1. Why do we insist on keeping our options open? In relationships? In religious convictions?
2. List the ways Pilate tried to keep his options open when it came to Jesus? Why didn't it work? If Pilate believed Jesus was innocent (see 18:38, 19:4, 19:6), why didn't he release Him?
3. Pilate invites us to "Behold the man!" What were his intentions with this statement? What hidden significance might John see in it (see 1 Corinthians 15:20-26)?
4. Look up the painting "What is Truth?" by Nikolai (https://www.wikiart.org/en/nikolai-ge/what-is-truth-christ-and-pilate) and discuss how the artist interprets Jesus' silence. In other words, what is Jesus saying with His silence in verse 9? How does it relate to Isaiah 53:7ff?
5. Was Jesus truly a threat to the Roman Empire (v. 12)? How? Is He a threat to the authorities of our own day? How? How does your answer inform your Christian life?
2. List the ways Pilate tried to keep his options open when it came to Jesus? Why didn't it work? If Pilate believed Jesus was innocent (see 18:38, 19:4, 19:6), why didn't he release Him?
3. Pilate invites us to "Behold the man!" What were his intentions with this statement? What hidden significance might John see in it (see 1 Corinthians 15:20-26)?
4. Look up the painting "What is Truth?" by Nikolai (https://www.wikiart.org/en/nikolai-ge/what-is-truth-christ-and-pilate) and discuss how the artist interprets Jesus' silence. In other words, what is Jesus saying with His silence in verse 9? How does it relate to Isaiah 53:7ff?
5. Was Jesus truly a threat to the Roman Empire (v. 12)? How? Is He a threat to the authorities of our own day? How? How does your answer inform your Christian life?
