Lesson Twelve: THE HOUR OF GLORY: THE CROSS AND RESURRECTION
As we approach the climax of the Gospel of John, this week, we are looking at the encounter of Pilate with Jesus Christ prior to His crucifixion and the events that unfold between Jesus Christ and His disciples together with Mary Magdalene right after His resurrection.
Memory Text: John 18:37(NKJV)
Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
SABBATH; Looking at the death of Jesus Christ as recorded by the four gospels, Matthew records it as fulfillment of Scripture, Mark connects Jesus’ baptism to the Cross and Luke points out the aspect of healing and salvation as entailed by the Cross. Shameful as Jesus Christ’s crucifixion was, John highlights that moment as one that showed the glory of God through these events of the death, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
(READ John 7:30; 8:20; 12:27 )
SUNDAY; Jesus Christ is asked by Pilate if He is the King of the Jews, upon being brought for trial. Jesus then asks Pilate the reason behind his query as being his own or as an instigation of people’s sayings. Jesus tells Pilate of how He is a king of the heavenly kingdom, being a witness of truth and each person of truth as one who listens to Him. Pilate then asks what truth is, however, having Jesus, the Truth, standing right infront of him, he missed the opportunity of knowing the Truth because of his earlier prejudice, perceptions and pressure from the public.
(READ John 18:33-38)
MONDAY; Pilate sought to persuade the crowd to let Jesus free, and as the custom was, he asked the crowd to choose between releasing Jesus Christ or Barabbas, who was a thief, with the hope that they would choose Jesus. Unfortunately, with anger, the crowd called out for Jesus’ crucifixion. Referring to Jesus as the King of the Jews by Pilate, the soldiers instead made a mockery out of it. And upon denying Christ as their king and claiming Caesar as their king, the crowd and the leaders continued to push for Christ’s crucifixion due to their hatred towards Him.
(READ John 18:38-19:5)
TUESDAY; In as much as Pilate wrote the inscription that stated Jesus of Nazareth as the King of the Jews, a higher power than him or the Jews directed the placing of this inscription, for it was the providence of God that this inscription would awaken thought and investigation of the Scriptures. By Jesus Christ’s declaration of it being finished, His perfect sacrifice at Calvary was completed and we are left to only embrace this salvation as a gift of grace which is received by faith, and it is through this faith that we are empowered to live an obedient and victorious life in Christ’s righteousness.
(READ John 19:25-30)
WEDNESDAY; Jesus, having died on Friday afternoon, was buried because the Sabbath was approaching. Not having completed the burial procedures because of the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, together with other women rushed to the the tomb on Sunday morning with spices, only to find it empty. Upon this report, Peter and John rushed to the tomb. Upon entering the tomb right after Peter, John believes that Jesus is risen. Due to the presence of the folded linen clothes present in the tomb, this fact about Jesus’ resurrection is fastened and not linked to theft of His body.
(READ John 20:1-10)
THURSDAY; At a later time, Mary Magdalene returned to the tomb, and was weeping. She sees two angels who asked her why she was weeping. She answered by telling them of her sorrow brought by the fact that she did not know where Jesus’ body had been taken. Upon being asked about why she was weeping by one whom she thought was a gardener, she seeks to know about Jesus’ whereabouts. And upon Jesus calling upon her name, she recognizes Jesus Christ and she is tasked to tell of His ascension to His disciples. She fulfilled her mission and told them of how she had seen the Lord, Jesus Christ.
(READ John 20:11-18)
FRIDAY; Pilate longed to deliver Jesus from the hands of the Jews who wanted Him dead. Yet, because he wanted to retain his honour as a governor, he decided to sacrifice an innocent life. How unfortunate it is that many, to escape loss or suffering, in like manner sacrifice principle. On the other hand, all the heaven triumphed in the Saviour’s victory, Satan was defeated and knew that his kingdom was lost, and they share with us the fruits of Christ’s victory.
(READ “‘It Is Finished'” pp 758-764, “‘The Lord Is Risen'” pp 779-787 and “‘Why Weepest Thou?”‘ pp 788-794 in The Desire of Ages by Ellen G White)
CAPTIONS:
SUNDAY; What is truth?
MONDAY; Behold the Man!
TUESDAY; ” ‘It is finished’ “
WEDNESDAY; The empty tomb
THURSDAY; Jesus and Mary
FRIDAY; Further thought
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS;
1. More than ever before, people ask the same question that Pilate asked Jesus: “What is truth?” Why do you think the truth is being cast aside in our day? What are some of the contributing societal factors?
2. Why did Jesus have to die in our place? Why did He have to be our Substitute? Why was His death necessary if we were to have salvation? What Scripture passages support your answer?
