Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: This time we're going to shift and have something very special. As a body of believers as we are as a church, one way that we demonstrate our faith to one another publicly is by baptism in water. And so I'm standing here in a tub of water. We have some people that we're going to baptize this morning. It's a great opportunity for them to publicly say to you all here and to be able to share with other people in their life later on that they told many others in their life. Yes, I have chosen to follow Jesus. Now here at Living Hope, we don't believe that baptism saves you, but rather it's something that occurs after you have been saved. And so I want to read a little bit from Romans chapter six, just a few verses here. And then after I do, we will have the baptisms. And so if you would just. Just listen in to what Paul says about how we should continue our life after we've trusted in Jesus. So he starts off in verse 1 of Romans 6. He says this. What shall we say then? After just talking about the grace that we receive from Christ, what shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?
By no means.
We are those who have died to sin. How can we live in it any longer? Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. And baptism is a picture of that. As we as one steps into the water, they recognize, I was somebody else before I trusted in Jesus. And now this picture of baptism is me, is one person, is a person saying, I'm dying to my old self, and I am now going to live trusting in and following Jesus in my life. Here's what verse five says going on. For if we have been united with him in his death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been set free.
So now we recognize as followers of Jesus and dwelt with the Holy Spirit have a choice we can now, unlike before we knew Jesus, we didn't have a choice. We were slaves to sin. And so now as followers of Jesus, we can choose to walk with him. Verse 8 says, for if we died with Christ, we will believe.
We believe that we also will live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again. Death no longer has mastery over him. The death, he died. He died to sin once for all. But the life he lives, he lives to God. And I'll Conclude in verse 11, it says this in the same way you and I and those being baptized today count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. And that's what we celebrate this morning is their proclamation of trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. So there's three people that will be baptizing here, and I'll invite them into the water individually.
The first is all 100 Tuckspin. And you can come on into the water. And as she comes in, this is just a special time for us to recognize her faith and trust in Jesus.
Well, Alejandra, have you chosen to follow Jesus in your life? Yes.
Do you believe that you're a sinner in need of a savior?
And do you believe that Jesus came, he died so that you could have a relationship with him? Yes. And do you promise to live for him for the rest of your life? Yes. Well, because of your profession of faith, I'm going to baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The next person we're going to baptize the next two, actually, but one at a time, is Mallory, their sisters, so older of the two. Come on in. We'll be baptized. Now.
This is Mallory Cooley.
Mallory, do you believe that you are a sinner in need of a savior?
And do you believe that Jesus came and died for your sins?
And do you promise to live for Jesus the rest of your life? Yes. Well, because of your profession of faith, I baptize you now in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
And then Mallory's younger sister, Charlotte is going to be come in here next.
Okay.
All right. Charlotte, do you believe that you are a sinner in need of a savior? Yes.
And do you believe that Jesus came and died for your sins? Yes. And do you promise to live for Jesus for the rest of your life? Yes.
Wonderful. Well, because of your profession of faith, to baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
Well, let's pray for them.
Let's join together here. Lord Jesus, we are so grateful for the love in which you loved us.
You stepped into this world to show us that you desire a relationship with us. And as we just baptized these three young ladies. We ask that you would give them great encouragement, a daily reminder of your love for them, of your desire to be in relationship with them. Thank you for their profession of faith, their recognition of their sin, their recognition of needing a Savior, and their trust in you as their only Savior.
We just ask, Lord, that you would, in the midst of whatever life may bring their way, which, you know, we don't. They don't. But you would give them perseverance, that you give them strength, that you give them wisdom, that you give them a bold proclamation of their own faith to the lives of the people that they interact with, that they would truly be lights in a world that desperately needs you.
Thank you for today. Their profession of faith and ask that each day forwards there is continually a clear, open, honest profession of faith to all those they interact with. We ask that your spirit would guide and direct them in the decisions that they have ahead of them. We thank you, Jesus, for what you have done and will do in their life as they walk with you. In Jesus name I pray everyone said amen.
[00:07:07] Speaker B: Good morning.
We get the opportunity to congrat some grads, so I'm going to call up a couple of people. You're welcome to applaud them. We'll ask them some deep personal questions.
But as a church, just take a moment to celebrate with them for their accomplishments that they've been able to get through after many, many years. So first up, let's invite Corbin up.
Hi, Corbin.
So do us a favor. Let us know where you're graduating from and what you're going to do next.
[00:07:50] Speaker A: First time, I'm graduating from Pioneer High School and I am going to go into plumbing.
[00:07:57] Speaker B: Yes.
Congratulations.
I have more.
Raul.
Same questions.
[00:08:20] Speaker A: I'm graduating from Woodland Christian and I'm attending UC Davis to study business.
That's for you.
