Background:
Passover
• Most important holiday of the Jews. Historical context: Exodus. Similar to Chinese New Year: to commemorate the people being delivered from bondage.
• Central to the Passover is the Passover lamb that each Israeli family would eat during Passover.
In the Exodus, the blood of the Passover lamb marked the house of Jewish people to prevent them from experiencing judgment that God was executing on Egypt. The Passover lamb was to point to Jesus, who would die so that his people would not experience judgment and spiritual death for their sins.
Political situation
• The land of Palestine was under Roman empire. Pilate is the governor. The Jewish people could not put anyone to death; only Pilate can.
What just happened prior to ch 18: the last supper
Remind people to read ch 18 and 19 as narrative, not as teaching.
Keep in mind to explain:
• The various prophecies from Old Testament.
• Jesus’ death is not merely important on its own, but his death and resurrection need to be considered together.
Read: John ch 18, 19
Some themes:
Person of Jesus as shown in his way to crucifixion
• Obedient
• He had option to not go through this, but he chose to.
God has ordained this ever since the beginning. Jesus’ death is not an accidental tragic happening; Jesus chose it
• Just because you know the outcome doesn’t mean the process has to be easier. Though Jesus knew the outcome would be resurrection and salvation of his people, the path to the cross is one of pain and humiliation. The same lesson can be drawn for Christians.
Q: what does this story tells us about the person of Jesus? How does the way Jesus faces his crucifixion tell us about him?
Q: imagine yourself to be Judas, or Peter, or Pilate. How would you feel if you were in their shoes?
Would you have acted the same or differently?
Q: Christians, throughout the world and throughout history, are known to face death, whether through sickness, disasters, or martyrdom, with courage and with hope. Why do you think it is the case?
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