Session 5

The Apostles Creed Study

1.      suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;

“22 Then he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go." 23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. 24 So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. 25 And he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will.” (Luke 23:22-25 NKJV)

            It often is lost on us the deep irony that the evil Roman Governor Pontius Pilate wanted to release Jesus because he thought Jesus didn’t deserve death, but it was Jesus’ own people who forced Pilate’s hand.  Pilate would try to wash those hands but there is not enough water in the world to wash away our sin.  There is a story that in years to come Pilate would go mad and would wash his hands over and over until they bled.  True or not it speaks to guilt which we all bear for the death of Jesus.

            It would be Pilate who would allow Jesus to be buried which was not usual for those who were crucified. They were usually left on the cross to be an example to others and food for the carrion unless there was a religious celebration and then the bodies would be thrown in Gehenna the local burning garbage pit which is where the name for hell came. 

But Pilate would allow the burial of Jesus and because of that we can know of the resurrection of Jesus because the stone was rolled away.

Pilate connects Jesus to a time in history and to the Gentile world Jesus came to save!  If Pilate received the forgiveness of Jesus he didn’t need to wash his hands because Jesus would have cleansed him!

Who is really guilty of the death of Jesus?

What is the meaning to Barabbas (means son of father) being released rather than Jesus?

What do you think the phrase “but he delivered Jesus to their will.” Means?

What is the importance that Pilate allowed Jesus to be buried?