The Great Substitution | John 18:39-40
Sermon discussion | John 18:39-40
Paul tells us that good doctrine leads to a deeper understanding of and love for Jesus - He becomes your life, not just a part of it. But the knowledge and understanding of Jesus has a purpose, love. Without love knowledge is worthless (! Corinthians 13:2). And there is no greater example of love than the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. Define substitutionary atonement, why is it so important to understand for a follower of Jesus? How does it perfectly illustrate love?
In this scene of Jesus being arrested, falsely accused, brought before Pilate and ultimately having the crowd choose Barabbas over him, it would seem that the fate of Jesus is ultimately in the hands of Pilate or the crowd. In fact Pilate in verse 38 tells the Jewish leaders that he finds no guilt in him. But nothing could be further from the truth. This entire event does not confuse or surprise Jesus. He is in control not Pilate nor the crowd. How comforting is that for us today? Think about a time or scenario in your life where it seemed chaotic and out of control or where you thought you were in control of the situation but God showed you differently. Share it and discuss.
Verse 40, after given the choice of Jesus or Barabbas the crowd emphatically chooses Barabbas in spite of him being a bad guy, a murderer, rebel, a terrorist, a trouble maker. We often do the same thing in our life- we choose "Barabbas" over Jesus . Why is that our flinch? Why do we listen to the voice of the crowd instead of our conscience that tells us what is right and wrong? Is the greater threat in Jesus or Barabbas?
Paul takes us to the story of Abraham and his son Isaac in the old testament. Compare this story to the story of Jesus in the new testament. What are the parallels? How is Isaac similar to Jesus in the story? What strikes you about the faith of Abraham?
In Genesis 22:1 God calls out to Abraham and Abraham immediately responds, "Here I am." Again in verse 11, Abraham answers God with "Here I am." Do you in your life respond to God's calling you? Do you hesitate or hide? What causes us to either not respond or not respond immediately as Abraham does?
Read the following passages of scripture: Psalm 25:14 and Galatians 3:5-9. What do these two passages tell us about the heart of the Lord?