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John

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Seeing Jesus' Glory

John 17:24

Although we rightly think that we are not worthy of receiving anything good from God, this verse tells us that Jesus specifically asked Father God that we might be with Him for all eternity.  Why should He want us?  Because He loves us and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20).  His cross is the bridge through which we can relate with Father God, but it is also the bond that closely ties the Saviour to the saved for ever.

Very Close Relationships

John 17:25-26

To say that we ‘know’ somebody covers a variety of relationships.  The person might be someone we occasionally meet, or a colleague, friend or family member.  Even within families there are different levels or intensity of relationship.  The closest should be between spouses, and between parents and children.  But Jesus prayed to His Father in an astonishingly intimate way (John 17:1-5).  The unique bond between them was of undiluted love and mutual understanding.

Contrast As The Prince Of Peace Faced Violence

John 18:1-3

Today’s passage takes us from the Last Supper in the Upper Room to Gethsemane.  Jesus and His eleven remaining disciples walked through the dark narrow streets in the south of the city to a gate in the ancient walls, and out across the Kidron Vally to a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives.  It was a quiet and special place in the countryside, a frequent venue for Jesus and His disciples. Other gospels tell about Jesus’ prayerful struggle in that olive grove (Matthew 26:36-46), but John moves straight to the betrayal with all its contrasts.
 

The Foolishness of Evil

John 18:4-9

Judas the betrayer had guided soldiers and temple officials to capture Jesus (John 18:2-3). However, He was not going to run away; He was ready to be taken.  The cross was the essential part of His mission, and Satan’s worst schemes would only bring Him greater glory (John 17:1-5).  Jesus was fully in command of the situation. He was not taken by surprise at all.

The Foolishness Of Human Self-Assertion

John 18:10-11

As Jesus faced His captors and Judas the traitor, there was a real sense that evil could not hold Him.  The soldiers had fallen to the ground when He spoke and were reluctant even to touch Him.  The holiness of Jesus was like a wall of protection which evil could not penetrate (John 18:2-9).  But then, Peter decided to save His Saviour and, lifting up his sword, struck out at the High Priest’s servant.  It was a badly landed blow to the head; instead of killing the man, Peter merely sliced off his ear.

The Foolishness Of Trying To Control God

John 18:12-14

Jesus, the Creator of the world, the King of kings and God the Son, was taken away bound with ropes, making sure He could not escape.  What foolishness!  It was only possible because Jesus gave Himself into their custody in order to fulfil God’s great salvation-plan.  Here the worlds of faithless religion and military power worked together in capturing Jesus.  A few hours later it happened again when the puppet King Herod gave Jesus into Pilate’s hands – until then the two power-holders were enemies, but their mutual ambition to destroy Jesus made them friends (Luke 23:13).
 

The Foolishness Of Trying to Be Stronger Than God

John 18:15-18

This sad account of Peter’s denial of Jesus was written by John who witnessed it all.  He was the ‘other disciple’.  The authorities knew he was the closest companion of Jesus and so was allowed to accompany Him into the high priest’s courtyard.  Peter was barred from entering. But John asked the servant girl on the gate to let Peter in.  It was night time and cold.  The wood fire drew a mixture of servants and religious officials and guards, and Peter stood with them, glad of the warmth.

The Foolishness Of Judging God

John 18:19-24

At last, the religious officials thought, Jesus was under their control.  How foolish!  Annas, the religious father figure, could now interrogate Him.  Although Jesus was a threat to the religious authorities, they were also fascinated by Him, His teaching and miracles (Luke 23:8).  But what more could His interrogators learn?  Jesus had taught the crowds in public, consistently telling them the truth from God.  What He said and did was public knowledge; it was no secret.  But when Jesus told Annas to find evidence against Him, a temple guard hit Him in the face for confronting His accuser.

The Unmasking Of Arrogance

John 18:25-27

Peter had already denied that he knew Jesus (John 18:15-18).  He had proved his weakness even though he had boasted about his strength (John 13:37-38).  But instead of moving away from temptation, he was still in the courtyard of the High Priest’s house.  Why?  Perhaps he thought that he could still be strong for Jesus and somehow protect his Master.  If so, that foolish pride was about to be unmasked again.
 

Hypocrisy And Confusion

John 18:28

Jesus was led, by His religious accusers, to the Roman Governor’s residence.  As it was the Passover feast day, the Jews were not allowed any contact with anything unclean – so they would not go into the palace but stayed outside with Jesus so that they were not contaminated by Gentile impurity.  

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