The Business end of Jesus life

Transcription

1 5-Jun-18 1 David Beresford The Business end of Jesus life John 18 A mountain looked at from different angles looks like a different mountain. The four gospels relate the life of Christ as they saw it! John s gospel is different from the other three; fewer miracles recorded, but long individual interviews and blocks of teaching are featured. We come now to the business end of the life of Jesus the purpose for which he came into the world John 18:37 Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then? Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. NKJV 1 Tim 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. The events of chapter 18 are leading up to the death and resurrection of Christ. John 18:1 The Kidron Valley is located east of Jerusalem, between the city wall and the Mount of Olives; and the Garden of Gethsemane is on the western slope of Mt. Olivet. Jesus often went to this Garden with His disciples when he was in Jerusalem, no doubt to rest, meditate, and pray (Luke 22:39). Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims attending the Passover, and Jesus would want to get away from the crowded city to a private place. Contrast two gardens Human history began in a Garden, Eden (Gen 2:8 ff.), and the first sin of man was committed in that Garden. The first Adam disobeyed God and was cast out of the Garden, but the Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45) was obedient as He went into the Garden of Gethsemane. In a Garden, the first Adam brought sin and death to mankind; but Jesus, by His obedience, brought righteousness and life to all who will trust Him. He was "obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil 2:8).

2 5-Jun-18 2 David Beresford John 18:1 The Kidron had special historical significance, for King David 1000yrs. before crossed the Kidron when he was rejected by his nation and betrayed by his own son, Absalom (2 Sam 15; also note John 18:23). Jesus had been rejected by His people and at that very moment was being betrayed by one of His own disciples! It is interesting that David's treacherous counsellor Ahithophel hanged himself (2 Sam 17:23), and David's treacherous son Absalom was caught in a tree and killed while hanging there (2 Sam 18:9-17). Judas, of course, went out and hanged himself. Three people featured in this chapter Judas Peter Jesus Jesus had chosen Judas John 6:68-71 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spoke of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve. 1. Judas why did Judas betray Jesus many theories put forward but I believe a. Judas followed Jesus at first believing him to be the Messiah who would deliver the nation from the Romans and set up a great national kingdom of Israel. Judas was the group s treasurer and after Jesus set up his great Israeli kingdom Judas would no doubt be the nation s chancellor!! Judas also helped himself to the money anyway -- greed is a terrible thing. b. As time went by Judas is having doubts. Jesus isn t talking about an earthly kingdom at all. He s talking about a heavenly kingdom

3 5-Jun-18 3 David Beresford and dying. Judas then does not believe Jesus is the Messiah. Just some preacher. c. The crunch at Bethany Mary (wasted) an expensive flask of oil pouring it on Jesus head. It cost almost a year s wages. When Judas criticized her Jesus said, she did this for my burial. d. Judas lost faith in Jesus being the Messiah as he saw him and betrayed him for thirty pieces of silver. Judas allowed these wicked thoughts to take root in his life Disappointment in Jesus Disillusionment with the mission = spiritual and heavenly Unbelief in Christ as the Messiah Resentment built up against Jesus how could I have been so wrong Anger Resentment often leads to anger. Greed pilfered the money bag. o Wanted some of Mary s money He became a prime candidate for demonic possession. The foothold became a strong hold. Satan entered Judas at the last supper. Be careful what you allow to take root in your mind!! At the last supper earlier John 13:26-27 Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." Saul of the O/T Betrayal only a few people in your life can betray you. I ve had it a couple of times in my life. Ps 41:9 Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me. NKJV

4 5-Jun-18 4 David Beresford Betrayal A spouse being unfaithful A work colleague puts you in a bad light with the boss A family member stabs you in the back A friend or confident spreads gossip turns against you. Matt 26:49-50 Immediately Judas went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?" The detachment of soldiers from the chief priests Roman Cohort = 1/10 of a legion about 600 man there would not be that many but it would have been available. Jesus who had been wrestling in prayer went to meet them and surrendered to them. I am he they fell back maybe the words I AM? 2. Peter. Denied Jesus a. Peter was first in denial about himself b. Peter felt he was strong stronger than others though all forsake you I will never I m ready to die with you!! c. Jesus taken to Annas = powerful father in law to Caiaphas d. The girl on the door asked Peter = denied i. Warming himself by the fire denied again ii. One of the High Priest s servants said, I saw you in the garden The Lord turned and looked at Peter (a mirror) and Peter remembered wept bitterly. A.A. Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol that our lives had become unmanageable. Coming out of denial! Into reality this is me!! Take off the mask. Its not my brother nor my sister but it s me o Lord etc.

5 5-Jun-18 5 David Beresford 3. Jesus surrendered a. The prayer in the garden Matt 26:39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." NKJV Jesus had always done the will of his father he was obedient Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. KJV Phil 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. KJV Jesus on the cross was doing many things but mainly it was being obedient. Adam s disobedience brought death even though he was in a perfect environment. Christ in a hostile environment was obedient and brought righteousness to all who believe.

6 5-Jun-18 6 David Beresford 1. Betrayal Have you betrayed someone time to repent Has someone betrayed you? Time to forgive 2. Denial Have you by your silence betrayed Christ? Failed to stand up and be counted Are you living in denial of some weakness or sin come out of denial into freedom 3. Surrender Are there areas of your life that are not surrendered to God? o Relationship that is ungodly or a hindrance to your walk o Money still under your control o Time my time is my own!! Dad s song Not what I wish to be or where I wish to go Or who am I that I should choose my way The Lord shall chose for me tis better far I know So let him bid me go or stay Surrender brings victory and blessing Jesus was exalted to the highest place