John 18 - Africa Study Bible

Standing Tall for Small Things • John 18:28–19:22

Pilate made some very interesting statements during the trial of Jesus: “He is not guilty of any crime.” (John 18:38); “I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty” (John 19:4); “Take him yourselves and crucify him . . . I find him not guilty” (John 19:6); “What I have written, I have written” (John 19:22).

In the first two statements, Pilate declared Jesus innocent of anything worthy of death. In the third statement, Pilate granted the wish of the Jews to crucify Jesus, even though he had stated publicly that there was no legal basis for executing him. Pilate failed one of the most important tests of a political leader—upholding justice and providing security for one of his subjects. However, a few minutes later, when the chief priest objected to the title “King of the Jews” which would be placed on the cross of Jesus, Pilate fiercely defended his decision and said, “What I have written, I have written.” This story is an example of a leader failing the big test but standing tall for a less significant thing.

Jonah did something similar. During the last two verses of the book of Jonah, the Lord condemned Jonah for feeling sorry for the “plant though you did nothing to put it there” but ignoring the “120,000 people living in spiritual darkness” (Jonah 4:10-11). Like Pilate, Jonah is an example of one who stood tall for the less important.

Unfortunately, many of us follow the example of Jonah and Pilate. We courageously stand up for something that has less significance but fail to act with courage in the most important issues. Ask God to give you the courage to stand tall in the big issues that could bring the most criticism and controversy.

Truth Prevails • John 18:38

Pilate asked an important question: “What is truth?” It is a question that has been asked for centuries—and is still asked today. Truth was an important topic in the Gospel of John. Luke refers to truth twelve times; Mark fourteen times; Matthew thirty-two times; but John refers to truth sixty-nine times.

Like many religious leaders today, Pilate seemed to define truth as the popular idea that truth is whatever appeals to the majority. If people in a church prefer a certain style of preaching or singing without paying much attention to the content of those sermons or songs, they may unknowingly be drifting away from the truth. Pilate knew the truth that Jesus was innocent, but he would not accept it because it was not the popular idea. Pilate turned away from the truth and bowed down to what worked best for him.

Truth is not negotiable for us. It is an essential part of our Christian faith. According to John:

Truth enables us to truly worship God—“True worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23).

Truth sets us free— “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Truth helps make us holy—“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth” (John 17:17).

Many of us follow what is popular, even if it is not right. We do what works, even if it goes against God’s law. Too many people deceive and manipulate to make money. Too many teach wrong doctrines because that is what people want to hear. Too many pay bribes because it has become the acceptable “true practice” in our societies. Those who speak or practise the truth can be seen as the odd ones.

Do you follow God’s truth, or do you allow your own thoughts and ideas to define your “truth”? Are you willing to stand for the truth even if it goes against what might work best for you? Remember, if you know God’s truth and do not do it, you stand against God, and you will miss his blessings.