Sharing Bread John 18:33-34

SHARING BREAD

33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"




34 "Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"


John 18:33-34 (NIV)

In an effort to remove Jesus from the raucous of the rabble in order to ply Him with his own queries, Pilate summons our Lord inside his palace. Holiness Himself summoned into defilement. Is that not a perfect description of what Jesus does every time He is asked to enter a heart at the point of salvation? Pure purity, holy, blameless and set apart from sinners enters into a heart blackened by sin and depravity - saving, cleansing and empowering that heart to be like Him.

“…Jesus showed us what God really wants to cleanse and purify—our hearts. Christ’s transforming work on the cross helps us to break free from desires that hold us in bondage. As we submit to God, we become like Christ, no longer wanting to offend God. Out of gratitude we obey Him from the inside out.” Tremper Longman

The writer of Hebrews gives us the following description of our great High Priest and Savior Jesus:

23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 Such a high priest meets our need--one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Heb 7:23-26 (NIV)




“Man is now a horror to God and to himself and a creature ill-adapted to the universe not because God made him so but because he has made himself so by the abuse of his free will.” C. S. Lewis



C.S. Lewis paints a vivid description of what he found when he examined his own heart which, I might add is not too dissimilar to any other unregenerate heart: “A zoo of lusts, a bedlam of ambitions, a nursery of fears and a harem of fondled hatreds.”

I find it interesting that all four gospels record Pilate asking this same question - "Are you the king of the Jews?" He obviously had a true desire to know if Jesus professed to be the king of this ancient people over whom he and his soldiers now ruled. Considering our Lord’s attire and humble appearance, Pilate, at first blush, surely had to have assumed Jesus was merely a mock Messiah – simply setting Himself up over the throngs. Matthew, Mark and Luke all record our Lord replying to Pilate with the same Words: “Yes, it is as you say”.

11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. Matt 27:11 (NIV)



2 "Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate. "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. Mark 15:2 (NIV)



3 So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. Luke 23:3 (NIV)

A few verses later in John 18 we find similar Words from our Lord yet adding a stipulation for those willing to hear Him – we must be on the side of Truth:

37 "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." John 18:37 (NIV)

The Roman historian Suetonius distinctly stated that a rumor was very prevalent throughout the East at this period that a King was about to arise among the Jews who would obtain dominion over the world. This rumor no doubt originated from Jewish prophesies. I cannot help but be reminded of the Magi’s statement as they sought to visit Jesus at His birth which, Scripture states, greatly disturbed King Herod:

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. Matt 2:1-3 (NIV)

Kings do not like to share their crowns and Herod was no exception to this. Upon hearing this news he carried out the despicable deed of slaughtering every boy two years old and under in accordance with the time he had heard from the Magi. Sadly, Herod grasps for security of his position through human effort – big mistake. Scripture tells us it is God who exalts and deposes. Herod dies. Jesus lives.

6 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. 7 But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. Psalms 75:6-7 (NIV)



“We fear men so much because we fear God so little.” William Gurnall



What I glean from this:



• Jesus wants to cleanse and purify and empower my heart. My actions are to be motivated from a heart like His.


• Jesus changes me.


• It is God who exalts and deposes man.

Sharing Bread John 18:29-32

SHARING BREAD

29 So Pilate came out to them and asked, "What charges are you bringing against this man?"






30 "If he were not a criminal," they replied, "we would not have handed him over to you."




31 Pilate said, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law."



"But we have no right to execute anyone," the Jews objected. 32 This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled.


John 18:29-32 (NIV)


There was certainly not a great amount of love lost between Pilate and these hypocritically pious Jews. Pilate was not the least bit duped by their false pretence – he saw right through their charade. Matthew’s gospel tells us Pilate was aware of the motives behind these Jewish leaders’ actions:

18 For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. Matt 27:18 (NIV)

Pilate had been well aware of these leaders envy and fear over Jesus’ growing popularity and following. He had also witnessed the love, acclaims and wild enthusiasm the Jewish nation had had for their King. Certainly he had heard about - if not been privy to see - the great throngs assembled together shouting “Hosanna” (“Please save” or “Save now”) and waving palm branches (symbols of victory) at Jesus’ triumphal entry – ascribing Messianic titles to Him. John tells us earlier in his gospel:

12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" John 12:12-13 (NIV)

It was the Jewish leaders in our verses for today causing this annoying raucous for Pilate not the masses. These leaders wanted our Lord dead and if possible, they wanted the deed done by the hands of the Romans. Everything legal in the eyes of man – always desirous of their external doings to be justified never mind their hearts remained hardened and dead. Big mistake! God values what is in the heart over the pretence of righteous actions. God always judges on the basis of why we act. With God, why we do something is far more important than what we do. Believe me; God is never duped over pretense. Proverbs tells us:

2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Prov 16:2 (NIV)





“Our Lord does not care so much for the importance of our works as for the love with which they are done.” Teresa of Avila