[00:08:30] Speaker B: Congratulations, sir.
[00:08:31] Speaker A: Well done.
[00:08:36] Speaker B: We have a double celebration. Alejandra, is she back?
What a way to start graduation.
So, please, where are you graduating from and what are your plans next?
[00:08:57] Speaker A: I graduated from Logos Online School and I'm going to the community college to get my culinary certificate.
[00:09:13] Speaker B: And I have one more that's here.
Can Malaya come up?
[00:09:27] Speaker A: What was the question?
[00:09:29] Speaker B: Where are you graduating from? What's next?
[00:09:31] Speaker A: Okay. I'm graduating from South Sutter Charter School and I'm going to attend Woodland Community College and hopefully become a teacher.
Card.
[00:09:45] Speaker B: Hey, don't stop it. Malaysia's gonna do me a favor.
Yes, you may. Ooh and ah.
For those of you who don't know, Awan is a program that we are heavily involved for in the church here. But it's a worldwide program, reaches 7 million kids worldwide for. This is called the citation award. It's the highest award you can get in awana. It requires you to go through 10 books since third grade, over 500 verses to be memorized.
It involves.
I have to leave notes because I will forget. It involves servicing in church ministry, which malaya has done many, many years.
It actually is such a big deal that there are many Christian schools actually will give scholarships for those who are able to acquire this award.
It involves reading through books of the bible and giving a description of what the bible verse, bible chapter actually is about. It involves being able to share your faith and so much more. This is a very big deal. We are so proud of Malaya for her accomplishment, and we want to make sure that she gets a big round of applause from the church that supports her.
So congratulations, graduates, but let's take a moment to pray for you and the futures that you have.
Elin is here.
Elon, you made it. Elon, get up here.
Give him applause.
It's the hair. It threw me off. I didn't see you.
All right, so because you missed the questions, what are you graduating from and what do you plan on next?
[00:11:41] Speaker A: I'm graduating from pioneer high school, and I'm going to wcc for their culinary aa.
[00:11:56] Speaker B: I don't have any more cards, but is there anybody else that she knows here?
All right, now we'll pray. Heavenly father, we are so excited as a church to just celebrate the graduations of these youths that are becoming adults in you.
And as they go on to the next steps, I pray that they are encouraged by those of us that are around them in this fellowship, that we are praying for them constantly and the next steps and the wisdom to choose what. What is it they're gonna be doing but God, more importantly than anything else, that they continue to improve their relationship with you, their walk with you, and that we are able to help as the church guide them in this and be excited for them as they go on their next journeys and just know that they are loved, they are cared for, and they are in your hands. We ask this in jesus name. Amen.
[00:12:42] Speaker A: Amen. Amen.
Great things. Well, children ages 3 to 5 are welcome to go to chosen's church, and there'll be some adults heading back there with you. If you are new to living hope again, you have been welcomed many times. But I'll say that again inside your bulletin. As has been noted, lots of things, but on the back is where I'd like to draw your attention is the outline that we'll walk through in God's word this morning. John Chapter 18 is where we're going to start. So as the kids are leaving and some of the adults with them encourage you to open your Bibles or wherever you're going to be reading this text from John chapter 18 is where we'll be. And then verses 1 through 11 particularly is the verses that we'll be unpacking this morning. So find that, flip your bulletin over, grab a pen. There'll be things to write down there.
For the last three weeks, we've been going through John chapter 17 as Pastor Les mentioned, a passage aimed at Jesus. Prayer for one, himself, for him to be glorified and the Father to be glorified. Secondly, he was praying that the disciples would be protected, that they be kept safe. And this prayer is taking place as we talked about over the last few weeks at the Last Supper table. And so this Jesus just talked with him for quite some time there at the table about how he'd be leaving, the Holy Spirit would be coming, that he's desiring unity for them after he leaves and then after he prays for himself, for the disciples, and then for you and I. And we looked at that prayer last week, this prayer of unity.
He says, all right, let's get up, and we're gonna go from here. So we're moving from this upper room, this long conversation after the dinner that they just had, and they're going to leave. And that's where we're picking up today in verse one of chapter 18. So if you look in your Bibles with me at the end of verse 17, verse 26 of chapter 17, he says, all right, we're gonna go. We're done here, and we're gonna transition to the next in your Bibles. We'll start in verse one. We see this transition takes place. And as I wrote in your outline, it says this hour that Jesus has been talking about for quite some time is finally here. So this is really the beginning of the end. Can you say beginning of the end?
