WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF JOHN’S GOSPEL: THE TRUTH LESSON 24
- Submitted to God gives us joy, fulfillment, and contentment
- God gives us hope and strength
- Failure to respond to God has eternal consequences
- Let God’s Truth direct your life
Category: BSF John’s Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024
Welcome to AtoZMom’s BSF Blog! Learn about the apostle John as we study BSF International, or Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)’s study of the book of John called “BSF John’s Gospel: The Truth.” See Jesus through John’s eyes and grow in your relationship with him in this rewarding bible study. See all of the 12 Apostles learn from Jesus as they walk with him to the cross and to our eternal salvation.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 5: John 19:8-16
Summary of John 19:8-16
Pilate was afraid, thinking Jesus may be the Son of God. When he questioned Jesus again, Jesus did not answer. Pilate still tried to free Jesus, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting and accusing Pilate of not being a friend of Caesar. Pilate gave in.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 5: John 19:8-16
13) Hearing that Jesus may be the Son of God and probably knowing it’s truth somewhere deep inside of him. Jesus refused to answer Pilate.
14a) “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”
Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
b) Pilate’s loyalty to Caesar was being questioned by the Jewish leaders. The Jewish leaders also would not quit shouting to crucify Jesus. Pilate had no rebuttal, so he gave in.
c) Out of fear of a rebellion maybe. Out of fear that Jesus was the Son of God.
15) Sin becomes a habit, which can be hard to overcome. Once sin takes root in the heart, it grows and you are blinded to the light of God’s truth. Staying the course is always better.
16) Many. In the hardships of my life, He is there. He gets me through. God is good. God is faithful. God is Almighty. I respond by giving Him the glory.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 5: John 19:8-16
Humanity does not change, and how Pilate reacted has been seen throughout history. Giving into peer pressure is very similar. It’s hard to stand for Truth. But, we must.
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 5: John 19:8-16
Jesus gave no answer as he had already explained himself: his kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36).
Pilate was not used to people not being afraid of him and groveling for freedom. Yet, Pilate was weak. He gave into the Jewish leaders.
God granted Pilate power.
In reality, Pilate was not a friend of Caesar. He was a puppet, a pawn. And, he was afraid of losing his position.
In reality, Pilate was the one on trial.
Pilate presents bloodied, beaten, and mocked Jesus to the crowd. They reject him — a fatal mistake.
God often gives us multiple chances to respond to His Truth, like He did with Pilate. Failure to respond has eternal consequences.
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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 4: John 18:39-19:7
Summary of John 18:39-19:7
Pilate bowed to political pressure and custom, allowing the Jewish people to decide if they wanted to execute Jesus or not. They did.
Jesus was flogged and had a crown of thorns placed on his head. He was clothed in a purple robe and beaten.
Pilate told the people that Jesus was innocent. But, the Jewish leaders and the people wanted Jesus crucified. Still, Pilate does not want to kill Jesus. But, the Jewish leaders insist.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 4: John 18:39-19:7
10a) “I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?”
b) They asked for Jesus to be crucified.
11a) He was flogged. A crown of thorns was placed on his head. He was beaten.
b) I think it got the Jewish people even more determined to crucify Jesus since Pilate was trying to stop it.
12a) With shouts of crucify. They demanded Jesus be killed because he claimed to be the Son of God.
b) With love, compassion, and the truth.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 4: John 18:39-19:7
This whole scene is sad. Pilate being a weak leader. The Jews calling for an innocent man’s death. Human sin and man’s fallen nature can be so vile.
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 4: John 18:39-19:7
Pilate tries to release Jesus, but the crowd says no. Calling Jesus the King of the Jews was intended to get the people to release Jesus.
Barnabas was considered a terrorist and opposed the Romans. Therefore, he was a hero in the eyes of the Jews.
Next, Pilate whips Jesus and mocks him, hoping the crowd will set him free after that.
Being whipped or scourged often killed people. Yet, Pilate hoped this would satisfy the Jewish people and have Jesus set free. Ironic.
No leader wore a painful crown of thorns. The purple robe (only Roman leaders wore purple) was meant to mock Jesus.
Pilate’s role was to free Jesus. But, he did not.
Once more, Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd, bloodied and beaten. This sight did nothing to soften the Jews’ hearts towards Jesus.
Pilate tells the people to look at Jesus. The religious leaders’ cry to crucify Jesus was pure hatred of God.
Pilate says Jesus is innocent for the third time.
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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 3: John 18:33-38
Summary John 18:33-38
Pilate questioned Jesus and asked him if he were king of the Jews. Jesus says his kingdom is not of this world. Jesus says he testifies to truth. Pilate, exasperated, tells the Jewish leaders there is no basis for charges here.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 3: John 18:33-38
7a) Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus says, “Is that your own idea, or did others talk to you about me?”
b) He was trying to see if Pilate thought he was guilty, or if he was just being a pawn. Did Pilate really want to know the answer?
