I preached again! I liked it. Like, wept some, got goosebumps some, enjoyed preaching it … a lot.
Please enjoy listening (click here if it does not work just below), and see my rough notes for all scripture references and basic thoughts. I am reading from the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible.
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Defending Jesus? (John 18:1-14)
(Parallel passages: Matthew 26:47-57; Mark 14:43-53; Luke 22:47-54)
Intro:
Read 18:1-2
Jesus spoke other words than the High Priestly Prayer: Luke 22 â âSell cloak, get swordâ âHere are 2â
Regularly with His disciples (Luke 21:37: He rested/slept out here): This time, this is where we read in other Gospels about Jesusâ 3 prayers
âLet this cup [of suffering] pass from me, but Your will be done.â
Read 18:3
We know they were not just soldiers, but guards from the Temple, sent by the leadership.
Probably a mixture of Jewish and Roman soldiers. Probably up to 200 people!
It was a major feast (Passover), so there would be extra soldiers to help keep the peace.
Read 18:4-8a
Why they fell back:
- âEgo eimiâ â âI am.â
- Could also be how unafraid He seemed of them, possibly tripped over themselves/each other.
Read 18:8-11
Remember the swords?
- Disciples still expecting a revolution. Is this FINALLY the time?
- Will Jesus actually call His heavenly army?
- Matthew 26:52-56 (2 Kings 6:8-23)
Go back to v. 9:
- His prayer last chapter: 17:12
- Some try to teach this fulfills John 10:29, but Jesus was speaking to the leaders about ANYONE who believes in Him.
- It makes me think (NO OTHER EVIDENCE!) Malchus became a Christian
Read 18:12-14
- Jesus bound: hearkens back to Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22).
- Isaac was not stupid. He knew he was going to be the sacrifice, but he trusted his father who trusted THE Father.
- Now, Jesus willingly goes to sacrifice. (Without a ram substitute!)
- Why Annas?
- High Priest usually serves until death, but Romans only allowed terms
- He held sway even not being âin powerâ anymore
- His sons and son-in-law took turns over the years, hence âthat yearâ
- Is he legitimate? He was installed by Romans
- This helps us see why the disciples were willing to fight the Temple authorities
- Caiaphas was deceived, but he essentially prophesied the truth!
What does this all mean for us?
- We must know that Jesus is God. (vv. 5-8)
- 20:31
- We must know He died for us. (v. 14)
- We do not defend Christ.
- He suffered, and so shall we
- Matthew 10, Mark 13, and Luke 12, Jesus says His followers will be led before others to testify
- 16:33
- His truth defends itself, but we are often His instrument.
- Psalm 28:7-9
- 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
- Sword of Truth (Ephesians 6:17)
- Read Ephesians 6:10-19
Therefore: Matthew 28:18-20