROGATION, The High Priest.

19 Inside, the high priest began asking Jesus about his followers and what he had been teaching them.

20 Jesus replied, “Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have not spoken in secret. 21 Why are you asking me this question? Ask those who heard me. They know what I said.”

22 Then one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face. “Is that the way to answer the high priest?” he demanded.

23 Jesus replied, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?”

24 Then Annas bound Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas, the high priest.

Jesus is the Truth; He needs no defense!

Jesus is the Truth; He calls for witnesses

SECOND INTERROGATION, Pilate the Governor

28 Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas ended in the early hours of the morning. Then he was taken to the headquarters of the Roman governor. His accusers didn’t go inside because it would defile them, and they wouldn’t be allowed to celebrate Passover.

29 So Pilate, the governor, went out to them and asked, “What is your charge against this man?”

30 “We wouldn’t have handed him over to you if he weren’t a criminal!” they retorted.

31 “Then take him away and judge him by your own law,” Pilate told them.

THE AGENDA - CRUCIFY HIM!

“Only the Romans are permitted to execute someone,” the Jewish leaders replied. 32 (This fulfilled Jesus’ prediction about the way he would die.)

33 Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him.

“Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him.

34 Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”

35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”

JESUS DECLARED HIS KINGDOM

36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

37 Pilate said, “So you are a king?”

Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”

WHAT IS TRUTH?

38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, “He is not guilty of any crime. 39 But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this ‘King of the Jews’?”

40 But they shouted back, “No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!” (Barabbas was a revolutionary.)

Chapter 19. Jesus Sentenced to Death