In Solomon’s prayer for the temple dedication we are also given further insight into his knowledge of this Truth:

30 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of men), 31 so that they will fear you and walk in your ways all the time they live in the land you gave our fathers. 2 Chron 6:30-31 (NIV)




"Jesus is the great teacher of lowliness of heart. Witness the Master taking a towel and washing His disciples' feet! Isn't it true to say that on earth He was always stripping off first one robe of honor and then another until, naked, He was fastened to the cross and emptied Himself, pouring out His lifeblood, giving it up for all of us, until they laid Him penniless in a borrowed grave?" C. H. Spurgeon

Yet the Jewish leader’s flawed actions were merely the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophetic Words – another confirmation that our Lord was exactly who He said He was:

17 Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, 18 "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!" Matt 20:17-19 (NIV)


What I glean from this:

• God knows my heart and is not duped by pretence of piety in my actions and is fully aware if my heart remains prideful, cold and hard. He alone judges the thoughts and attitudes of my heart: 9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chron 16:9 (NIV)


• My motives are important to GOD. 10 "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve." Jer 17:10 (NIV)


• Jesus fulfilled all prophecy.

Sharing Bread John 18:28

SHARING BREAD

28 Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover.


John 18:28 (NIV)

Not willing to waste any time, being early in the morning as well as having our Lord apprehended, His enemies industriously sought to put Jesus to death on the cross. Their vile hypocrisy is flagrant. In an effort to avoid ceremonial uncleanness, they remain outside of the palace to keep them from being prevented from eating the Passover. Interestingly, they supposed a piety regarding ceremonial defilement while all the while doing the devil’s work – the murdering of the Messiah. Many are afraid of the stink of the scandal of a bad action – how one appears to the world - rather than of the sin itself – how one appears to God.

I am totally reminded of Paul’s words to the Philippians regarding those that were not too dissimilar to the Jews our verse references today – those allowing their fleshly worldly desires and appetites to get in the way of following Truth. This blatant display of false conscientiousness by our Lord’s wicked enemies could hardly be surpassed. Indeed, the conscience is a very curious thing in the unconverted man becoming hardened and seared - feeling nothing - or becoming excessively scrupulous over lesser matters of religion – matters over ceremony and observances of the trifling externals. All symptomatic of spiritual disease and a heart that remains steadfastly unsatisfied. Quite frankly, their hearts and minds appeared set on physical desires and unrestrained gluttony. Paul writes to the Philippians the following:

17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Phil 3:17-21 (NIV)


Believers, on the other hand, are to be able to quickly discern Truth from error. Earlier in John our Lord gives us further insight regarding this:

42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47 He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." John 8:42-47 (NIV)


Satan seeks to lead people away from God - the Source of all truth and life - to embrace the lie just as he did all the way back in Genesis with Adam and Eve. He mixes the truth with lies in an effort to get us to embrace the “apple”. He has not changed his ways – he is still up to his same deceitful and dirty tricks prefacing all with “Did God really say…….” Satanically inspired thought has a special appeal to the worldly mind. Paul tells us in Colossians believers are to set their thoughts and minds on things above - bringing heavenly direction to our earthly duties:

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Col 3:1-4 (NIV)

“Luther was right: the root behind all other manifestations of sin is compulsive unbelief—our voluntary darkness concerning God, ourselves, his relationship to the fallen world and his redemption purpose… If the fall occurred through embracing lies, the recovery process of salvation must center on faith in truth, reversing this condition.” Richard Lovelace, Renewal as a Way of Life



This is why it is so important to know the Truth of God’s Word. There are not enough hours in a day to delve into the myriads of the devil’s deceits. Just as one learns how to recognize a counterfeit bill by studying the real thing, we too must learn to recognize deceit by knowing Truth. God speaks this glorious promise through the pen of the prophet Isaiah encouraging us onward:



17 This is what the LORD says-- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. 18 If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. 19 Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be cut off nor destroyed from before me." Isaiah 48:17-19 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Many are afraid of the stink of the scandal of a bad action – how one appears to the world – rather than of the sin itself – how one appears to God. Seriously, what is man?


• The conscience of the unconverted can become hardened and seared feeling nothing or excessively scrupulous over lesser matters of religion both symptomatic of an unsatisfied heart.


• The way to know Truth is to know God’s Word.

Sharing Bread John 18:25-27

SHARING BREAD

25 As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?"






He denied it, saying, "I am not."



