Verses 16-26

Jesus, like many people condemned to die on a cross, carried his own beam to Golgotha.

Pilate's statement of guilt was that Jesus was the King of the Jews. This was a dig against Jesus' persecutors.

The soldiers participating in Jesus' crucifixion unknowingly participated in gambling prophesied in the Old Testament.

And Jesus directed John to take his mother into his household.

Hit Where It Hurts

Pilate was mired in Jesus' innocence, an angry mob, and Caesar.

The mob shrewdly forced Pilate to condemn Jesus because Jesus was King of the Jews.

Since Pilate's directive was to protect Caesar's interests, and since a kingdom has room for only one king, Jesus had to die.

Power From Above

Pilate took steps to have Jesus released, but Jesus' accusers presented convincing arguments to prevent Pilate from carrying out his plan.

Judas was more culpable than Pilate in this situation because God himself gave Pilate the authority to condemn Jesus.

Outline of John 19

Jesus is condemned to death, dies, and is buried.

What Is Truth?

It's one of the most important questions in the world.

Jesus prompted Pilate to ask it in the midst of his capital trial.

I wonder if Pilate became a Christian after Jesus' resurrection.

Busted!

Nice try, Peter.

When you slice off someone's ear, their relatives remember you.

The Truth Hurts

People hate it when others are more righteous.

It's worse when they try to find others' faults and can't find any.

In my opinion, it's safer not to seek out other people's weaknesses. Just accept the fact that we all come up short.