Beginning of the end. And Jesus has been talking about for three, three and a half years or so, this ending is coming. The time is going to come. And now he says it is here. The end hour that he's been talking about has finally arrived. So let's just read verses 1 through 11 together, and then we'll pray and we'll walk through it a little bit more slowly and walk through your outline together. So if you would join me. Verse one starts off Jesus, when he had spoken these words, as I just mentioned, these words he's talking about are the words he's just said in this prayer, chapter 17. And even before that, chapters 14 through 16 as well. After he's finished this long talk, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden which he and his disciples entered. Now, Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place. For Jesus had met there with his disciples often. So verse three goes on. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and. And torches and what.
And weapons. That'll be important later on. Verse 4. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, this crowd in front of him, whom do you seek? They answered, jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus said to them, I am. Or some Bibles might say, I am he. Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.
When Jesus said to them, I am He. They drew back and they fell to the what?
They fell to the ground. What a sight that would have been.
So verse seven. So he asked them again, whom do you seek? And they said, jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, verse 8. I told you that I am he. So if you seek me, let these men go.
This was to fulfill the words that he had spoken of Whom you have given me, I have lost not one.
Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
So we conclude. Verse 11. So Jesus said to Peter, put your sword in its sheath. Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?
Dear Jesus, we are grateful that you chose to leave that upper room and go down into the valley and back out to this garden to be arrested because you knew what was coming next was necessary for our salvation.
So this morning, we together in unity are grateful to you for the work that you did to bring us who were once far away from you, close to you.
For all those here today who have trusted in you, we are grateful. For those here today, maybe, who haven't made that decision. Lord, we ask that your spirit would work in their hearts, in our hearts together.
That you would show us your beauty, show us your power, and show us your great love with which you loved us. In Jesus name, Amen.
So jumping right into your outline, point one on your outline. We'll just jump right in here. Verse one starts off with this. And this is really A story, these first few verses, and then we'll just walk through together and see what God has for us, what these verses draw out for us. Going to the garden is what you could write in going to the garden. So when Jesus had spoken these words, he went out, it says, with his disciples, across the Brook Kidron, or into the Kidron Valley. And there was a garden which he entered. So let me just set the stage for you here, because this is a very visual story. So it's important that we really track together with what's happening here. The power is. And what we're reading here is actually maybe more seen than just the words that I said here, though the words are incredibly important. So we have this scene here. They're at this table. The Last Supper has just happened. Jesus finishes his prayer. He says, amen. And then he says, let's go get up and let's leave from this place. And so his disciples sort of sitting around the table, they're like, all right, we're gonna go now. And what was normal for Jesus, as we read here, is for them to leave and then go to this garden and to pray, or for the disciples, if you know other gospels, to sleep. But Jesus would pray.
And so they got up and they're like, all right, we're probably going to go to the garden. And they begin to go. But there's a few things that we really need to pay attention to here. First off, the disciples might be thinking this was a unique experience, but Jesus knew what was coming, didn't he? And so for Jesus to get up from the table and said, let's go from here, that's quite a statement, because Jesus knows now, I'm not just going to the garden to pray.
Something significant is about to happen at this garden. And so for him to stand up and to go to the garden was actually a step of courage for him, because he knew what was coming. He could have said, let's go from here, and then gone a different direction. He knew that Judas was going to be taking this band of soldiers to the garden for his arrest. He could have thought to himself, you know what? I don't want to do this.
So you know what? Let's go from here and let's leave the city and go a different direction. But he chose not to do that. Jesus was no coward. He was incredibly courageous. So he says, let's go from here. And then they begin this journey. And I just imagine maybe you do as well. Jesus leading the way to the garden. The disciples may be whispering to Themselves behind Jesus as he leads the way. And they're whispering, maybe to themselves. I think we're going to the garden. Yeah, it looks like that's where we're going. That was something else. I mean, we haven't heard Jesus pray like that before. This is significant.
I mean, he just said a lot of things. Do you think he's leaving soon? What does soon mean? The Holy Spirit, like, they're navigating through these words that Jesus has just said. And Jesus begins this journey back down into.
Down into this valley called the Kidron Valley. Now, this valley, Kidron, actually means darkness. And. And so Jesus, just picture this with me, is in darkness, maybe a full moon based on the time of the year, but it's in darkness. And he's walking down into this valley.
This valley. That means what?
Darkness. And his disciples are following him. And it says here in John that there's this brook, the brook Kidron. So at this time of the year, there's probably water flowing through this brook. This slight stream is the bottom of the valley. And as they cross this stream, this small brook here, what historians tell us is this based on the time of the year, there would have been lots of animal sacrifices going on at the Temple Mount right behind them. This is the eastern side of Jerusalem, the western slopes of the Mount of Olives. In this valley here, what would have happened is lots of blood sacrifices would have happened, and the blood would have poured off of the altar into some channels and most likely would have even flowed down the side of the valley here into this brook. And so even as Jesus steps across this brook, this brook is not just flowing with clean water, it's flowing with water mixed with blood. And so Jesus now is walking in darkness into the Valley of darkness, across a brook blended with water and blood. About to walk back up the other side of this mount. He knew what was about to happen. Then it says this, that he goes into this garden. And this, the Mount of Olives, is a large mount there. So he goes into this garden. Now, John doesn't speak about the time of prayer that occurs. We know from other gospels that Jesus says, stay here. Most of you disciples, a few more, they came a little further. And then he went and he prayed with some others. You can read some of the other gospels. Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22 talks a little bit about that. But one lesson I want us to get before we look at point two is this.
