Bible Trivia Quiz | The Cross and the Empty Tomb | Digging Deeper

Question 1. In what three languages was the title on Jesus’ cross written?

Answer: Hebrew, Greek and Latin (John 19:20).

Context & Exhortation: Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross: “JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS” (John 19:19). 

Crucifixions were public, and the place was near the city, so many people passed by and read it (John 19:20).

Each language reached a different group. Hebrew was the language of the Jewish people and their scriptures, Greek was the common language of trade and learning across the empire, and Latin was the official language of Rome.

Without meaning to, Pilate announced Jesus’ kingship to the whole known world. Jesus had said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32).

The cross was written up for everyone, whatever their language or background. So, let us share the message of the cross with people who are different from us, because it was meant for them as well.

Question 2. When the chief priests asked Pilate to change the title on the cross, what was his reply?

Answer: “What I have written I have written” (John 19:22).

Context & Exhortation: The chief priests objected to the wording. They asked Pilate, “Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews” (John 19:21). They did not want it to look as if Jesus truly was their king.

Pilate refused to change it. He had given in to them about the crucifixion itself, but on this point he would not budge. His words meant the title would stay exactly as written.

Pilate had earlier asked Jesus, “Art thou the King of the Jews?”, and Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:33–36). Whatever Pilate intended, the sign over the cross told the truth about who was dying there.

Family, God can use even the words of people who do not believe to declare His truth. We can therefore take comfort that His purposes stand. Let us confess Jesus as King with our own lips.

Question 3. From the cross, to whom did Jesus entrust the care of His mother?

Answer: To the disciple whom He loved. He said, “Behold thy mother!”, and from that hour that disciple took her to his own home (John 19:26–27).

Context & Exhortation: Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, her sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene (John 19:25). Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing beside her.

Jesus said to His mother, “Woman, behold thy son!”, and to the disciple, “Behold thy mother!” (John 19:26–27). Calling her “Woman” was a respectful way of speaking in that day. In the middle of His own suffering, He made sure she would be looked after.

God’s Word teaches that caring for our families is part of our faith. The commandment says, “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20:12), and Paul wrote that if anyone does not provide for his own household, “he hath denied the faith” (1 Timothy 5:8).

Even on the cross, Jesus honoured His mother. Can we then look at how we are caring for our parents and family members, and take one practical step this week to show them love?

Question 4. Who brought about a hundred pound weight of myrrh and aloes for Jesus’ burial?

Answer: Nicodemus, the man who first came to Jesus by night (John 19:39).

Context & Exhortation: After Jesus died, Joseph of Arimathaea, “being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews”, asked Pilate for His body (John 19:38). Nicodemus came with him, bringing a large amount of spices (John 19:39).

Myrrh and aloes were costly spices used in burial, wrapped with linen cloths around the body “as the manner of the Jews is to bury” (John 19:40). A hundred pounds was a quantity fit for a king’s burial.

Nicodemus had once come to Jesus by night (John 3:2). Later he spoke up for Jesus in the council (John 7:50–51). Now, at the moment when following Jesus looked most dangerous, he came out openly and honoured Him.

Faith can grow slowly from a quiet question to open devotion. We do not need to be discouraged if our own steps have been small. Let us keep moving toward honouring Jesus openly.

Question 5. When the risen Jesus spoke to Mary Magdalene at the tomb, whom did she suppose He was?

Answer: The gardener (John 20:15).

Context & Exhortation: Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene found the stone taken away from the tomb (John 20:1). 

After Peter and John had come and gone, she stayed outside the sepulchre weeping (John 20:11). A sepulchre is a tomb.

Jesus asked her, “Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?” (John 20:15). Thinking He was the gardener, she asked where He had laid the body so she could take it away. Her grief kept her from recognising Him.

Then Jesus said one word: “Mary.” She turned and answered, “Rabboni,” which means Master (John 20:16). Jesus had said earlier that His sheep hear His voice, and “he calleth his own sheep by name” (John 10:3).

Sometimes our sorrow keeps us from seeing that Jesus is right beside us. So, let us listen for His voice in His Word, and remember that He knows us by name.

Question 6. By the sea of Tiberias, how many times did Jesus ask Peter, “Lovest thou me?”, and how did Peter feel the last time?

Answer: Three times. Peter was grieved because Jesus asked him the third time (John 21:17).

Context & Exhortation: After a breakfast of fish and bread on the shore, Jesus spoke to Simon Peter (John 21:12–15). Only days earlier, Peter had denied Him three times by a fire in the high priest’s courtyard (John 18:17–27).

Three times Jesus asked, “Lovest thou me?”, and three times Peter said yes. By the third question Peter was grieved, and he answered, “Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee” (John 21:17).

Each time, Jesus gave Peter work to do: “Feed my lambs” and “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15–17). Jesus did not only forgive Peter in private; He restored him to service. Years later Peter wrote to church leaders, “Feed the flock of God which is among you” (1 Peter 5:2).

Family, our failures do not have to be the end of our service to God. Let us answer Jesus’ question honestly today, and then take up whatever work of caring for others He gives us.

Click to watch: https://www.youtube.com/live/qZH090l2FkA?si=dK4ptQbXmLgOaCNw