Matthew 27:11-32

Jesus Before Pilate

After the false accusations are made against Jesus by the chief priests and elders, He was brought before Pontius Pilate- the Roman governor of Judea at that time.

1. Review vs 11

-Why would Pilate ask this question?

-Discuss the significance of Jesus' response.

-By claiming He was a king, wouldn't this have been seen as a challenge against Rome?

2. As the accusations continued, Jesus remained silent. This amazed Pilate.

-Discuss as a group what may have been going on in Pilate's mind during this illegal trial.

-Why would he have been amazed at Jesus' reluctance to answer the accusations made against him?

3.Review vs 15-24

As a custom during the Passover, a prisoner chosen by the crowd was released to them by the Roman governor. Pilate presented Barabbas... a notorious criminal... and, Jesus- the sinless Son of God, to the crowd.

After being persuaded by the chief priests and elders, the crowd chose Barabbas.

-What does the choice of Barabbas say about the crowd's view of Jesus? Why didn't it bother them that Barabbas was a notorious criminal that could very likely commit grievous crimes again?

-What do you think the priests and elders told the crowd?

4. Review vs 24

After attempting to reason with the crowd, Pilate washed his hands of the responsibility of crucifying Jesus.

-If Pilate had the authority to release Jesus- why didn't he?

-Pilate did not believe that Jesus committed a crime- however, Jesus mentioned earlier that He is the King of the Jews- an openly defiant position against the nation of Rome. Why would Pilate still view him as innocent?

-Is Pilate's act of washing his hands of Jesus' blood the same as asking for forgiveness?

-Do you feel that Pilate was forced into making this decision against Christ?

5. Review vs 25

-What does this verse mean?

6. Before being crucified, Jesus was flogged and mocked by the guards.

-What is flogging? If Jesus was going to be crucified, why was he also flogged?

- Why did the governor's soldiers act in this way?

Bonus Question: Between Pilate, the cruel guards, the false accusations of the chief priests, the crowd that demanded that Jesus be crucified- and the sin of your own life- who holds the most responsibility for Jesus' death?

** If time permits, consider scheduling a private viewing of "The Passion of the Christ" or similar movie with your connection group.

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Matthew 27: 11-44