8 ) Pilate asked Jesus what he has done. He missed the opportunity to ask Jesus who he was.
9a) “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
b) He immediately focused on Jesus as being a king, but an earthly king.
c) Same. They are looking for tangible Jesus, when Jesus is of the heart. They miss his meaning completely.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 3: John 18:33-38
I love how Jesus constantly reaches out to his enemies, hoping to turn them to him. If Jesus does this for unbelievers, imagine how he helps us/believers each and every day. God is so good!
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 3: John 18:33-38
John leaves how how Jesus was taken to Herod and this is a second appearance before Pilate.
Pilate expected someone else who was not Jesus. He was not a criminal like he was used to dealing with. He was our Lord.
When Jesus said his kingdom is not from here, Pilate could have concluded Jesus was not a threat. But, he did not.
Jesus claimed to be a King of Truth, to which Pilate sneered, believing there was not spiritual truth. That being said, Pilate knew Jesus was innocent.
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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 2: John 18:28-32
Summary of John 18:28-32
Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. Pilate came out and asked what charges Jesus was facing. Pilate did not want to deal with this, but the Jewish leaders told them they could not execute Jesus.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 2: John 18:28-32
3a) To avoid ceremonial uncleanness and maintain ritual purity since it’s Passover.
b) Not really. They were seeking to kill someone illegally and without justification, and that breaks the 10 Commandments. In Biblical times, there were many ways to be unclean, including by skin diseases, discharges of bodily fluids, touching something dead ( Num 5:2 ), or eating unclean foods (Lev 11 ; Deut 14). In this case, the Jewish leaders were unclean because of their evil hearts.
4a) He was not happy. It was early in the morning. He probably was asleep and did not want to be bothered with Jewish things. And, he had to come out, so he had to get dressed. He did not want to deal with this.
b) Jesus would have to die on the cross as Moses predicted to save the world.
5) The lengths that the religious leaders are going to to execute Jesus. They know Pilate will be angry, but they do it anyways.
6a) We do this all the time. Try to make up for our sins by doing good. We do this out of guilt and hopes of feeling better for our sins. We also do this to ignore our sins, and we feel better by doing good.
b) Jesus. Confession of our sins. Accepting Jesus as our Savior.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 2: John 18:28-32
We see the true twistedness and evil of the Jewish leaders here.
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 2: John 18:28-32
John leaves out the details of Jesus’ trials (Assembly of the council recorded in Matthew 26:57-68 and the daylight meeting of the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66), instead focusing on Jesus and Pilate.
The Jewish leaders expected Pilate to condemn Jesus immediately and order his execution. Instead, Pilate demanded the charges against Jesus. Since they answered with no specifics, he told them to deal with Jesus.
By Roman law, the Jews did not have the authority to kill anyone.
The Jews would probably have stoned Jesus to death, which would not have fulfilled prophecy.
Fun Fact: Jesus faced 6 trials before he was crucified. Can you imagine this modern day?
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Friday Digest BSF John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF JOHN’S GOSPEL: THE TRUTH LESSON 23
- God is in our moments of weaknesses
- We can overestimate our strengths until we are knocked flat
- God uses our weaknesses to teach us grace and mold our character
- We are all responsible for choosing Jesus
- Your sword rarely solves anything
- Use humble surrender and trust in God to fight your battles
- All things work together for your good
TAKE AWAY: Just because you falter doesn’t mean you’re not faithful.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 5: John 18:19-27
Summary of John 18:19-27
Jesus was questioned by Annas. He says he spoke openly and not secretly. He was slapped in the face. and sent to Caiaphas.
Peter was asked again if he were one of Jesus’ disciples. He said no. Peter was accused of being in the Garden with Jesus. Again, he denied he was there. Then the rooster crowed, as foretold by Jesus.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 5: John 18:19-27
13a) “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”
b) He slapped Jesus in the face. He was scared of Jesus and did not want the truth to get out. He also may have wanted to show dominance over Jesus.
c) Jesus did not retaliate. He simply asked why he was struck when he only spoke the truth.
14a) Peter was asked again if he were one of Jesus’ disciples. He said no. Peter was accused of being in the Garden with Jesus. Again, he denied he was there.
b) If you tell one lie, then you may have to tell more lies to cover that lie. And it goes on. Many people think since they’ve already sinned, why not sin more?
15) Jesus had predicted that a rooster would crow after Peter had denied him 3 times.
16) I can do nothing without God. Only His strength gets me by.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 5: John 18:19-27
I love how Jesus simply tells the truth and mankind finds ways to twist the truth.
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 5: John 18:19-27
Now, it’s Annas’ job to find out what Jesus is guilty of. Jesus is asking for the witnesses who accuse him, a requirement under Jewish law. Yet, there are none.
Jesus wanted to know why he was being physically abused. No one had an answer.
Annas was done with Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas for a more official trial.
Peter could see Jesus and saw him being slapped. Peter may have become fearful of his life here.
