Tag: bsf lesson 24

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 4: Nehemiah 5

February 4, 2026January 4, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Nehemiah 5

Some Jews spoke of their troubles to Nehemiah, saying they had to borrow money to pay the king’s taxes, and their children were forced into slavery, to get grain. Nehemiah went to the nobles and officials, telling them to stop taking advantage of their own people by charging interest and taking their fields and vineyards. The nobles agreed to give the land back. Nehemiah worked for the people and the land, never demanding the food allotted to the governor.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 4: Nehemiah 5

9a) Some Jews had to borrow money to pay the king’s taxes, and their children were forced into slavery to get grain.

b) They were doing this to their own people. The nation of Israel may collapse from within, effectively allowing its enemies to succeed as work on the wall may stop.

10a) He listened to the people and brought together those who could do something about it. He reasoned with them and pointed out that they should be united to avoid the reproach of the Gentile enemies. The officials and nobles acquiesced and agreed to return the land to the people. Nehemiah showed compassion by getting angry on behalf of the victims and humility by refusing his own governor’s allowance. He used wisdom by thinking carefully before reacting (“consulted with myself”) and maturity by confronting powerful nobles publicly yet constructively, ensuring restitution and restoring unity without fracturing the community.

b) By confessing and turning away from my sin and drawing closer to God. Pray, too.

11a) Nehemiah demonstrated the fear of God by refusing his entitlements to avoid burdening the people (Nehemiah 5:15). He exemplified servant leadership and compassion, sacrificing personal gain to relieve the Jews’ suffering. His actions reflected generosity and integrity, contrasting sharply with the greed of previous governors who exploited the community.

b) I can emulate Jesus through humble service, prioritizing others’ needs over my own status. By adopting Paul’s mindset, I can willingly forfeit personal rights and adapt to different people—“becoming all things”—to remove barriers and win hearts for the Gospel through sacrificial love.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 4: Nehemiah 5

Great lesson on putting others first, listening to others’ problems, and working towards solutions.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 4: Nehemiah 5

Not being unified is another trick of the devil to get his way. Since the devil couldn’t defeat the Israelites externally, he tried internally.

The people lacked food since they were building the walls. The famine drove the price of food up, creating this financial crisis. The rich Jews were charging interest and taking advantage of the people’s woes.

Money problems can disrupt God’s plans. It can affect you for years. Handling money is a spiritual job, too.

Nehemiah confronted the problem directly. We are to consult God with our problems.

The people admitted they were wrong and did right. We all need to do this.

Nehemiah himself did what was right before God, and he was generous.

Nehemiah led by example and did right before God. Therefore, he will be rewarded in heaven, as we all will be.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

The Internal Crisis (Verses 1–5)

The Outcry: While the enemy attacked from the outside, the community was rotting from the inside. A severe famine, combined with heavy Persian taxes, forced the poor into a desperate cycle. The Injustice: Wealthy Jews were exploiting their desperate brothers by charging high interest (usury). Poor families were forced to mortgage their fields and even sell their children into slavery just to eat. The unity built in Chapter 3 was shattering under economic oppression.

The Confrontation (Verses 6–13)

The Anger: Nehemiah becomes “very angry” (v. 6). He does not excuse the nobles because of their status. After “thinking it over” (consulting with himself/God), he publicly rebukes them. The Argument: He points out the hypocrisy: “We have redeemed our Jewish brothers who were sold to the nations… but you would sell your brothers?” The Resolution: He holds a “great assembly” and demands they stop the usury and return the fields and houses immediately. The priests witness the oath. The Symbol: Nehemiah shakes out the fold of his garment, declaring that God should “shake out” any man from his house who does not keep this promise. The people shout “Amen!” and the reform is enacted.

The Governor’s Example (Verses 14–19)

The Contrast: Nehemiah records that for the 12 years he served as governor, he never took the food allowance allotted to him, unlike previous governors who burdened the people. The Generosity: Instead of taking, he gave. He fed 150 Jews and officials at his table daily at his own expense because “the servitude was heavy on these people.” The Prayer: He ends with a simple prayer: “Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.”

Conclusion

Nehemiah 5 teaches that integrity is the foundation of authority.

