Lord’s Day 15
Q38. Why did he suffer under Pontius Pilate as judge?
So that he, though he was innocent, would be condemned by an earthly judge, and so free us from the terrible judgment of God that was hanging over us.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Luke 23:13–24
“And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release . (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this , and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify , crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.”
John 19:4, 13–16
“Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with , away with , crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led away.”
Isaiah 53:4–5
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Galatians 3:13
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Who was Pontius Pilate, and what did he do to Jesus?
- 2
Why does it matter that an earthly judge condemned Jesus even though he was innocent?
- 3
How does Jesus' unfair trial set you free from God's judgment?
Illustration
Imagine a courtroom where an innocent older brother stands up and says, "Punish me instead of my younger brother." The judge agrees, and the younger brother goes free. Jesus stood before Pilate and took a guilty verdict so that you would never face God's courtroom alone.
Application
When you feel guilty about something you have done wrong, confess it to God and remember that Jesus already stood condemned in your place. His verdict means your case is settled.