26 One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?" 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

John 18:25-27 (NIV)

“God appoints people who do disappoint – to point to a God who never disappoints.” Ann Voskamp

Certainly, the sound of the early morning rooster crowing had to have been harsh and deadening music - bitter notes to Peter’s ears. Indeed, a jolt of painful lightening must have pierced the heart of the denier. He had done something he vehemently proclaimed he would never do – he turned his back on his Lord. Earlier in John we find Peter’s words basking in strong confidence. He had genuinely misgauged his flesh – big mistake. Unfortunately this is one mistake we all seem to wrestle with and fall prey to – over and over again. One in which we are ever so prone to encounter. We can all see ourselves in Peter:

37 Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." John 13:37 (NIV)

Fear can make us do things we could never imagine otherwise doing. Scripture tells us, Peter had already been “privileged” to experience this fleshly fearful sensation and its ensuing consequences. Remember when he was in the boat and our Lord was walking on the water? It was such an enticement for this powerfully impulsive disciple to join Jesus. He asks permission to brave the waves – wetting only his feet – walking on the water to join Him. Keeping his eyes fixed on the Lord, he experiences – albeit briefly – something no other jar of clay – save Bear Bryant (I just couldn’t resist) – has ever been privy to flesh out – Peter walked on water:

25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matt 14:25-29 (NIV)

So far, so good Pete! Keeping a firm fixed focus on the Master you will not go under! Yet, unfortunately, Peter lets his gaze shift from Jesus to the waves – the giant problem, the fearful and the impossible issue at hand. Guess what happens next? He begins to sink – first ankles, then kneecaps, waist and chest quickly follow immediately giving him the sensation of cold wet. He screams out cries of “Save me Jesus!” I hate the way this sounds all so familiar!! Paralyzed with fear, sinking fast - been there, done that, really don’t want to go back! The moment Pete begins to cry out – eyes going from his situation to his Savior – sweet Jesus immediately (love that word!) reaches out and saves – just like He always does for any and all who call on His Name:

30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." Matt 14:30-33 (NIV)


“Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues.” John R W. Stott

“There is never a fear that has not a corresponding ‘Fear not.’” Amy Carmichael

I am reminded of the words in Hebrews telling us to keep our focus fixed on the Master to both prevent falls and encourage us from weariness and to persevere:

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (NIV)



“God incarnate is the end of fear. The heart that realizes that He is in the midst…..will be quiet in the midst of alarm.” F.B. Meyer

What I glean from this:

• My confidence should never be in myself rather in my Savior who never leaves me nor forsakes me. “The Lord our God is One and in Him, all the fragments of life are woven into one piece. In Christ, we aren’t ever torn. In Him, all brokenness is made whole, all moments are made holy, all pieces are made one. There is profound rest in this.” Ann Voskamp


• Fear makes me do things I could never imagine otherwise doing. “The only fear a Christian should entertain is the fear of sin. All other fears are from Satan sent to confuse and weaken us. How often the Lord reiterated to His disciples, ‘Be not afraid!’” Isobel Kuhn


• Perfect love casts out fear. "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)

Sharing Bread John 18:22-24

SHARING BREAD

22 When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded.




23 "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" 24 Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.


John 18:22-24 (NIV)

“Truth has a self-evident power of persuasion and those who oppose it find it difficult to deny.” Bible Knowledge Commentary

When hypocrisy is exposed fury results. Hence, the slapping of the Word made flesh, of the Truth and the Life. Rather than choosing to embrace Truth some people simply find it easier to evade it or fight against it or even seek to silence it by slapping it away. The wording used in our verses for today actually means “gave a blow on the face” – the first blow of many which the holy body of Jesus would receive. Micah had prophesized regarding this:

1 Marshal your troops, O city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. They will strike Israel's ruler on the cheek with a rod. Micah 5:1 (NIV)


No matter how much the fighting against or the confusion and the willing refusal of, Truth will forever stand. Therefore, we must confidently preach Christ and allow God to open the eyes that are blind. I am reminded of our Lord’s Word in Matthew stating wisdom will always be proved right by results:

“But wisdom is proved right by her actions." Matt 11:19 (NIV)

Those who questioned our Lord knew Truth yet chose error in a particularly degrading and disorderly way. Isn’t that just the way sin seems to flesh out? Our God is the God of encouragement, order, light and peace while Satan’s domain is one of disdain, disorder, darkness and confusion. Furthermore, this mockery and violence to a prisoner in a court of justice serves as a demonstration of the miserably low state to which the Jewish nation had fallen. Nothing seems to be a surer index of the real condition of a nation than the conduct of its courts. It would do well for us to remember the Proverb:

2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Prov 29:2 (NIV)


When man begins to spiral down in sin there seems to be no limit to his wickedness. The court appears to have loved the darkness rather than to have embraced the Light. They are those whom Paul describes in Romans who hardened their hearts, refusing to believe what was most evident:

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20 (NIV)




Jesus’ reply to the one who struck Him is both calm and dignified clearly fleshing out His charge to His followers in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew – a charge which at first blush appears a bit confusing. Surely there are times when a Christian in honor of justice must protest against violence as well as certainly removing themselves from a dangerous and hostile circumstance. Our Lord’s underlying point, therefore, in the below verse in Matthew is regarding our rights – we must be willing to submit all of them to God – entrusting our care to Him. Christians are bond slaves to Christ:



38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matt 5:38-39 (NIV)





Peter elaborates a bit more on this for us clearing the confusion:



23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV)




“Our Lord here showed that His great precepts of patience are to be put in practice, not by outward show of the body, but by preparedness of heart. Visibly to present the other cheek is no more than an angry man can do. How much better then that with mild answer he speaks the truth, and with tranquil mind endure worse outrages.” Augustine



What I glean from this:

• When hypocrisy is exposed fury often results. Proverbs states: 7 "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. 8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Prov 9:7-8 (NIV)


• Satan’s domain is disdain, disorder, darkness and confusion.


