Pontius Pilate.
Youth Lesson
February 5, 2016.
What do you remember about Pilate? We’re reminded of him every time we
confess the Apostles’ Creed. “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died
and was buried.” We call this part of the creed Jesus’ humiliation.
Who was Pilate? He was a cunning, crusty and crass procurator. What in the
world is a procurator? He was basically a governor of the province of Judea in the
years of Jesus ministry. He was also a power monger. Now, he was not elected,
nor up for re-call but appointed by the powers that be in Rome. He had better
stay in line or he would be in the Jerusalem unemployment line. Or worse.
We can learn a lot about Pilate. He presided over Jesus’ ‘trial’ that lead to his
death on a cross. He asked Jesus a question. “Don’t you realize I have the power
to free you?” There is the power deal again. Did Pilate have as much power as he
thought he had?
There is a second question that Pilate asked Jesus. And, it is directed to us. What
is truth? How utterly ironic, bizarre and wild that truth is standing right in front of
Pilate and he doesn’t know it. In our own world today, many believe that there is
no absolute truth. That is, certain, sure, foundational and eternal teaching that is
part of the fabric of life, needed for order, and given by God. Is there anything we
can know for sure? Some would say all truth is relative. That sounds like a truth
statement to me! Is right and wrong simply a cultural construct?
What do you notice about how Pilate reacts to the crowds? (Matthew 27:11-26)
How is it that Jesus chooses not to answer at first? The scene concludes with the
ultimate irony. The crowds choose a felon to be released. What is his name? Bar
Jesus. They chose another Jesus. Something to think about…
What can crowds do to us to help our faith?
What can crowds to us to hinder our faith?
Where have you seen power well-used this week? Mis-used?
What is a Christian response to power and how to use it?