Hopefully making theology simpler to understand! (2 Corinthians 1:12)

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 – “Sell cloak, get sword” “Here are 2”

Regularly with His disciples (Luke 21:37: He rested/slept out here): This time, this is where we read in other Gospels about Jesus’ 3 prayers
“Let this cup [of suffering] pass from me, but Your will be done.”

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:

1. “Ego eimi” – “I am.”
2. Could also be how unafraid He seemed of them, possibly tripped over themselves/each other.

Read 18:8-11

Remember the swords?

1. Disciples still expecting a revolution. Is this FINALLY the time?
2. Will Jesus actually call His heavenly army?
   1. 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

1. Jesus bound: hearkens back to Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22).
   1. Isaac was not stupid. He knew he was going to be the sacrifice, but he trusted his father who trusted THE Father.
   2. Now, Jesus willingly goes to sacrifice. (Without a ram substitute!)
2. Why Annas?
   1. High Priest usually serves until death, but Romans only allowed terms
      1. He held sway even not being “in power” anymore
      2. His sons and son-in-law took turns over the years, hence “that year”
   2. Is he legitimate? He was installed by Romans
      1. This helps us see why the disciples were willing to fight the Temple authorities
3. Caiaphas was deceived, but he essentially prophesied the truth!

What does this all mean for us?

1. We must know that Jesus is God. (vv. 5-8)
   1. 20:31
2. We must know He died for us. (v. 14)
3. We do not defend Christ.
   1. He suffered, and so shall we
      1. Matthew 10, Mark 13, and Luke 12, Jesus says His followers will be led before others to testify
      2. 16:33
   2. His truth defends itself, but we are often His instrument.
      1. Psalm 28:7-9
      2. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
   3. Sword of Truth (Ephesians 6:17)
      1. Read Ephesians 6:10-19

Therefore: Matthew 28:18-20