Maybe write this in somewhere, Jesus considering. And I underlined this on the screen. It says he went out Jesus chose to go, is there something that God has been calling you to do that you have been delaying?
Jesus knew what was coming and he chose to say, it's time for me to step out and to do something. That's gonna be hard. Ask yourself that question. Is there something right now in your life that God is calling you to do that you're like, I don't want to God. That sounds hard. That sounds scary. That sounds like it's gonna give me a lot of anxiety, so I'm going to delay that. Maybe ask yourself that question. Write the answer down somewhere. Jesus was willing to step into what was hard, what was fearful, what was dark, because that's where God was calling him. So this going to the garden is not some light and fluffy journey. This would have been a heavy walk for all of them.
Secondly, you could write this in. We see, we go on with the story.
Now, Judas, verse two and point two on your outline. You could write this in Judas, he's the one who betrayed Jesus. So the betrayer's band, and that's not bands with trumpets and guitars and drums, but that is a group of people. Verse two goes on. Now, Judas, who betrayed him, says that who betrayed him also knew the place that Jesus was going to go. He often met there with his disciples. Read with me verse three. So Judas, having procured a band of what?
What did he do?
He got a bunch of soldiers together and some of the officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. We said that'd be important. We're gonna get to that in just a minute. Now, if you remember the story, they're sitting at the table. Some chapters ago, Jesus says to his disciples, there's gonna be someone who's gonna betray me. Do you remember what the disciples did?
They said, is it gonna be me?
Is it me? Am I gonna betray him? And they look back and forth with each other and ask, who's it gonna be? And Peter says to John, hey, ask Jesus who it's gonna be. And then John leans over to Jesus and says, hey, who is it gonna be? And Jesus says, it's the guy I give this piece of bread to. And then what does he do? He takes this piece of bread and he dips it in this dip on the table. And he hands it to who?
Judas.
And Judas takes it. He eats of it. And then they're all still confused about what's going on. And then Jesus says, what you must do, go and do it.
And so Judas gets up and he leaves. The disciples still have no idea what's going on. But where does Judas go?
He goes to the temple and he says, hey, excuse me, gentlemen, we had already agreed that I would betray Jesus and I would find the right time for you to come and arrest Jesus. This time is now, so go find some other guards. This isn't what we're reading in the text, but we know this happened from the other gospels. So Judas, they go and they find a bunch of guards. And the guards get together their lanterns, their torches and their weapons. They're getting ready to go and act like they're arresting some massive criminal. Is Jesus some crazy criminal?
No. Does he incite riots all over the place?
No. Is he some thief or some robber or some murderer?
The answer is no. But yet they go and they amass this large group. Matthew says that it was a large crowd of soldiers amassed. This large group of people to go against one person.
What is he thinking? What is going on here? Why so many people? Well, if you remember, there was times that the Jewish leaders and the officials, they wanted to arrest Jesus. But why didn't they arrest Jesus?
Because they were afraid that there would be a riot. So they said, let's not do it right now because there's lots of people. And so we don't want to do it now because people might cause a riot. And we don't want that to happen. The Romans definitely didn't want a riot. The Jewish leaders definitely didn't want a riot. And so here's what they're thinking. We're going to make sure 1. It's dark, which actually is also unique, because if you want to arrest someone in the dark in a garden, I feel like there's a better place to arrest someone. Right? And if someone wants to run away, they would do it in the darkness. But they come ready because they're thinking, this is the time. We're not gonna let Jesus get away. And so there's this massive group of soldiers, and they begin to go to the garden to arrest Jesus. Now, one question that we wanna ask, an answer, and you might already know the answer to this. Why did Judas betray Jesus?
Why did he betray Jesus? Anybody?
Money.
Money.
Judas sin actually was idolatry.
The sin of idolatry is what grabbed ahold of this whole situation. Judas, his idol was money. His goal was, how can I amass more money? We know from other gospels and other scriptures that Judas, as he walked along with Jesus, he would regularly take money off of the top for himself. He wasn't going how can I minister to other people? He would regularly steal from the money bag as he was in charge of that. And now here's what Judas recognizes.
I thought Jesus was going to be the king, and so I wanted to stay close to him. But then Jesus, he says he's going to die. Then Jesus, he washes our feet. The job of the lowliest servant. Why on earth would I stay with this Jesus?
