People of the Cross: Pontius Pilate

This blog is based on Rev. Kim Salo's sermon on March 23, on Pontius Pilate.

Read John 18:12 to 19:22

1. Why doesn't Jesus just come right out and tell Pontius Pilate that he is the Son of God who has come to this world to save it, and to establish the Kingdom of God?

2. What factors prevented the Jewish leadership from recognizing that Jesus is in fact the Messiah, the true King of the Jews? What would be the outcome if they had?

3. Name 3 or 4 miscarriages of justice during the Passion of Jesus.

4. Why is Pontius Pilate mentioned in both the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed? Why does this matter?

5. Is it a good thing or not when church and state cooperate closely? Why is that situation risky for the church and Christianity? Or should close cooperation between church and state be encouraged? Why?