The gospel of John | Week 12 – CONDEMNATION AND CRUCIFIXION
Week’s Passage John 19
inTro
King of the Jews
The lesson explores Pilate’s actions in the final scenes leading to Jesus’ condemnation and crucifixion, as recorded in John 19. Pilate, despite finding no guilt in Jesus, had Him flogged and mocked by Roman soldiers, who placed a thorny crown and cloak on Him, mockingly acknowledging Him as “King of the Jews.” Pilate then presented Jesus to the crowd, possibly hoping to evoke sympathy, but the chief priests and their servants instead demanded His crucifixion. Their chant of “Crucify Him” quickly spread among the crowd, signalling Pilate’s failure to assert justice.
inGest
The Verdict
The religious leaders revealed their true motive for wanting Jesus crucified: His claim to divinity (John 19:7). Pilate, fearing divine retribution, questioned Jesus’ origin but received no answer. Jesus reminded Pilate that ultimate power over life and death rested with Him, not Pilate (v. 11). Despite Pilate’s efforts to release Jesus, the crowd accused him of disloyalty to Caesar, pressuring him to condemn Jesus. Ultimately, the priests and leaders rejected Jesus as their King, declaring allegiance to Caesar instead (v. 15). This moment symbolized their rejection of God’s kingship, even as they prepared for Passover, a celebration of divine deliverance.
inTerpret
Crucifixion
Jesus’ death as the true Passover Lamb fulfilled prophecy and brought salvation. Pilate’s inscription declared Him King, unintentionally affirming His universal reign. Soldiers divided His garments, fulfilling scripture, while Jesus entrusted His mother to the beloved disciple, forming a family of faith that witnesses His redeeming work.
inVite
Death and Burial
Jesus completed His mission, declaring, “It is finished!” before willingly laying down His life (John 19:30). His request for a drink fulfilled prophecy and reinforced His role as the true Passover Lamb (John 19:28–29). Soldiers confirmed His death by piercing His side, fulfilling scripture (John 19:34). Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, once secret disciples, courageously prepared Jesus’ body with royal honor, reflecting His kingship and their deep devotion (John 19:38–42).
inSight
For Thee
Jesus endured the cross with grace, prayed for His enemies, and declared, “It is finished,” securing redemption and defeating sin. His sacrifice revealed God’s love, assured humanity’s salvation, and ensured the universe’s eternal security.
(Ellen G White, Desire of Ages [1898] 744)
inQuire
•Why was Pilate afraid of condemning Jesus, yet also afraid of defending Him?
How did politics compromise Pilate’s willingness to do the right thing?
•In what ways are we, like Pilate, forced to choose between Jesus and the demands of the crowd?
•What makes it so difficult to choose Jesus instead of the crowd? What can we do to combat those influences?
•What was the significance of Jesus’ condemnation and death corresponding with the Passover?
•Why do you think Jesus entrusted Mary to the John’s care rather than one of His brothers?