So it was after Jesus washes his feet, it's like Judas made up in his mind. Made his mind up. I'm done with this Jesus. I'm done following him. I followed Jesus so that for three years at least, so I could get money, so that I could get popularity. Ask yourself this question. Why do you follow Jesus?
Why? We know for Judas it was because he gained something.
Not because he loved Jesus. Not because he was amazed at the power of Jesus. Because he believed that he was the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world. That's not why he followed Jesus. Some of you might be here today and follow Jesus because your family does, because your friends are here, because it's popular, because it just seems to keep you in a nice crowd of people who are really friendly. But the reality is our God is. Is tested. Our faith, I should say, in God, is tested when hardship strikes. And this is why some people, when hardship happens in their life, they run to God. And some people, they run away from God because all that hardship is really doing is revealing who your God is.
And so for Judas in this time, hardship shows up in his life. He's realizing, I'm being frustrated because I'm not getting what I want out of this Jesus.
So I'm going to leave him.
And he doesn't just leave him, but he's like, I'd like one last score from this Jesus. 30 pieces of silver.
This hardship, this is what hardship does. It shows us who our real God is.
What are we willing to sacrifice?
Are we willing to sacrifice Jesus so that we can get money?
Are we willing to lay down our commitment to following him so. So that we can stay popular with people?
Why do you follow Jesus? Ask that question. We know why Jesus. Judas did. It's because he could gain something. He could amass his own wealth.
Thirdly, and this is really the bulk of this entire situation here in John 18, 4, 11. Look with me. This is the character of Christ. So we've seen Jesus. We know he's courageous because he's willing to step into the garden. We, we know that he knows all things which we're gonna see here in just a moment. And Judas followed Jesus not because he is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, but because Judas wanted money.
Thirdly, here, in this brief interaction, we see five points of the character of Christ. And they're pretty quick that we'll look at. We'll look at three things here. So kind of keep on track with me. We'll look at just each of these verses in A through E on your outline, the story, understanding what happened in the story, the truth about Jesus. And. And what does that mean for you and I? So just let's look together here. Verse four is what we'll look at here.
A on your outline, Jesus is all knowing.
Jesus is all knowing. Look what it says, verse 4. Then Jesus, knowing what all that would happen to him, he came forward and said to them, who do you seek? So remember, here we are, we've entered the garden. We know from the other gospels that Jesus has said, disciples, stay here a while. I'm go a little further and pray. And then he takes a few other disciples with him. He says, all right, you stay here. I'm going to go a little further and pray. And then Jesus, he goes off by himself and he prays and he says, father, if it be your will, take this cup from me. And then after a time, he stands up, he says, all right to his disciples. My betrayer is here. And this is really where we pick up here in verse four.
So now the disciples are all behind him. So picture this with me. Here's Jesus. Here's his disciples. He's already. He's come back. He's collected them all. There's the 11 disciples. And Jesus is standing here. The disciples are behind him. And Jesus now is facing this crowd, this great number of soldiers, the temple guard, Roman soldiers, and as we will see in a moment, servants of the chief priest and the high priest. So now Jesus is facing the.
They have lanterns and torches and weapons. And Jesus is facing them. And he asks this question. He knows what's going to happen. He says, whom do you seek now? Does he know what they're here for?
Of course he does. He knows all things. Does Jesus know all things about you?
Every single detail? Does he know that one secret about you that you've never told anyone?
It was a little bit quieter there.
He does. Does he know what you're going to say to your child, to your son, to your daughter, to your spouse, to your friend as soon as you leave here today?
Does he know what the first thing you're going to say tomorrow, yeah, he knows all things about you and I. The theological word for this is he is omniscient. He knows all things. And so Jesus is actually not the victim here in. In any way. He's actually the orchestrator. He's the one who showed up in the garden of his own will, knowing all that would happen. We go on verse five and verse seven. The first part of verse five and verse seven, Jesus, now we're gonna see here is fully man. You could write that in. Jesus is fully man. So he asks, who are you looking for? And what is their reply? They answered him, what?
It's on the screen.
Jesus of Nazareth. And he says, I am He. Later on verse seven, he asks the second question again and again. We have the same answer, Jesus of Nazareth. Now, they don't say, we're looking for the rabbi. We're looking for the teacher. We're looking for the guy who healed, raised Lazarus from the dead just recently. We're looking for the guy who fed 5,000 people not long ago. We're looking for the guy who has healed lots of other people. That's not how they label Jesus. The name on their warrant that they're looking at right now, it says, what?
Jesus of Nazareth. Now, why is this important? Why is this even significant that Jesus is fully man? And it's this.
