John 18:28-37
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This is a once off sermon called "Christ is King".
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect What helps to remind you on your frontline each day that we await a resurrected future in Christ, that is physical, eternal, and with God? How does that change and shape your day to day perspective?
Warm-Up
- What qualities do you ideally want from a person who is in charge?
- The nation Israel had a mixed history with the success of kings. When did Israel’s kings do well and when did Israel’s kings fail? What do you think the people of Israel were looking for in a king?
Read John 18:28-32
- What has happened up to this point in order for Jesus now to be in front of Pilate?
- What was trying to be avoided? What is meant by this? What is tragic about this?
- Why did the Jewish leaders want Jesus tried by Pilate? What charge did they bring against him?
- What had Jesus said about the kind of death he was to face? (Try looking at cross-references.)
- Why do you think the religious leaders (amongst others) were so intent on trying to have Jesus killed? In what way did Jesus threaten people? (Try thinking broadly, as there are likely a number of reasons.)
- Do you think people are threatened by Jesus today? Why or why not?
Read John 18:33-37
- Does Pilate seem particularly interested in Jesus? What do you think he would like to do with Jesus?
- Why would the claim that Jesus is a king attract serious attention from the Roman authorities?
- What type of king is Jesus? How does this compare to any other king who has (or will) exist?
- How does Jesus respond to Pilate? What does Jesus mean by this?
- Does Jesus’ assertion that his “kingdom is not of this world” mean that it is not relevant to us?
- How is Jesus’ Kingship related to his purpose? Why is his Kingship good for us? How is he enthroned?
- What is Jesus' kingdom like? How do we become members of his kingdom?
- What are you most looking forward to when Jesus’ kingdom comes in full? How can our lives give a glimpse of this future kingdom?
Read Revelation 4:9-11
- Who is the one seated on the throne in this vision of the future? When will it happen?
- How does your daily life reflect that Jesus is the King of Kings?
Apply How can you demonstrate Jesus’ Kingship more-and-more in your life?
Prayer
Almighty Lord, thank you that Jesus is the King of Kings! Please help us to reflect the reality of his Kingship in our lives as we look forward to that day when Jesus’ Kingdom will come in full. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Front Line this Week
What would advocating for truth look like for you this week?
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- Listen (sermon): “What Kind of King?” by Chris Fishlock:
https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/54769/ - Listen (sermon): “God’s Heavenly King” by William Taylor:
https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/6979/ - Listen (sermon): “What gives you a monopoly on truth?” by Mark Meynell:
https://www.allsouls.org/Media/AllMedia.aspx?show_media=51936&show_file=54805 - Listen (sermon series): “God’s Kingdom” by St Bart’s:
https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermon-series/gods-kingdom - Listen (sermon): “Jesus before Pilate” by Andew Turnbull:
https://stebbes.org/sermons/jesus-before-pilate/ - Book: “How God became King” by N T Wright:
Available in the St Bart’s Library: https://www.librarycat.org/lib/stbart/item/240115266