Nehemiah could not have commanded the people to build the wall if he were exploiting them like the other nobles. By sacrificing his own rights (money/food) for the sake of the people’s welfare, he proved that he loved the people more than his position. True leadership is not about privileges; it is about sacrifice.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 3: Nehemiah 4:7-23

February 3, 2026January 4, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Nehemiah 4:7-23

The Israelites’ enemies planned to come together and attack the people. But, they prayed and decided to fight back. They continued to build the wall and had guards keep them safe. They stayed vigilant, determined to build the wall and keep their enemies at bay.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 3: Nehemiah 4:7-23

6a)

The enemies’ reaction to the progress of building the wall: Israel’s enemies were angry. They plotted against the Israelites and planned to stir up trouble. They planned to murder them.

The Jewish people’s response to the threat: The Jewish people prayed to God and posted guards day and night to meet this threat.

Nehemiah’s solution: He posted guards and stationed people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears, and bows. He told them to remember God and fight for their families.

The people’s response to Nehemiah: They did as he said and then returned to building the wall.

b) This is everywhere. People who don’t like what others are doing threaten violence, and many carry it out. We should pray to fight back with God’s strength.

7) Half of the men worked and half guarded. Nehemiah said that God would fight for them. The people came up with a solution to ward off their enemies and allow God to fight the battle.

8a) Nehemiah prays and comes up with practical solutions that the Israelites can implement. Nehemiah modeled servant leadership by sharing the danger rather than commanding from safety. He stood on the wall, organized protection for the vulnerable, and endured the same grueling vigilance—refusing to even change his clothes (v. 23). His presence reassured the people that he would never ask them to make a sacrifice he wouldn’t.

b) Same. Pray while working towards solutions in my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 3: Nehemiah 4:7-23

Nothing can stop God’s plan for your life and the world. Great lesson on prayer and on action working together to accomplish God’s purposes for us.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 3: Nehemiah 4:7-23

Confusion and threats are common strategies of Satan to get us to give up on God’s work.

The people drew closer to God during this time, which is what God wants for us!

We are always to pray and act. Our prayers make our actions effective for God’s work.

You can’t quit at the halfway point.

We are attacked the most when we are at our lowest.

You never know who is listening to you.

It’s important to remember who is your power (God) and what you are fighting for (your family).

Victory is enduring the attack and then continuing God’s work. Here, the enemy knew they would lose when seeing God’s people prepare for battle.

We hold a sword against the enemy and a trowel to do the work He has planned for us.

The people were always prepared and working hard for God.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

The Escalation to Violence (Verses 7–12)

The Plot: When mockery fails, the enemies (Sanballat, Tobiah, Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites) form a coalition to surround Jerusalem from all sides. They plan a surprise attack to kill the workers and stop the project. The Internal Morale: The pressure works. The people of Judah begin to crumble, singing a song of defeat: “The strength of the burden-bearers is failing… we are not able to build the wall.” Fear spreads as Jews living near the enemies report the attack plans “ten times.”

The Strategic Pivot (Verses 13–23)

The Response: Nehemiah stops the work temporarily to secure the people.

Armed Families: He positions people by families with swords, spears, and bows at the exposed parts of the wall. This ensures men are fighting for their own wives and children (v. 13-14).
The Rallying Cry: He gives a famous speech: “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

The New Normal: Once the immediate threat subsides, they adopt a “sword and trowel” policy:

Half work, half watch: 50% build while 50% hold shields and bows.
Ready Weapons: Even the builders work with one hand and hold a weapon in the other (or strap a sword to their side).
Communication: A trumpeter stays by Nehemiah’s side to sound the alarm, so they can rally together.

Conclusion

Nehemiah 4:7–23 teaches that spiritual work often requires vigilance as much as diligence.

Nehemiah refused to choose between faith and prudence. He told them to “Remember the Lord” (faith) but also to “fight” (action). This passage illustrates that true reliance on God does not mean passivity in the face of danger; it means trusting God enough to stand your ground.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 2: Nehemiah 4:1-6

February 2, 2026January 4, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Nehemiah 4:1-6

Sanballat and Tobiah insulted the Israelites as they rebuilt Jerusalem’s wall. Nehemiah prayed to God to take them captive as punishment for ridiculing God. The people rebuilt the wall anyway.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 2: Nehemiah 4:1-6

3a) Sanballat said they were feeble. He ridiculed God’s powers by asking if they would finish in a day and if they would bring the stones to life. Tobiah said that the wall would be so weak that a fox could break it.

b) Very similar taunts. People will target the people themselves and God and question their abilities and powers.

4) Nehemiah prayed (as we all should) when we face persecution.

5a) They worked with all their hearts for God and ignored their taunts.

b) God. The words of others. Prayer.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 2: Nehemiah 4:1-6

I love examples in the Bible where God’s people overcome everything for His purposes!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 2: Nehemiah 4:1-6

Many will try to discourage you when you are doing God’s work. But God is with you always.