Jesus chose to step into our world as a man so that he could experience all the things that you and I do so that his sacrifice on the cross would be sufficient for your sin and my sin.
For thousands of years, animal sacrifice has happened in the nation of Israel. But those sacrifices were always inefficient, weren't they? They had to keep sacrificing over and over and over again because the blood of those animals, it covered the people's sins for a little while. But then after a time, there'd be another sin stacked on top and another sin stacked on top and another sin stacked on top. And you just keep going for as long as the person lives and they keep sacrificing animals. But Jesus, because he became like you and I, he said, I will take their place. I will die in their place. So when Jesus comes and dies for our sins and we trust in him as our Lord and Savior, he says, I'm gonna wipe your slate clean. And no matter how many times that you sin, when God the Father looks at you, he's gonna say, I see you washed clean in Jesus blood, because Jesus blood is gonna cover us. And no matter how many Sins you stack on top of Jesus blood. His forgiveness is still stronger than your sin and my sin. Amen.
It is always stronger. And it's because Jesus came as a man. He wanted for you and I to know that he cares about the things going on in your life and my life. So not just does he completely forgive us of our sins because he's fully man, but he says in Hebrews chapter two, it's on the screen, we'll just look at it briefly. He says, I didn't come for the angels, but rather so that I could come for man kind. I wanted them to see my faithfulness and my mercy that I have for them. Jesus came to the earth because he wanted to become like you and I. But we see that in this account. They say, what's the name on the warrant? They say, he says, who are you looking for? They say, we're looking for Jesus of Nazareth. And then here's the next point, point C on your outline. Jesus reply demonstrates that he's not just all knowing that he's not just fully man, but but that he's also fully God. He's fully God and Jesus reply in esv. Some of your Bibles may not have this. I crossed it out actually on the screen the original language just says I am. Egoemi is the words in Greek, it's two words and it's Jesus simply saying I am. This again originates back to Moses the burning bush, right? And so Jesus says I am. He's already said I am the way, the truth and the life. I am the door, I am the vine, I am the light. I am. I'm the living water here. He simply says I am.
And the reaction from the folks over here is huh, that's interesting.
Not at all.
It's as if. And we weren't there, which would be really cool by the way, to have been there.
We weren't there. But it's as if Jesus says these words to them and, and the force of God comes out of his mouth when he says that. And it's like they trip and fall. It says they step back and they fell to the what?
To the ground. So just again imagine is this a small group of soldiers over here, massive group of people. It could have been 100 or more people with torches, with lanterns and weapons. And they're all there, lined up. They're ready for whatever might come. They're ready for the soldiers to start fighting. They're ready for some sort of escape attempt of Jesus. That's why they have their lanterns and their Torches, we might have to chase after him.
They all fall to the ground. And I don't think anybody's clothes caught on fire. But that would have been something else. I mean, right? So you're holding a torch and it falls down next to a bunch of people.
They fall to the ground, their armor that they're wearing all clattering. Just imagine the disciples standing back watching this.
The whole crowd just hits the ground.
Now, if I was one of the disciples, I'd probably think, wow, Jesus is powerful. He's got this under control now. In a minute we're gonna see that that's not what they were thinking.
But now they're on the ground. Jesus is just standing there, seeing this happen. And then they pull themselves back up. And then Jesus asks the question again, who are you looking for? And some brave soul, maybe from the back, answers again. I mean, if that happened the first time, I don't think I'd answer the second time, would you?
Says Jesus of Nazareth.
And this time they don't fall to the ground. Now, some might say that what just occurred here was a miracle.
And I would submit to you this morning this. That perhaps it's more of a miracle when the God who spoke heaven and earth into existence, when the God who created mountains with his breath, when the God who created all living creatures by his words, it is more of a feat when that God speaks and we don't fall over than it is when that God speaks and we're able to stand.
I mean, for God to interact with us, the God who spoke all things into existence and anyone not to fall over, that's a feat.
But here we simply see Jesus demonstrating in his two words, the power that he already has.
Wow.
I am. And they fall down. Of course they would fall down. Wouldn't we all when the God of the universe speaks to us.
Wouldn't we all? But it is maybe more the hand of God that keeps us upright when he speaks to us out of his mercy, out of his grace. A question for you and I to consider before we look at point D is how has the word of God impacted you?
Are you maybe like those soldiers at times when Jesus speaks his words to you and you stand there and say, huh, that's cool.
Or are you willing to receive the word of God as it truly is spoken to you and be moved and be changed? Here's Jesus desire for you and I, friends. It's this. He desires to change you. That's Jesus desire for you and I. He says, come, approach me. Spend time with Me, listen to me, because I want to change you. Can you say change?
Change. That was his desire for all of these people here on this side of his.
