John 18:28-40

1. The first point that we should notice is the false conscientiousness of our Lord’s wicked enemies.
2. The second point that we should notice in these verses is the account that our Lord Jesus Christ gives of His kingdom.
3. The third point that we should notice in these verses is the account that our Lord gives of His own mission.
4. The last point that we should notice in these verses is the question that Pontius Pilate addressed to our Lord.

"Christianity is worthless if it makes us try to make up for the neglect of heartfelt faith and practical holiness by an extravagant zeal for human ceremonies or outward forms."

"No doubt the kings of this world cannot make people Christians by laws and statutes, but they can encourage and support Christianity and they will do so if they are wise. The kingdom where there is the most industry, temperance, truthfulness and honesty will always be the most prosperous of kingdoms."

"Like [Jesus] we are to be witnesses to God’s truth, salt in the midst of corruption, light in the midst of darkness, men and women who are not afraid to stand alone and to testify for God against the ways of sin and the world. To do so may involve us in much trouble and even persecution, but the duty is clear and plain.

"God never left any honest, diligent inquirer without light and guidance."

Questions:

1. We see that the Pharisees, though committing the most grievous act of sin in killing the Messiah, were concerned about being ceremonially clean and did not enter the Praetorium. Ryle points out that the conscious of unbelievers can either become hard or simply put the emphasis on another lesser point. It might be easy to point to the Pharisees but what about us? Can we say, with Psalm 119:128, "Therefore all your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way?"
2. Jesus declares before Pilate that his kingdom is not of this world. Ryle points out that while Jesus' kingdom is a spiritual kingdom that will not have taxes and armies, that doesn't mean the rulers in this world should neglect the teachings of this Kingdom. Wise rulers will do all that lies in their power to help Christianity and to discourage unbelief. When is the last time we prayed for our governing authorities to let Christians live a quiet and peaceful life, godly and dignified in every way?
3. Jesus declares that his mission is to bear witness to the truth. Ryle points out that this is an example of us to follow in this dark and sinful world. Whatever culture we find ourselves in, there are plenty of ways to speak the truth where it is distorted. Is this a mission we are fulfilling? When was the last time we spoke the truth in love to a false idea or action? When was the last time we failed to do so because of the cost?
4. We see Pilate ask Jesus, 'what is truth?' Ryle points out that this question was likely a sarcastic one rather than an honest question. The truth is that many do the same today and hide behind such statements. The verses in Proverbs quoted offer a good closing question for us, namely, do we seek truth as Solomon told us? He promises, "if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will find the knowledge of God."