• When I am wronged, I am to leave revenge in God’s capable hands following Jesus’ example. I can trust Him to right the wrong. Paul states in Romans: 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)

Sharing Bread John 18:19-21

SHARING BREAD

19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.






20 "I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said."


John 18:19-21 (NIV)


Changing stages in the Biblical narrative, so to speak, the action has shifted and we now discover Jesus being questioned by the High Priest regarding our Lord’s disciples and doctrine. His enemies desired to know the principal points of His creed – what He required of His followers. These would have been normal questions of those fearful of an insurrection. Yet interestingly, they had already made an order of excommunication for anyone confessing Him – they certainly were not in the dark. Earlier in John we discover their knowledge of His ways:

22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. John 9:22 (NIV)


These leaders were simply out to get Jesus to accuse Himself- a ploy to have Him criminate Himself. This, of course, was not fair, just or reasonable. Surely they hoped they would discover something of which to accuse Him as they feared His popularity, growing following and particularly how things might eventually turn out for them. Fearful of losing their lofty positions men often do flagrant things. We discover earlier in John the fears of the chief priests, Pharisees and the Sanhedrin:

47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. "What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." John 11:47-48 (NIV)




Our Lord had been fair and open in the proclamation of His doctrine. His ways were not hidden. Jesus had been pristinely clear that He was not leading a rebellion. Matthew records His Words:



55 At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.” Matt 26:55 (NIV)



Jesus held no secrets. He was no feigned character with ulterior motives. Secrets are Satan’s domain. Jesus speaks of this in Revelation to the Church at Thyatira:



24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): 25 Only hold on to what you have until I come. Rev 2:24-25 (NIV)




Our Lord had done nothing in an underhanded or clandestine way – always speaking openly to the world. He spoke to all who had “ears to hear” - anyone willing to hear – high or low, Jew or Gentile, learned or unlearned, friend or foe. He preached the same doctrine in the synagogues in the country as He had done in the temple in Jerusalem as well as on the mountaintops, private houses and the seaside. He was clear and consistent just as He calls His followers to be. He taught nothing nor said nothing to be ashamed of. Matthew gives us evidence of the openness in His way of teaching:



23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. Matt 4:23-25 (NIV)




“God desires the smallest degree of purity of conscience in you more than all the works you can perform.” John of the Cross

Jesus never spoke secretly as if He had any cause for shame. Our Lord was a public speaker and did not withhold any part of His message from any class of the population - proclaiming equal boldness in every place. This was our Lord’s own account therefore we know it to be Truth. Jesus is referring here to the substance of His doctrine though His form of teaching could at times vary.

The boldness and dignity of our Lord’s reply is noteworthy as well and serves as an example for every Christian to be courageous and unflinching in their testimony and tone as an innocent defendant before an unjust and unrighteous judge. Christians are called to be both bold and innocent:

1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Prov 28:1 (NIV)




16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matt 10:16 (NIV)




“I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.” John Calvin



What I glean from this:

• Fearful men do flagrant things. God is the only One I am to fear therefore I am to be flagrant in His works. 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16 (NIV)


• Secrets are Satan’s domain – my character is not to be feigned nor am I to secretly have ulterior motives.


• God desires for me to have purity in my conscience.

Sharing Bread John 18:15-18

SHARING BREAD

15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in.




17 "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter.



He replied, "I am not."



18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

John 18:15-18 (NIV)

John now takes us to Peter’s first denial of the Lord Jesus. Interestingly, in the accounts given of this scene by the other gospel writers there is included, unlike Johns, the fact that Peter followed at a distance. He was lovingly anxious to see what would happen to his Master yet not brave or bold enough to keep by His side. The other gospel accounts are as follows:

57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. Matt 26:57-58 (NIV)




53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. Mark 14:53-54 (NIV)



54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. Luke 22:54-55 (NIV)



What mixed feelings must have been going on within Peter! Fervently loving the Lord Jesus in his heart making him ashamed to flee yet flesh had him quaking in his sandals afraid to show his true loyalty to the Lord. Hence he chooses the very unprofitable middle ground – just walking the fence between what he knew what was right to do and what fear and cowardice prevented him to do. Not a fun place to be. I am reminded in Scripture of Elijah’s words to the people of Israel on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings:



21 Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing. 1 Kings 18:21 (NIV)



