Thur & Fri - The Arrest & Trials

We have been tracking step by step with our Lord in the last week of his life. And we have watched as he triumphantly entered the city of Jerusalem. We have listened to the crowds as they hailed him as their king and cried Hosanna. The Lord saves. We have watched as Jesus sparred with the Pharisees in the temple in the first few days. A few days of the week we have watched as he has twisted them into knots with his answers. We have also watched and listened as Jesus was worshipped by Mary and was anointed by him for his burial before he even died. We have watched as our Lord prepared for the Passover and celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples. We have listened as he instituted the Lord's supper with them. And then as he taught them, comforted them, prayed for them and for us before leaving the upper room. We have watched him and followed with him across the Kidren Valley, the Brut Kidren into the Garden of Gethsemane. And we have seen that tremendous battle which was waged there that Thursday evening as our Lord prayed with deep terror, astonishment, horror, and he sold the Bible says in regard to what he was facing as he looked into that cup. The cup that was full of the sin of mankind and full of the wrath of God that would be poured out on him. Having done battle, he now rouses his disciples and prepares for the weekend that will change the world. And we are looking tonight at the arrest of our Lord and we're choosing to focus on John chapter 18, although we will go back to Matthew and mark a little bit and see a few details there that are not covered in John's Gospel. But I wanted to focus on John's Gospel because there are some things that are described here that I think really set the tone for how our Lord approaches his death and this even the arrest. And it has to do with Jesus as he is arrested demonstrating that he is in control. You know, typically when someone is arrested, you think of them not being in control. It is the authorities that are in control. But Jesus masterfully demonstrates his control over all of this situation, everything that's happening. And we're going to look at how that is seen in several ways in John's account of the arrest. So the arrest in Gethsemane is what we are talking about first tonight. We saw last week that Jesus demonstrates that control with his knowledge. He knew exactly where he was going. Verse 1 says that he crossed the Kidren Valley and went into a garden on the other side. He drew the parallels between the Garden of Eden and this garden. What Adam had failed in the Garden of Eden, what he had brought into mankind's experience, but we have sinned and death. Jesus will now undo beginning in the Garden of Gethsemane. And there are some great parallels there that we looked at. Now here's where we left off last week. Jesus not only knew where he was going, he knew what would happen. Let's pick it up in verse 2. Judas who betrayed him knew the place where Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the Garden guiding a detachment of soldiers. And we saw that that is a Roman cohort, 600 soldiers, probably from the temple guard, under the guidance of the chief priests. And so we see that some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees were there with them. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Now, verse 4. Jesus knowing all that was going to happen to him went out and asked them, who is it you want? Now we'll come back to that question in a few moments. But notice the text makes it very clear that Jesus knew all that was going to happen to him. Okay, that means he knows everything that is taking place in the next hours throughout the day friday with the crucifixion, even into the resurrection morning on Sunday morning. Jesus knows everything that's going to happen to him. Obviously he is better acquainted with the prophecies of the Old Testament than anyone else. He knows exactly what those say and he knows exactly why he came. And so he knows what's going to happen. Nothing takes him by surprise. And so Jesus does not wait to be found. He knows that Judas is coming and he knows what's going to happen in the arrest. And so he walks out to meet those who have come to arrest him. Now it is at this point that we need to slip back to Mark's account in Mark chapter 14. Because there are a few details that Mark gives us that John doesn't. Let's pick up a few of those. Mark chapter 14. Hold your place in John because we'll come back there. Mark 14 verse 43. Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the twelve appeared. Just as he was speaking what? Well remember we saw that Jesus after that time of prayer in the garden, says to his disciples in verse 41, are you still sleeping resting enough? The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go. Here comes my betrayer. And while he is still saying that, Judas shows up. So Jesus obviously again, just the timing of things demonstrates his omniscience, his knowledge of exactly what was happening, the timing of everything, when he needed to be ready to be arrested. And so just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the twelve appeared. With him was a crowd, or armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priest, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Mark calls them a crowd. Matthew also calls them a crowd. John makes it clear that this is not just a crowd of rabble-rowsers or people from the temple area. These are soldiers. This is a cohort of the attachment of Roman soldiers. Verse 44, here's a detail that we don't get in John. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them. The one I kiss is the man, arrest him, and lead him away under guard, going at once to Jesus. So as soon as they walk up into the garden where Jesus is, and front Jesus, going at once to Jesus, Judas said, Rabbi and kissed him. Rabbi means my teacher. My teacher. And then verse 46 says, the man sees Jesus and arrested him. Okay? That little bit of detail is not given us in John that Judas has arranged this signal ahead of time. And immediately when he gets to where Jesus is, he walks up to him, kisses him on the cheek and says, Rabbi, my teacher, and that's the signal for the arrest. But there is more that happens that the other gospels don't tell us about. Matthew, Mark, and Luke don't really tell us what happens next. And what happens next is a great interest and amazing in the description of John as to what happens. And so that's why I wanted to focus on John. So back to John 18, verses 5 through 6 describe Jesus power. So his control in this situation is demonstrated with his knowledge, but it's also demonstrated in his power. Look at what happens in verse 5. Well, back to verse 4, he asked them, who is it you want? Verse 5, Jesus of Nazareth, they replied. IMH, Jesus said. And Judas the traitor was standing there with them. John adds that little detail in parenthesis. When Jesus said IMH, they drew back and fell to the ground. Now, what we see here is the demonstration of Christ's power. He demonstrated his power. Think of the scene for a moment. There is a line of soldiers and chief priests making their way into the garden punctuated by lights with torches and lanterns as they make their way through the darkness into the garden of Geth's Semini. As they get into the garden, they approach Jesus and the 11 disciples. 11 shadowy figures kind of sinking back, slinking back into the background. One commanding figure who steps out from the group of the disciples and after Judas places this kiss on his cheek gives the signal, Jesus is not going to let that be the way he's arrested. He's taking control of the situation. He is demonstrating his power and his complete control of the situation. So he asks them and imagine 600 Roman soldiers all with their hands on the sword. Ready in case there's an altercation or problem. But when Jesus steps out, this commanding figure steps out and confronts them. He does not do so with the goal of creating a disturbance or any resistance. He simply asks a soft spoken question. Who is it you want? And they say Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus responses you see as you saw is I am He. Now you may have a translation. This is not true with the NIV or at least the addition to the NIV I have. You may have a translation. I know it's true in the King James where the word he is in italics. Anybody see that? Anybody have a translation as he in italics? Okay. Some of you do. What does that mean? When you have a translation that puts a word in italics and italics, what does that mean? Say a little louder, Carolyn. It's not in the original. It was not in the Greek text. It was inserted there. Those kind of words were inserted in the English text to make it read more smoothly. The problem is they messed it up when they did that. I mean it does read more smoothly that way. But what Jesus literally said was not I am He. What He literally said was I am. Does that sound familiar? Where does that come from? Okay. It's back in the Old Testament. You are very, very warm. Okay. All right. When Moses was talking with God about who shall I say sent me? What you remember where that is? Exodus chapter 1, 2, 3. Yeah. There you go. Exodus 3. And Moses is, you know, God has just called Moses to be the deliverer, to go to Egypt and deliver his people. And Moses is starting to give excuses. And one of those is, well, who will I say sent me? And God says, I am that I am. Tell them I am has sent you. Now, I am in Hebrew lettering basically comprises the name for God Yahweh or Jehovah. I am basically is a description of the self-existent nature of God. That He simply is. He did not come into being. He was not born. He is. He has always existed. He always will exist. Theologians call it the self-existence of God. He exists totally in and of himself. He was not brought into being by parents. And the title or the name I am is a