Nehemiah responds with prayer. He took it to God. We are to rely on God in the face of opposition.

God will fight for us. We turn our enemies over to God to deal with justly.

We use our minds to overcome.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

The Psychological Attack (Verses 1–3)

The Anger: Sanballat is furious that the work is actually proceeding. He resorts to public humiliation to demoralize the builders. The Mockery: He asks five rhetorical questions to highlight Jewish weakness:

“What are these feeble Jews doing?” (Attacking their strength)
“Will they restore it for themselves?” (Attacking their autonomy)
“Will they sacrifice?” (Attacking their faith/implying religious fanaticism)
“Will they finish in a day?” (Attacking their grasp of reality)
“Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish?” (Attacking the quality of materials) The Insult: Tobiah the Ammonite joins in with a biting sarcasm: “If a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall.” This suggests their work is so amateur that even a small animal could destroy it.

The Spiritual Defense (Verses 4–6)

The Prayer: Nehemiah does not debate the critics. Instead, he prays an imprecatory prayer (a prayer for judgment). He asks God to:

Hear their contempt.
Turn their reproach back on their own heads.
Not cover their guilt, because they have “provoked You to anger.” Nehemiah views an attack on the work as an attack on God Himself.

The Persistence: The result of this prayer is focus. The people had a “mind to work,” and the wall was joined together to half its intended height.

Conclusion

Nehemiah 4:1–6 teaches that ridicule is often the first weapon of the enemy.

When progress is made, pushback is inevitable. Nehemiah demonstrates that the correct response to mockery is not to engage in a shouting match, but to take the insult to God in prayer and keep working. The best answer to a critic is a finished wall.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 5: Revelation 19:17-21

February 6, 2025January 31, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 19:17-21

An angel calls to the birds to eat the flesh of all those who have fallen before Jesus. The beast and the false prophet were captured and thrown into the lake of burning sulfur. The rest were killed and feasted on by the birds.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 5: Revelation 19:17-21

12) They will be killed and birds will eat their flesh.

13) A false god is anything put above the real God, so this includes wealth, other people, etc. People choose sinful ways over God’s ways and don’t repent over them. They are blinded by their sins.

14) I aim to do God’s will every chance I get. I also intend to tell more people about God and Jesus in hopes they choose God before it’s too late.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 5: Revelation 19:17-21

This is a sad picture of what will happen to unbelievers. It should spur you to spread the word more, especially to friends and family, so that all may be saved.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 5: Revelation 19:17-21

It’s not in the NIV, but in other Bible translations, the word “flesh” is used 5 times. This shows the importance of choosing God over our sinful ways.

It seems foolish to us, believers, to wage war against God and Jesus since it’s obvious who will win. But, unbelievers are blinded by hatred of Jesus, so they try anyway.

John did not describe the war. Most likely, it was a pure slaughter by Jesus.

The beast and the false prophet are thrown alive into the lake of fire (which is hell) before the final judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 4: Revelation 19:11-16

February 5, 2025January 31, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 19:11-16

John sees a white horse and rider whose name is Faithful and True (Jesus). He judges with justice and wages war. His name is the Word of God. His robe is dipped in blood. He has heavenly armies that follow him riding white horses. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword to strike down the nations. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of kings and lord of lords.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 4: Revelation 19:11-16

9) Jesus. Jesus is faithful and true to his word and promises. He is the Word of God, being God himself. Jesus is God.

10) Jesus’ robe is dipped in blood, the blood that cleanses us of our sins so that we can be forever with God. This is important since this is Salvation, the ultimate sacrifice in this world. Jesus is faithful and true to his promises to punish evil doers and bring heaven on earth one day.

11) These attributes of Jesus give me courage when my days are dark and help me keep moving forward to what God has planned for my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 4: Revelation 19:11-16

I love the visual John gives us of Jesus on a white horse with his army headed to punish unbelievers and bring heaven to earth once again. So amazing is our God!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 4: Revelation 19:11-16

Almost all Bible scholars see these verses as the Second Coming of Christ.

Jesus returns to Earth to reclaim it for us. Remember, in ancient times, not many people had horses, and most soldiers were foot soldiers.

Jesus will keep his promise to judge those on Earth after everyone has had time to repent of their sins.

Jesus’ judgment is righteous.

The many crowns show Jesus as the ultimate king. This is a far cry from the crown of thorns he wore the last time he was on Earth.