When we discover ourselves seemingly doing a limping dance between two choices - seeking to stay the middle course either for fear of others or for fear of our own skin we are prime to fall. After being so self-confident that he would never deny the Lord, Peter does exactly what he thought he would never do. Isn’t that the way it goes? We place ourselves in positions we should never be in and fear, self-confidence, pride or whatever simply blows on us and, like Humpty Dumpty on the wall, we come spiraling down doing things we never thought possible. In lieu of being self-confident, Peter ought to have been humble; instead of sleeping, he should have been praying; instead of fluttering around the fire with the enemy, he should have placed himself out of temptation’s reach. It would have done him well and it would certainly do us well to pray as Jesus taught us to pray:



13 “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matt 6:13 (NIV)



Remember also His Word to the disciples - but addressed specifically to Peter - in the Garden of Gethsemane:



40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matt 26:40-41 (NIV)



Could we not stand watch with Him for an hour in our time of temptation to prevent our downfalls when Satan’s strikes and lures are at full peak? The flesh is no match for the Adversary. Yet, Scripture tells us God is faithful to provide a door for our escape:



13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor 10:13 (NIV)

Paul also tells us we are to flee temptation and pursue righteousness. This means we are to know ourselves – what is going to trigger us and cause us to fall. Know where we are most tempted and seek to avoid willingly placing ourselves where we are likely to tumble down. Remember, no one is above falling. It is foolish of us when our grace is weak to flutter with the flames as did Peter.



11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Tim 6:11-12 (NIV)


What I glean from this:



• I am not to walk the fence as I am most likely to fall.


• I must be red flagged when self-confidence, pride, cowardice and plethora of many other vices rear their ugly heads in my life. I must keep my accounts short with the Lord.


• I am to pray that I will not be lead into temptation rather delivered from the evil one.

Sharing Bread John 18:12-14

SHARING BREAD

12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.


John 18:12-14 (NIV)

“They bound Him”- Seriously? How do you bind the One who spoke creation into being? How do you bind the great “I AM”? How do you bind the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form? How do you bind achieving power – Omnipotence in the flesh – with mere strings of straw? “They bound Him” simply because Jesus allowed them to bind Him. He submitted Himself to be a passive sufferer allowing His enemies to work their will – subjecting Himself to the spite and hatred of His persecutors. Jesus Christ led by example. He suffered while He served yet kept on serving anyway. To free mankind from bondage, He became bound. We owe our liberty to His bondage. The prophet Isaiah tells us:

3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5 (NIV)




7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. Isaiah 53:7-8 (NIV)


It is amazing, is it not, the degree of hardness and insensibility of conscience to which man may attain – the gross and quick spiraling down from sense to nonsense. The charge fell against all oppressors as they were all equally as guilty of aiding and abetting – there were no accessories only principals. To be sure, it is the same in our day – each person is held accountable for accepting or denying the Lord Jesus – no exceptions.

For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11 It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'" 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:10-12 (NIV)


“We see the Son of God taken prisoner and led away bound like a malefactor, arraigned before wicked and unjust judges, insulted and treated with contempt. And yet this unresisting prisoner had only to will His deliverance, and He would at once have been free. He had only to command the confusion of His enemies, and they would at once have been confounded. Above all He was One who knew full well that Annas and Caiaphas, and all their companions, would one day stand before His judgment seat and receive an eternal sentence. He knew all these things, and yet condescended to be treated as a malefactor without resisting.” John Charles Ryle

Just prior to our Lord being bound, these onlookers who had come to take Jesus prisoner – both Jews and Romans alike - had been privy to witness the exhibition of His divine power. First, when they went backward and fell to the ground and second, when - as Luke states in his gospel - our Lord touched the ear of Malchus and healed him – two miraculous events leaving them untouched, unmoved, cold and insensible – each continuing on with their hateful business. One who thinks miracles can convert a person into a thorough Christian has much to learn. The miraculous points us to the Savior but certainly does not save as evidenced here. Luke’s gospel states:

49 When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him. Luke 22:49-51 (NIV)

Lastly, we discover in our verses for today that though unaware of it himself, prior to this time, Caiaphas was used to unconsciously prophecy regarding the one great sacrifice for the sins of the world. It would be good indeed if one Man died for the people! He had no idea how good! God can speak to us even through donkeys!

“When it comes to hearing from God, I firmly believe the Bible is our source and authority. God's Word is like a megaphone to His people. Throughout Scripture God speaks through kings and queens, princes and prophets, poets and pilgrims. He speaks through weather patterns, barnyard animals and even the stars in the sky. God is not only creative, but He is persistent in getting our attention and communicating with us.” Margaret Feinberg

Earlier in John we discover what he now alludes to:

49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." John 11:49-50 (NIV)



What I glean from this:



• Jesus willingly became bound for me - to free me from bondage.


• Apart from Jesus, there is no limit to the degree of hardness and insensibility of conscience to which I can attain.