This is the same question as the servant girl’s (John 18:17) with the same answer.
Peter denied Jesus a third time, swearing by it Matthew 26:74. The rooster crowed, fulfilling what Jesus said would happen.
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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 4: John 18:15-18
Summary John 18:15-18
Peter and another disciple follow Jesus to the high priest’s courtyard. Peter denied being a disciple of Jesus for the first time, as he stood by a fire warming himself.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 4: John 18:15-18
10a) Peter had to get permission to enter the high priest’s courtyard.
b) He was questioned by a servant girl. She asked Peter, “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” He replied, “I am not.”
11) Christ went to the cross for us and lived out God’s plan. Peter crumbled under pressure and fear.
12) In many ways. We all let our fears get the best of us and we do/say things we regret because of it. After all, we’re only human.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 4: John 18:15-18
Many Bible scholars question why Peter caved under the questioning of a servant girl, a very low person, indeed, in that time. No one knows. All we know is Peter let his fear get the best of him.
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 4: John 18:15-18
Peter and John (most scholars believe this was John) follow Jesus to the house of Annas. John knew the high priest, so they were let in.
Peter was trying to blend into the crowd by warming his hands. He could have acknowledged Jesus but instead denied him here.
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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 3: John 18:10-14
Summary of John 18:10-14
Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus told him to put his sword away.
Jesus was arrested and brought to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest. He was the one who had told the Jewish leaders to have one man die for the people.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 3: John 18:10-14
6) Peter drew his sword and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. His love for Jesus and his pledge to defend him (Matthew 26:35).
7a) Jesus has to go to his destiny of the cross to save all of mankind. He takes the cup of God’s wrath upon himself, so no believer has to face the judgment they deserve.
b) My job dilemma. Praying and trusting in God to do it for me.
8 ) That after Jesus’ display of power that they still arrest him and bind him.
9) Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest. He was the one who had told the Jewish leaders to have one man die for the people.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 3: John 18:10-14
It still astounds me that even after Jesus’ display of power the soldiers still arrest him. You think they would fall down in worship instead.
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 3: John 18:10-14
Only John names Simon as the disciple to cut off the ear of the servant. He is defending Jesus here (Matthew 26:35). The disciples carried swords to fend off robbers if need be.
Peter tried to fight a spiritual battle with a human weapon.
Only John mentions the servant by name. Many people in the Gospels and Acts are named because they were known amongst the early Christians. This man may then have converted.
Scholars note this man was attacked from behind if Peter was holding his sword in his right hand (not a very courageous move).
Jesus tells Peter to stop. The last thing Jesus needed was a fight where the disciples got hurt (or worse). In addition, this was Jesus’ destiny, and no one would stop him.
Note John did not mention the healing of the man’s ear (Luke 22:51).
Jesus was bound cause he was viewed as a threat. Jesus allowed himself to be bound and let to Annas, a powerful man who put his son-in-law in power as high priest. Annas has been high priest from 6-15 AD and four of his sons had held the position,
Caiaphas had said it would be good for one man to die for the people John 11:49-53. Little did he know Jesus would die for our sins and save all of mankind.
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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 2: John 18:1-9
Summary of John 18:1-9
Jesus leaves for the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas comes to the garden with soldiers and officials. Jesus told them who he was and asked them to let his disciples go.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 2: John 18:1-9
3a) Jesus prayed to the Father for himself and his disciples, as well as all believers. He retreats to prepare for this moment.
b) The Garden of Gethsemane. He may have chosen it because Judas knew the place. It was also out of the public eye.
4) He confessed to who he was right away and asked for his men to be let go. His show of power was to protect his disciples.
5a) The men drew back and fell to the ground. They were overwhelmed by the power of Christ. They knew they were in the presence of God and reacted to it. The soldiers were no match for the great “I am.”
b) Jesus’ power is so great that it impacts everyone, believers and non-believers alike. The fact he willingly goes to the cross shocks everyone. It helps me understand his immense love for all of us.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 2: John 18:1-9
Jesus is never concerned about himself. So powerful here.
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 2: John 18:1-9
This is a new section of John’s Gospel as we follow Jesus to the cross.
Bible scholars note that the Kidron River would have been red from the blood of thousands of Passover lambs that had been sacrificed, signifying Jesus’ upcoming sacrifice.
John did not name the Garden, but the other Gospel writers did (Matthew 26:36 and Mark 14:32). This was a place Jesus and his disciples often visited.
Judas comes with soldiers and officials to arrest Jesus. They may have expected a fight. Obviously, Judas did not know the character of Jesus.
Jesus of Nazareth was how most people referred to Jesus at the time.
Jesus answers with his name “I am,” proclaiming his deity once again and connecting to the rest of his “I am” statements in John’s Gospel.
The fact the men fell when Jesus spoke is undeniable proof that Jesus could have escaped if he so chose to. Jesus was in control.
He knocked the soldiers down to protect his disciples. Jesus sacrificed himself for their safety. The disciples then left.
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