Introduction
“What is truth?” (John 18:38). Pilate asked the question while Truth himself stood in front of him. In this passage, the Roman governor goes back and forth between the crowd outside and Jesus inside, trying to escape a decision. It’s a study of power, truth, and the King whose kingdom does not come from this world (18:36).
Context
After questioning by Annas and Caiaphas, Jesus is taken at dawn to Pilate’s official residence, the praetorium. The Jewish leaders could not carry out an execution under Roman rule, so they needed Pilate. They wouldn’t enter, to avoid ceremonial defilement before Passover (18:28), even as they sought an innocent man’s death.
Passage Overview
The leaders accuse Jesus. Pilate asks whether Jesus is the Jews’ king. Jesus answers that his kingdom doesn’t belong to this world (v. 36), and says he came to testify to what is true (v. 37). Pilate asks, “What is truth?” He finds no guilt, offers to release Jesus, but the crowd chooses Barabbas. Pilate has Jesus flogged and mocked with a crown of thorns, then presents him to the crowd: look at him, here he is (19:5). When the leaders say Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, Pilate is afraid. Finally, under pressure (the leaders insist Caesar is their only king, 19:15), he hands Jesus over to be crucified.
Verse-by-Verse Commentary
18:28-32: Careful Hypocrisy
The leaders guard ritual purity while plotting murder. John notes this fulfilled Jesus’ words about how he’d die, by Roman crucifixion, raised high on a cross (12:32-33).
18:33-38a: A Different Kingdom
Jesus doesn’t deny being a king, but his kingdom doesn’t belong to this world, meaning not from this world’s source or methods. If it were, his servants would fight. He came to bear witness to truth, and all who belong to the truth hear and heed him (v. 37).
18:38b-40: “What Is Truth?”
Pilate’s question may be cynical or weary. Either way, he walks away without waiting for an answer. The crowd chooses Barabbas, a robber or rebel, over Jesus. The guilty man goes free; the innocent one is condemned.
19:1-7: Pilate Presents the King
Flogged, crowned with thorns, dressed in purple, Jesus is mocked as a king. Pilate presents him, perhaps hoping for pity: here is the man. Ironically, he is the true man, and the true King.
19:8-16: Who Has Authority?
Pilate claims power to release or crucify. Jesus replies that Pilate would have no power over him if God had not granted it (v. 11). Pilate, afraid of Caesar more than God, gives in. It’s about noon on the day of Preparation for Passover (v. 14), as Passover lambs were being prepared.
Key Themes
- Jesus is the King of a different kingdom.
- Jesus is the truth.
- The innocent dies for the guilty (Barabbas).
- God is sovereign over human power.
- Neutrality isn’t possible with Jesus.
Gospel Connection
Barabbas is a picture of every one of us. The guilty walked free because the innocent took his place. Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, was condemned at the very hour the lambs were prepared. Isaiah foresaw the Servant wounded for our rebellion (Isaiah 53:5).
Application
- Don’t walk away from the question. Who is Jesus to you?
- Listen to his voice. People who belong to the truth listen to him.
- See yourself in Barabbas. Thank Jesus for taking your place.
- Fear God, not people. Where are you tempted to compromise under pressure?
- Live as a citizen of his kingdom, not by the world’s methods.
Discussion Questions
- How do the leaders show hypocrisy in 18:28?
- What does Jesus mean that his kingdom isn’t from this world?
- Why do you think Pilate asked, “What is truth?” and then left?
- How does Barabbas picture the gospel?
- What’s the irony of Pilate presenting Jesus as the man?
- What does Jesus teach about authority in 19:11?
- Where do you feel pressure to choose Caesar over Christ?
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jesus mean when he told Pilate his kingdom comes from elsewhere?
Jesus was not denying that he is King. He was saying his royal rule does not come from human power or advance by force, which is why his servants were not fighting (John 18:36). His rule comes from heaven and is established through truth and his sacrificial death.
Why did Pilate ask, What is truth?
Pilate’s question in John 18:38 may have been cynical or weary, but he walked away without waiting for an answer. The truth stood before him, in person, in Jesus (John 14:6). Pilate shows how a person can face the truth and still evade it.
Who was responsible for Jesus’ death according to John 18-19?
John shows the religious leaders, the crowd, and Pilate all sharing guilt. Yet Jesus told Pilate he had no authority except what was given from above (John 19:11). Human sin carried out the crucifixion, but God sovereignly used it to accomplish salvation (Acts 2:23).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are the truth and the true King. Forgive me for the times I’ve walked away from your truth or feared people more than you. Thank you for taking my place like Barabbas. Help me listen to your voice and live as a citizen of your kingdom. Amen.
Related: It Is Finished Meaning
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Next study: It Is Finished Meaning: John 19 Crucifixion Study.