Posts Tagged ‘ Christ ’

VerseD: Matthew 5:44

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 5:44, ESV

We are not to get vengeance. We are not to seek retribution.

We are to help fellow sinners get free from God’s wrath. If we refuse to love them, their trip to Hell may be on our own heads.

You want vengeance for their sin? Lead them to repentance through prayer and the Gospel.

VerseD: John 14:21

“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
John 14:21, ESV

Who has Jesus’ commandments?

Those who believe in the sacrificial God-Man Jesus who rose again; those who love God by loving others and love His Church.

VerseD: Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23‭-‬24, ESV

Work is hard.

Nobody at church gets along or understands.

The kids (or parents) will not listen.

Nobody plays fair.

The government is corrupt.

You are not trying to please them or work for them!

You serve Christ. Reflect Him, not your world.

Sermon: Defending Jesus? – John 18:1-14

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.

<figure class=”wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed”>

</figure>

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

VerseD: Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 ESV

Is God happy with you?

He is if you are following His Son and obeying all He has commanded (Matt. 28:18-20).

Follow Jesus, and the Lord will smile at you.

VerseD: Philippians 4:9

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:9, ESV

As we grow in Christ, He uses us to help others grow. Let Christ work in you through reading the Word, hearing the Word, and living with the Church.

VerseD: Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21, ESV

We ask God without knowing what He has for us. We fail to understand grace, peace, forgiveness, and eternity. Yet we think we know what to ask for in this life.

Seek first the Kingdom, and you will be amazed at what He does.

VerseD: Isaiah 12:2

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2, ESV

Many things happen in this world, but through Jesus Christ we know that God is in control and has and will redeem us from this fallen world.

VerseD: 1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9, ESV

There is no forgiveness without confession and repentance.

Give your sin to God, and find peace.

If it helps, tell a trusted Christian brother or sister.

VerseD: Micah 7:18

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.
Micah 7:18, ESV

God overlooked ignorance of sin for thousands of years. He removes our sin now.

Why?

Because He delighted to come to us, to sacrifice Himself, so that, when we believe in this, He lavishes His love, grace, and forgiveness on us.