Book of John - Chapter 18 - Verse 28

After being taken from Caiaphas, Jesus was brought to the hall of judgment early in the morning. The religious leaders who brought him did not enter the judgment hall themselves to avoid becoming ritually unclean so they could still eat the Passover. This action emphasizes the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, who were more concerned with maintaining their outward appearances and following religious rituals than carrying out true justice. This verse highlights the contrast between their rigid adherence to religious laws and their complete disregard for the injustice being carried out against Jesus. It serves as a reminder to prioritize genuine righteousness and justice over empty religious practices. The refusal to enter the judgment hall also exemplifies their unwillingness to face the consequences of their actions and take responsibility for their role in condemning an innocent man. This verse ultimately sets the stage for the unjust trial and crucifixion of Jesus, revealing the corruption and moral decay within the religious leadership of that time.

One interesting theological interpretation of this verse revolves around the actions of the religious leaders who led Jesus to the hall of judgment. They refused to enter the judgment hall to avoid defilement, as they wanted to be able to eat the Passover later that day. This action emphasizes the religious leaders' outward display of adherence to religious laws while ironically participating in the unjust condemnation of an innocent man. This hypocrisy highlights the contrast between their outward appearance of righteousness and their actual moral corruption. It serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine faith and integrity over mere outward displays of religious observance.