He wants them to see I am in control of the situation. The disciples, they've already submitted to His Lordship. These folks over here, they're thinking we've got control of the situation. Jesus is going to change their minds. Jesus wants to change your mind and my mind as well. Continually change us.
Something that you can do in your own time with the Lord is this. Ask him this question, Lord, how would you like to change me?
How would you like to change me? And I promise you, if you listen, he will answer that. He's not gonna say, you know what, you're good, don't change at all. You are fine.
Everything you're believing is totally right, all your feelings totally in line, all your theology, that's exactly proper. He wants to change you and I. He's asking us, are you willing to listen to my words?
Exists for all of us. Is God actually going to be there for me? And this is a real question that you and I have to struggle with every day. And here's what the Lord is calling us back to. Just as I protected them in the midst of a large group of people, maybe even here to grab ahold of them, he says, I will stand in the gap. I will protect you. Nothing can get to you unless I let you. That happen.
E on your outline is this Jesus not only is all knowing fully man, fully God and a protector, but the fifth is this. He's also submissive to God's will.
He's submissive to God's will. Look at verses 10 and 11, we conclude here.
So you're with me. This is not actually a long situation.
Actually what occurred here is, is like maybe a quarter of how long I'm talking right now. So this is not a long situation. Jesus has shown up, at least in the Gospel of John. Here they ask him, who are you looking for? He says, they fall down, they get back up. He asks again and he says, all right, leave them alone now. There are times in your life and my life when something significant happens that should cause us to pause and think. Have any of you experienced that before? Wow, that makes me just stop for a second and think about what just happened there.
Now, of all the times, this most definitely is one of those moments that you should pause and think about what just occurred. Jesus speaking, maybe 100 plus people, guards, soldiers, strong men, just fell down. When he said two words, they get back up. He Says, don't bother them. Leave them alone. Now, that should make all of the disciples think, all right, I think Jesus has got this under control, right? They should all kind of be thinking that right now. But another gospel tells us that one disciple asks another one, should we attack with the sword now?
Like, wait a minute, are you paying attention to what's occurring in this moment? And what we see is before Jesus can turn and reply and say, no, I got this under control, who pulls out his sword?
Peter pulls out his sword. And it's like Jesus standing here, the disciples are behind him. It's like he jumps maybe around Jesus and lunges at the first or closest person here at the front of this crowd. Are you imagining this with me? And he reaches out with the sword. It seems he wasn't maybe a great shot or great, whatever that is, but he cuts down with the sword. Now, Peter having a sword is not particularly uncommon. People say, why would Jews have Peter have a sword right now? Actually, at least two of the disciples would have. And moments before, in another gospel, Jesus actually tells them, before you would go on in ministry, you would not take food with you or cloak with you or swords with you. But now it is time for you to do that. And then just before this, Peter says, hey, we have two swords. Is that enough? And Jesus says, yeah, that's fine. Let's move on. So now we know at least two people have swords. Peter pulls out his and goes to cut, probably just over here somewhere. He's a fisherman, not a swordsman.
And so he strikes down here. And what does he hit?
He hits the right ear of this. Of the servant of the high priest. So if you're going to strike the ear of somebody, maybe not the ear of the servant of one of the most powerful people in Jerusalem at the time. Okay, like, of all the people, maybe not that one, but he was probably the servant of the high priest, was probably the one holding the warrant, probably the one leading this group, maybe right next to Judas. And so he's right at the front.
And so Jesus then turns and scolds Peter, put your sword away. This is not appropriate right now. And as he does that, he. And we don't know if the ear was still on his head or what was going on there. But what we do see is Jesus then leans over and he heals this servant's ear. Now, if anybody in the crowd, and most likely there's some of them have. The soldiers are maybe grabbing. They're holding a hold, grabbing their swords, thinking, all right, is this Gonna turn into a fight, Peter. He misses and he then Peter. Jesus tells him, stop doing that. He heals him. And now everyone else, there's this hush over the entire group of people.
Now, the servant's name was what?
[00:46:09] Speaker B: Malchus.
[00:46:10] Speaker A: Malchus.
Jesus says, put your sword away.
Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me? Something very simple, clear instruction. Put your sword away. But the second thing Jesus says, what I want to draw attention to here. Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me? What is he talking about?
Now? You remember moments before, he was praying and he says, father, let this cup pass before me, but not my will, but your will. Here's what he's referencing back to this cup, as some might say, Jesus is talking about the pain that he's about to experience on the cross. If you do an Old Testament kind of deep dive here, here's what actually he's talking about. The cup that he does not want to drink is the righteous wrath of God for all mankind.
And Jesus knows in not too long period of time, I'm going to be hanging on the cross and I'm going to be taking on myself the righteous wrath of God. Jesus has always been in perfect union with the Father. And for a brief moment in all of eternity, he'll be taking on something he's never taken on before.
