Opening Prayer:
Gospel:
John 18:33-37
They brought Jesus before Pontius Pilate who asked him, “ Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “ My kingdom is not of this world.” “So you do indeed claim to be a king!,” said Pilate. “You are the one who calls me king,” answered Jesus. “I came into this world to share truth and love, and those who know and love the truth will listen to me.”
Discussion:
Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea. He was in charge of the Roman army and responsible for keeping the peace. He acted as judge when serious crimes were committed.
Why was Jesus brought before Ponitus Pilate?
- The jewish leaders had seen the welcome given to Jesus as he entered Jerusalem, and they were afraid of his position and power. They wanted to get rid of Jesus by whatever means they could, so they took Jesus to Pilate and asked for him to be sentenced to death.
Jesus tried to explain to Pilate that he was not a king who belonged to this world, but that he had come into the world to share his kingdom of truth, love and goodness.
Pilate knew that Jesus had done nothing wrong, but he was more interested in keeping the peace and not upsetting the Jewish leaders than seeing that justice was done. He allowed the Jewish leaders to have their own way, and eventually, handed Jesus over to be put to death.
3 days later on Easter Sunday, he rose from the dead and showed the world that he is the king of the universe with the power to conquer death and bring new and everlasting life.
Closing Prayer:
God our father,
We thank you for sending your only son
to be our savior.
Help us to know and love your truth
and to listen to you always.
AMEN
Activity:
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