The blood could be Jesus’ blood he shed for our sins or the blood of his enemies.

The army is God’s people (Revelation 17:14, Jude 1:14-15) (angels, too), and their weapons are essentially the cleansing received from Jesus himself.

The word of God is like a sword coming from Jesus’ mouth.

Jesus will come to reign on earth with an iron rod as predicted Psalm 2

No one knows Jesus’s name because no one can comprehend him. Many Bible scholars believe the name written is Yahweh, the sacred name of God.

Fun Fact: God has almost 1,000 different names in the Bible.

Fun Fact: Yahweh appears in the Old Testament more than 6,800 times. It appears in every book except Ester, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 3: Revelation 19:6-10

February 4, 2025February 5, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 19:6-10

The celebration in heaven continues after the fall of Babylon with the great multitude shouting and praising the Lord. The wedding of the Lamb has come. The angel says blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 3: Revelation 19:6-10

6a) Jesus’ salvation of those who believe in him and their final dwelling place in heaven.

John 14:15-21: Jesus asked God to send us the Holy Spirit to guide us. Jesus died so that we may live.

John 15:9-17: Jesus loves us as much as God loves him. We are Jesus’ friends and he has given us knowledge of him to guide us. Jesus chose us to bear fruit. He gives us what we ask for. He offers us love and compassion.

2 Corinthians 11:2: “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.” Godly jealousy is intense, showing us God’s continued love for us. We will be pure when we are married to Christ forever.

Ephesians 5:25-33: God gives us spouses to love one another as Christ loves us.

7) Believers

8a) Angels are below Jesus and God. We are not to worship anyone but the Lord and Jesus.

b) Nothing should be above God, so I try to ensure that nothing is.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 3: Revelation 19:6-10

I’ve always loved the picture of believers/the church as Christ’s bride. It’s such a relatable image, and it’s wonderful that one day the final wedding will take place and we’ll be with Jesus forever!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 3: Revelation 19:6-10

We see the concept of the church as Christ’s bride often in Scripture (2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:25-32)

We see Israel/God’s people as God’s wife in the Old Testament (Hosea 2:19-20, Isaiah 54:5, Ezekiel 16)

Being clean is being pure, loyal, and faithful.

We are to be presented to Jesus as pure.

Nothing created (including angels) should ever be worshipped. Angels worship Jesus (Hebrews 1:6)

Prophecy reveals Jesus.

Fun Fact: The bride is the 4th and last woman mentioned in the book of Revelation in the Bible.

Here, we see the 4th beatitude or blessing in Revelation: “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper.”

Beatitudes of Revelation:

Revelation 1:3
Revelation 14:13
Revelation 16:15
Revelation 19:9
Revelation 20:6
Revelation 22:7
Revelation 22:14

The bride is the church, and the wedding guests are believers.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 2: Revelation 19:1-5

February 3, 2025January 31, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 19:1-5

Those in heaven (including the 24 elders and 4 living creatures) shouted after Babylon’s fall, praising God for His goodness, judgments, and revenge for His servants.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 2: Revelation 19:1-5

3) Salvation, glory, and power belong to God. Salvation is Jesus’ sacrifice for us so that we can have eternal life with God. Glory is God’s magnificence and His goodness, giving Him praise. Power is how God is in control of everything and how He can do whatever He wants.

4) Omniscence, omnipotent, just judgments, and how He keeps His promises. I would say all are important in some way to me. All offer me hope, encouragement, and courage to keep going, doing His will in this world.

5a) Babylon’s fall and final judgment

b) Worship in heaven is definitely inspiring. I’m not by nature very worshipful in terms of singing (maybe because I can’t sing), so seeing heaven so full of worship and singing helps me to express myself too.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 2: Revelation 19:1-5

Seems like those in heaven have been waiting a long time for God’s judgment. This gives us encouragement and hope as it can seem like we wait a long time for things to happen in our lives, too. Great lesson on keeping the faith and then celebrating when it happens!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 24, Day 2: Revelation 19:1-5

We first saw the great multitude in Revelation 7:9-14. Their prayer is answered here (Revelation 6:10) as Babylon falls.

Fun Fact: We’ll see the word “Hallelujah” 4 times in Revelation 19 It appears nowhere else in the New Testament. Hallelujah means “praise the Lord.”

God is being praised here for His righteous judgment.

The voice is most likely an angel’s voice.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 24, Day 5: John 19:8-16

February 15, 2024February 10, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

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

February 14, 2024February 10, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

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.