1. Why do you think Jesus offers no defense to Pilate or Herod? He could have explained His ministry and mission and even performed a miracle of some sort. What does this say about God?

2. Why does the crowd, likely including some people who only a few days before were heralding Jesus as the Messiah, now call for Jesus death by crucifixion? What does this say about people?

3. Many people feel that Jesus death was the result of unfortunate circumstances and that it happened to Him. How in this reading and events leading up to this does Jesus show He is in control and fulfilling his mission?