Message Notes for March 28, 2021
Series: FaceTime with Pilate

Matthew 27:11-26 11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” 12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” 14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” 24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.

See also: Mark 15:1-15, Luke 2 3:1-25, John 18:28-40 & John 19:1-22

Some reflections:

Be honest with yourself!
Psalm 51:10, Psalm 139:23-24

Consider your role as a peacekeeper, maker, or breaker.
Matthew 5:9.
.

When you are put at the crossroads with Jesus and the crowd, what do you do?
Matthew 19:27-30

God is going to do a great work despite us all.

Family/Group Study Notes for March 28, 2021
Series: FaceTime with Pilate

Read the accounts of the trial of Jesus. Mark 15:1-15, Luke 2 3:1-25, John 18:28-40 & John 19:1-22, Matthew 27:11-26. Why do you think Pilot did what he did? What was the fear in those accusing Jesus? Why do you think Jesus didn’t try to defend Himself? Share with each other how you have been in one or more of these positions.
When have you followed the crowd and condemned people without knowing the full truth?
In what ways have you had to make hard decisions with Jesus on one side and what is popular on the other?
In what way have you felt accused and that there was nothing you could really say to change closed hearts?

Review and reflect on the following passages regarding the rewards that God gives to those who choose to follow Christ?

Peace with God. The barrier I had between God and me is entirely removed, and I can experience a relationship with Him. He accepts me and I have real peace on the inside. (John 14:27)
Sins are forgiven because the penalty for my sins has been paid when Christ died on the Cross and I trusted in His sacrifice for me (Romans 4:25; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:24).
Access to God through prayer (Romans 5:2; Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 4:16; 10:19–20).
Becoming part of the family of God, born again (John 3:7; 1 Peter 1:23), a child of God (Romans 8:16; Galatians 3:26, John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 6:18; 1 John 3:2), a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 2:10).
The resources of God to live my life (2 Peter 1:3). 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT) says, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence.” In Philippians 4:19 (NLT) Paul says, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
A secure foundation on which my life is being built (1 Corinthians 3:11; 10:4; Ephesians 2:20).
God‘s love for me (Ephesians 2:4; 5:2).
God‘s instruction in the Bible which teaches me how to live and make a difference in life (Titus 2:12) 2 Timothy 3:16,17 (NLT) says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
Partnering with God, serving and cooperating with Him in His work, and being His ambassador (1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:1; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 2 Corinthians 6:4).
The Holy Spirit to guide me. I am born of, baptized with, sealed by, and indwelled by the Holy Spirit (John 3:5–8; Acts 1:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13; John 7:39; Romans 5:5; 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Galatians 4:6; 1 John 3:24; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 4:30). The fruit of the Spirit to fill me: Galatians 5:22-23.