• Being privy to the miraculous does not save rather points me to the Savior.

Sharing Bread John 18:10-11

SHARING BREAD

10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)






11 Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"


John 18:10-11 (NIV)

Once again, Peter’s impetuous temperament comes out in full view. Acting hastily – being ever impulsive, zealous, earnest, and lacking thought of consequences – he seeks to behead the priest’s servant Malchus. Fortunately, by God’s grace, he ends up only slashing off his right ear. He foolishly exposed himself and the others with him to the fury of the multitude. Peter’s fervent loyalty was touching yet unfortunately he totally missed God’s divine plan of redemption. He seems to have completely forgotten all of Jesus’ frequent predictions regarding His being delivered into the hands of the Gentiles and subsequently condemned to death. Peter lacked the full knowledge of the Father’s perfect will which included the Lord’s passion. Jesus was prepared to pave the path of salvation before us, leveling the mountains of evil, breaking down its gates of bronze and cutting through its bars of iron to give us this treasure.

We would do well to remember that zeal – however fervent - without knowledge in religion has often led many down the wrong path, driving them to foolish actions. Paul states the Jews as an example of “zeal without knowledge” in the tenth chapter of Romans. They were a religious group but their knowledge was not based on the Truth. Interestingly, we could replace the name “Israelites” with any name whose knowledge is not based on the Truth. Remember it is the Lord Jesus Who is Truth. Truth is not a theory, Truth is a Person:

1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Romans 10:1-4 (NIV)

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV)

We also see in our verses for today, Christ setting forth for us the example of meekness – not weakness - in suffering – practicing what He had preached to them. Christianity was never intended to be spread by the sword. Our Lord calmly surrendered and yielded Himself prisoner not because He could not make an escape but because He would not. His suffering was not forced on Him by the Jews rather the cause was from above. The cup had been given to Him by His Father and our Lord willingly took it. It was His time, it was His Father’s will and here He shows He was willing. This brings up an interesting question – are we, like Jesus, willing to drink the cup the Father has given us – choosing to stay rather than abort our circumstances?

The process Jesus went through is an interesting one to note and is deeply instructive. He is our perfect example in all things in life. God became man and walked in our shoes all the while living a sinless life – fulfilling all righteousness. He knows our conflicts by experience. It is good therefore for us to seek to be like Jesus in everything.

We find our Lord very shortly before in the Garden of Gethsemane wrestling in His spirit to the point of sweating drops of blood regarding this forthcoming bitter cup. He had earnestly prayed - if possible – for its removal yet all the while embracing God’s will over His own. This shows me we are not wrong to pray for our crosses to be removed if it is within God’s perfect will:

39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matt 26:39 (NIV)

Next He prays a resigned declaration knowing God’s will must be accomplished whatever the cost:

42 He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."  Matt 26:42 (NIV)

Lastly, we see a firm and composed readiness – a perfect willingness to drink the bitter cup of suffering set before Him:

“Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” John 18:11 (NIV)



Our Lord first prays for relief and His prayer was answered not in the removal of His dilemma but rather in His complete willingness to embrace it. Indeed, the writer of Hebrews adds the precious three letter word “Joy” in His anguish in an effort to encourage us to run our races with focus and perseverance as well:



1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (NIV)




“No man is fit to comprehend heavenly things who has not resigned himself to suffer adversities for Christ.” Thomas a Kempis

“In shunning a trial, we are seeking to avoid a blessing.” Charles Spurgeon

What I glean from this:

• Zeal without knowledge will lead me down the wrong path driving me to foolish actions.


• Jesus is Truth.


• Jesus is my perfect example in suffering.

Sharing Bread John 18:7-9

SHARING BREAD

7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"






And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."






8 "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."

John 18:7-9 (NIV)

The tender mercies and compassion of our Lord Jesus are here exhibited in the demonstration of His protection over His disciples. In exposing Himself, He excuses them. Being a chicken at heart, I can only imagine the great relief His Words must have, at first blush, brought to His guys. Perhaps they could have even surmised that if they were to be let go, they might have had a chance, albeit ever so small, of rescuing Him back - as if He needed their help! More than likely the “save your own skin” mentality of fleshly human nature surfaced in the disciples and they clung to His Words of their release. Jesus was out to secure their safety. This was in fact a fulfillment to His Words found in John 6:

38 “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.” John 6:38-39 (NIV)



God’s covenant people should never imagine that His protective eye is not constantly on them. Isaiah speaks of our Lord’s faithful protection:



2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)



“Though our Savior’s passion is over, His compassion is not.” William Penn

Jesus had also told them earlier in John that He was the Good Shepherd and being the Good Shepherd He would lay down His life for His sheep:

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NIV)

I am again reminded of the prophet Isaiah’s words picturing the Lord as a Shepherd and the tender care He takes of His sheep particularly the weakest of the weak:

11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)

“Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues.” John R W. Stott

Our Lord was well aware that in their flesh, His guys would not be strong enough to bear the trial. Remember this scene occurred prior to the filling of the Holy Spirit in these vessels of clay. Had they been taken prisoners their fleshly faith and resolution would surely have failed them as evidenced by their fleeing and dispersing and denying conduct which followed. He therefore provides for their escape and brilliantly overrules the enemies’ plans. Paul writes of this in I Corinthians:

13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor 10:13 (NIV)


We must never forget that the care of Jesus for His people not only provides for them eternal salvation but also a means of perseverance and continuation in the faith. Jesus will preserve the natural life for the length of service for which it is intended – ever causing us to stand because He is faithful and able to cause us to stand:

And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.  Romans 14:4 (NIV)

“He considers our frame, will wisely time the cross, and proportion it to our strength.” Matthew Henry

What I glean from this:

• Jesus constantly protects me. He will never leave me nor forsakes me. No one can snatch me out of His mighty Hand. These are promises from Scripture to which I cling: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Heb 13:5 (NIV) 27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28 (NIV)


• Jesus tenderly cares for the weakest of His weak (which would be me!). His protective eye is ever on me.


• Jesus causes me to stand because He is able to cause me to stand.

Sharing Bread John 18:4-6

SHARING BREAD

4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"




5 "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.





"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

John 18:4-6 (NIV)

Unruffled and undaunted by the detachment of soldiers, though well aware of what was about to transpire, our Lord mildly meets His accusers with the simple question - "Who is it you want?" Interestingly, when the crowds were in His favor and desired to make Him king, He shunned the crown withdrawing rather alone from the throngs yet here when they were ready to crucify Him, He embraced the cross. It was why He came. Jesus’ mission into this world was to suffer; it is in heaven, He reigns. This does not warrant us to needlessly expose ourselves to harm and suffering yet when unavoidable excepting through sin we must follow the pattern of the Master. We find earlier in John:

14 After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. John 6:14-15 (NIV)

Jesus’ response - "I am he" – quite literally “I AM” – startled those opposing Him by the sheer majesty of His Word – felling them all to the ground. Can you imagine the scene - six hundred plus men drawing back and falling to the ground by the power of His Name alone. The One who spoke creation into being, the One who is the Giver of all life, the One who is the Source of all knowledge, the One Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the One who is the fountain of all goodness claims His Deity and all fall – no surprise. Even the rocks cry out at His command. This is not the first time our Lord had spoken these Words. At that time His affirmation of Deity evoked a crisis and they picked up stones to stone Him yet then His time had not yet fully come. We find earlier in John:

58 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. John 8:58-59 (NIV)



Beth Moore terms the soldier’s actions of falling to the ground compulsory praise - a preamble if you will, a foretaste of a future event – where every knee will most certainly bow. I am reminded of Isaiah’s certain prophecy which Paul repeats in both Romans and Philippians:



22 “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. 23 By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.”   Isaiah 45:22-23 (NIV)




For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11 It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'" 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.   Romans 14:10-12 (NIV)





5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.   Phil 2:5-11 (NIV)




Lastly, we see Scripture mentioning the turncoat – Judas – standing now with the enemy. He who once found his place among the twelve following Christ now stands with those who fought against Him. Certainly, this shows the impudence of Judas – how could he have had the confidence to face the Master unashamed? Indeed, he shows his blaring colors of despicable wickedness. Sin is an insidious monster gradually taking us down often unawares until we hit flat bottom. Remember, Judas hung himself. We must not wink at sin – God never does.



“Sin is the dare of God’s justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, the slight of His power, and the contempt of His love.” John Bunyan

Definition of sin according to Dr. Omar Hamada: “Sin is a living, breathing organism with will and intent seeking to destroy us. It is referred to in the Bible as crouching at our door. It is a roaring lion infecting and controlling natural man. It is alive and well.”

What I glean from this:

• Jesus was and is never taken by surprise.


• Jesus willingly died for me.


• I am to flee sin and pursue righteousness. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 1 Tim 6:11 (NIV)

Sharing Bread John 18:3

SHARING BREAD

3 So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.


John 18:3 (NIV)

Consider with me for a moment - if you will – what could have possibly been the attitude or thoughts of God the Father as He gazed down from heaven on this scene. The great “I AM” – the “El Roi” - the God who sees – watching all the happenings yet staying his mighty omnipotent hand – choosing rather instead to restrain His achieving power. One thing we can be certain of, He was not wringing His mighty hands in worry and anxiety over what to do next – nor was He taken by surprise. It never ceases to amaze me the sheer audacity of mankind - we who are but mere discerners of “the edges of His ways”. It would behoove us to state as King David did in Psalm 8:

3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalms 8:3-4 (NIV)

John begins his description of the passion scene by describing a detachment - perhaps six hundred plus bumbling Neanderthals – all clad with their puny battle of arms - to take captive the One who came to set the captive free – oh the sheer irony of it all! A mixed multitude - Gentiles and Jews alike - all eager to arrest – just as they most likely had been at other times when sent to seize the Lord Jesus but then His time had not yet fully come. Now they appear under the direction of Judas – the willing turncoat, the lover of money over the Lord – to rid themselves of Jesus’ righteousness. I think it extremely interesting that they come with mere candles seeking the true “Son” in all of His radiance – the One who came to give Light and now they come with their flicker in an effort to take it away – how silly to depend solely upon man and his strength.

