We’re only a little over a week from Christmas – and we’re also almost done with our study in the Gospel of John. I know that oftentimes I use this week to teach on Christmas themes, but I just feel the section we’re in demands we continue…at least one more week. Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, and we’ll be doing our annual Christmas Eve service during our morning service (make a note!) – so this Sunday we’ll be continuing our John series with the second part of Jesus’ trial before Pilate. We’ll be reading ch 19:1-16a.

My hope is that your Christmas is a joyful time of celebration. I know, though, for many this is a time that simply reinforces the difficulties life has already dished out. That’s one reason I wanted to stick with this passage in John.

Much like the first part of Pilate’s interrogation, the Kingship of Jesus is largely in view. Pilate allows his soldiers to abuse Jesus, and they do so by making him a parody of a king – placing a crown of thorns on his head. It was meant to mimic the wreath crown worn by Caesar – but for those of us who know the biblical narrative, it’s a stunning call back to the beginning of the Bible. For reference, read Gen 3 . Jesus wearing that crown speaks of Him carrying something away on our behalf – and based on Genesis 3, what is it?

Pilate tries to release Jesus but the religious leaders won’t be persuaded – and in the further exchange between he and Jesus, we are given a revelation about who really has the power in this whole scenario (v11). That’s something to really keep in mind.

Things looked dire, even despairing for Jesus and his followers – and yet, through it all, God had not lost control of the situation, in fact, He was using it to accomplish His purposes for humanity and the world. It’s just a good reminder that no matter how dark our days (or holidays) may seem, nothing is going to thwart God’s intention to redeem! Romans 8:31-39 has some encouraging things to say about that!

I think this will be a reassuring text for us to study this Sunday – I hope you can join us!

Click here for a pdf of the teaching slideshow.