GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: They mocked Jesus like a joke, judged him like a criminal, and rejected him like a threat. But through it all, he stayed steady—he wasn’t reacting, he was reigning. He wore their insults like a crown, stood calm in the face of power, and gave himself up not as a victim but as the King stepping into his purpose. And the unexpected part? He did it for us.
Main Points:
The true King is mocked by ordinary people.
The true King is judged by those in power.
The true King is rejected even by his own.
The true King responds by dying for us.
On-Ramps:
Instead of mocking Jesus, worship him.
Instead of judging Jesus, repent of your sin.
Instead of rejecting Jesus, love him.
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
What does Jesus’ silence before Pilate (John 19:9) reveal about His response to rejection?
How do Old Testament prophecies (like Isaiah 53:3-7) align with Jesus’ experience in this passage?
What are some examples of how the power brokers, authorities, and influencers judge and reject Jesus?
Pilate chose to please the crowd instead of standing for truth. How do we see similar compromises in leadership today?
The Jewish leaders rejected Jesus because He didn’t fit into their expectations and He challenged their power. Can you think of times when you reject Jesus’ authority because His way doesn’t align with your desires?
Think of a time and, if you’re willing, share a time when you rejected Jesus in favour of pleasing the crowd? What do you think led up to that in your heart and mind?
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life?
PRAYER
How can we pray for you as a group?
Next week: Sharing Your Faith (various scriptures)