It has now become markedly evident of our Lord’s voluntary surrender. Jesus, the One who spoke the world into being, the One who could command legions upon legions of angels to do His bidding, the One who raised the dead, the One who gives life to the fullest here willingly acquiesces to the great plan of salvation for mankind - bringing many men to glory. Jesus speaks clearly earlier in John regarding His forthcoming actions:

14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." John 10:14-18 (NIV)


The prophet Isaiah prophesizes regarding the attitude of God the Father concerning God the Son’s great sacrifice:

3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5 (NIV)

7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. 9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. 11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light [of life] and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:7-11 (NIV)



It was the Great Plan with our best interest at heart. The Creator God suffered, died, and rose again for His creation. Amazing love!

“And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Savior's blood? Died He for me who caused His pain! For me who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be That Thou, my God, should die for me? Amazing love! How can it be That Thou, my God, should die for me?” Charles Wesley

“The darkness of His Providence is starlit with Divine Intents.” Streams in the Desert

What I glean from this:

• Jesus drank the bloody cup of redemption for me – powerless to save myself. I am healed by His wounds. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 (NIV)


• God the Father and God the Son restrained their omnipotent hands in saving me. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NIV)


• God always has my best interest at heart. 17 “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zeph 3:17 (NIV)

Sharing Bread John 18:1-2

SHARING BREAD

1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.






2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.


John 18:1-2 (NIV)

John now enters into the closing scenes of our Lord’s ministry going from His intercession to His perfect sacrifice. In our verses for today, we see the beginnings of His betrayal by Judas, His trusted friend. Interestingly, King David was also betrayed by his friend and trusted advisor – Ahithophel - while crossing the Kidron Valley. It never ceases to amaze me the exceeding hardness of heart to which a backsliding professor can attain. It is a wonderful reminder to me to keep my accounts short with the Lord – running to Jesus for cleansing and forgiveness when the Spirit brings sin in my life to light rather than wallowing like a pig in the mud – getting me nowhere fast. We find recorded in 2 Samuel the following:

23 The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the desert. 2 Sam 15:23 (NIV)



30 But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up. 31 Now David had been told, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." So David prayed, "O LORD, turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness." 2 Sam 15:30-31 (NIV)



Friends may betray us – even those closest to us – yet Jesus never will. He tells us He will never leave us nor forsake us. Scripture also tells us:



But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Prov 18:24 (NIV)




Judas was well aware of the place our Lord and His disciples were in the habit of frequently assembling to pray and refresh – ever content to find their shelter under trees, rocks and open air. Many a night our Lord spent with the sky as His ceiling and the stars as His light. Jesus’ practices and places of prayer were well known. Mark tells us more of Jesus’ prayer habits:



35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35 (NIV)




45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. Mark 6:45-46 (NIV)



“You know the value of prayer; it is precious beyond all price. Never, never neglect it.” Thomas Buxton

Our Lord’s actions of retreating to the same place for refreshment and prayer serves as an encouragement to those who habitually go to the same “prayer closet” to meet with the Lord. There is nothing wrong in loving one place over another for communion with Jesus. He sets forth that example for us Himself.



Judas “knew the place” because he had so often heard the Master teaching and praying there. How desperately hardened his heart must have become after being privy to observe and participate in so many seasons of spiritual refreshment yet evidently remaining unchanged. His history is meant to be a lesson for us all. We are not to be cavalier or carless in our walk of faith. Jeremiah tells us we must beware of our own hearts:



9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 10 "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve." Jer 17:9-10 (NIV)

“This knowledge [of our own sinfulness], though it strikes man with terror and overwhelms him with despair, is nevertheless necessary for us in order that, stripped of our own righteousness, cast down from confidence in our own power, deprived of all expectation of life, we may learn through the knowledge of our own poverty, misery and disgrace to prostrate ourselves before the Lord, and by the awareness of our own wickedness, powerlessness, and ruin may give all credit for holiness, power and salvation to him.” John Calvin



What I glean from this:



• Jesus was betrayed by His trusted friend. Friends may betray me but Jesus never will. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.


• I must keep my accounts short with the Lord – running to Him for cleansing and forgiveness when the Spirit convicts rather than wallowing in the mud like a pig. He restores, I repulse. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NIV)


• Scripture states and I know by experience that my fleshly heart is deceitful beyond cure. I can convince myself of the “rightness” of whatever I want to do. Only the Lord can change my heart.