Even if we look at Jesus, emotions, moments before we see it brought him to the place where Luke says this.
His sweat became like drops of blood. This was heavy for him. But here's what we find, friends. Jesus was willing to submit to the Father, even if it included something hard, something that brought him agony, great pain.
What does that mean for you and I? We know even at the beginning of Jesus ministry that Jesus says that you are to take up your cross, right?
Take up your cross. Not take up your comfort, not take up your ease. Take up your cross. A cross being a symbol of death. Jesus said, being a Christian is not first a call to live, but a call to die. It is after you die that you can live. And that's really what we celebrate at baptism, right? It's a picture of, I once lived for myself, but I'm gonna let that part of me die so that I can live for Christ. Like Peter.
How often do we take matters into our own hands, right? Isn't that what he did? Jesus says, I got this under control. I made them fall down by myself. I can tell them what to do and what not to do. And Peter says, jesus, you're not doing what I would like you to do right now. And so he jumps out from around Jesus and says, I'm gonna do it my way. How often do we do that? Jesus, you're not doing what I want you to do fast enough. I'm gonna do it my way. Even if you look at through scripture, so many people have done it that way. And you and I are the same, aren't we? We don't actually believe in the power of Jesus at times.
And here we see that Jesus says, I've got this under control.
Will you submit to me? Just as Jesus submitted to the Father's will, so too we are called to submit to him. Let's conclude, what does this mean for us? Three things you could write down. Firstly, this. We are called to take care of courage because of Jesus. Courage. We can look here at this simple account.
Knowing this, whatever you are facing, whatever that is, it's loss, it's uncertainty, it's anxiety, it's betrayal, it's the unknown of what's next in your life. It's this. It's being willing to step forward and say, jesus, I don't know what this next step means, but I'm gonna ask that you help and guide me.
Sometimes that means me waiting longer than I would like to.
It's not letting fear control us. Secondly, not only taking courage. Secondly, it's resting in Jesus. Authority over all things.
Over all things. The one who made the soldiers fall down with his two words is the same one who holds our life together. Your life, no matter what's going on, no matter what health, things are happening right now in your life. Jesus isn't saying all, I just don't care. He's saying, I know. I know exactly what's going on. I became man, fully man, so that you and I could experience. So that I could experience what you are walking through. So you could know that I have mercy for you. And lastly, this.
Just as Jesus surrendered to the Father's will, even when it was hard, so too we are called to what is he asking you to do? Sometimes we have this picture that the will of God is some kind of mystical thing out there. What is God's will for my life? Right. Isn't that a question? We kind of ask, what is God's will for my life? Here's first and foremost what God's will is for your life.
That we know his heart, we know his commands, and we walk with him.
That we simply read, say, okay, you've called me to do this, I'm gonna do it. First and foremost, Is that. Are you calling me to another country? Maybe. But first love your spouse.
Do you want me to witness to that person? Maybe. But first quit being a jerk to that person.
Do you want me to, like, give away all of my money to the poor and first go and forgive somebody?
Sometimes we make this will of God, this big magical thing. First and foremost, let's be obedient to what he has called us to. So as we close, we picture Jesus in this garden. He's betrayed, he's surrounded, and yet he is unshaken.
He faced the cross for you and I, not because he was forced to, but because he loves you and I. Amen.
He drank the cup of suffering so that you and I could drink a cup called salvation.
So today, let's rest in his power.
Let's rest in his authority. Let's rest in his demonstration of obedience, even in the midst of hardship, so that we can take part in not just the rest of today, but tomorrow. Realizing he went and did something hard so that people could be blessed. Do you see that here Jesus did something so hard because he knew blessing from other people would come. So too it is with you and I as we choose to walk in obedience to the Lord. Other people experience blessing. It's not just you.
Just as it is if you and I choose to walk in disobedience to the will of God, other people suffer. Imagine if Jesus didn't go to the garden that day. We wouldn't be here right now, would we?
Imagine what it would be like, though, if you and I choose to say, I'm going to do my life my own way. How many people suffer because of that? So you and I have the opportunity for other people to be blessed because of our obedience or for other people to experience more hardship even because of our disobedience. Let's walk with Jesus as He demonstrates here. Let's pray. Dear Jesus, we're grateful for your love for us that you came into a world that desperately needed you.
And as we see here in this short passage, you were willing to experience something so hard because you knew the blessing that we would experience on the other end.
You faced your betrayer.
You faced a band of soldiers and you showed them your great power.
Help us today to experience, to believe your great power in our life today, no matter what hardships are going on in the lives of people here today, that we would believe that you are a God who is all knowing, who is a God, who is merciful, who is all powerful, and who is calling us to die, to ourself so that we can live for you and experience the blessing that that brings. In Jesus name, amen.