description of that. It's a divine title. It's a title which represents the amazing nature of God. And when Jesus says that, when Jesus says, I am, you saw what happened, didn't you? Verse 5, verse 6, when Jesus said, I am, they drew back and fell to the ground. They drew back means basically they recoiled. They stumbled backwards. Now, there are some commentators, even one conservative commentary who is one of the best, actually on the book of John, who says that the soldiers in the front must have tried to back up a little bit and hit the guys behind them and they kind of stumbled and fell down. Well, that's not what I'm reading. I'm reading Jesus with authority using a divine title speaking the words, I am, and 600 soldiers don't stumble over each other. They recoiled as if being, as if shot, they recoiled and fell backwards. This is, this is the word of power that Jesus speaks. This is the same voice that would speak, and calm the sea. This is the same voice that would speak, and still the wind. This is the same voice that would speak and yield a sick. This is the same voice that would speak, and raise the dead. And he speaks, I am, and 600 Roman soldiers fall backward. fall backward, the chief priests, Judas, everybody else fall backwards. He's demonstrating his power. What's happening here is they came to arrest Jesus and they find themselves arrested by His Word and His power. Who has the power and control of this situation? Nothing, chief priests, not the soldiers. Jesus is in complete control. Demonstrating His divine authority. But now here's the interesting thing to me. Jesus not only demonstrated His power but then Jesus restrained His power. He will ask them a second time in verse 7, who is it you want? And they will answer again Jesus of Nazareth and then they will arrest Him. Now think about this for a minute. His word, I am and the demonstration of that power, that is a warning to them that they are in way over their heads. They don't realize who they're dealing with. They have no power or authority to arrest Him unless He allows them to. They are no match for the power of Jesus Christ, 600 Roman soldiers, no match for the power of Jesus Christ. And they know that with one more word, He could slaughter them all. With the words I am, they were powerless, recoil as if shot and fell backwards. They know. They've seen a demonstration of His power. They know. All He has to do is speak again and they are done. They could be slaughtered. The interesting thing is, He doesn't. By the way, I've always wondered what Judas was thinking as He scrambled to His feet. You imagine what was going through His mind? I think probably by this point, He is realizing what He has done and the culmination of the events of the weekend will obviously lead to His hanging Himself. You imagine though, I mean, He fell backwards too. He's struggling to get to His feet. Imagine what was going through His mind. But Jesus does not further demonstrate His power. He lets them arrest Him. The other gospel's talk about, they bound Him probably with chains like they would normally do in that day. They were kind of like handcuffs today. But Jesus allows that to happen. It's very clear that they do not have the authority or power to do this unless He allows it. If He can just speak the word and they're on the ground, then they can't arrest Him unless He allows it. They know that now. But all of that is so that Scripture will be fulfilled and so that the plan of God can be carried out. John says this way earlier, Jesus says it, John records it in John 17 or John 10 verse 17. The reason my father loves me is that I lay down my life only to take it up again. Notice, I lay down my life. No one takes it from me, Jesus said. But I lay it down of my own accord. Now notice this, I have authority or power. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my father. Jesus knows that He is laying down His life willingly, voluntarily for our sins. And this is a demonstration of it in the garden. Nobody can take it from Him. Nobody can come in and forcibly arrest Him. He is making it very clear. The only way I'm going is because I voluntarily allow this to happen. Even in the arrest, John 10 is saying that he's voluntarily allowing this to happen. He is giving his life. He's the one who has the authority to lay it down. Nobody takes it from him. And that's even seen in the arrest. Now what I think is important for us to understand when it comes down to your life and my life, with the things that happen in our lives, there is never any question about the power of God. You know, sometimes we find ourselves in difficult situations and we wonder, can't God do something about this? Why doesn't He work? I mean, doesn't He have the power to change this situation? Of course He does. Sometimes God exercises His power, demonstrates His power, sometimes He restrains it. Now when it comes to our lives, we can't always see why sometimes He demonstrates it, sometimes He doesn't, sometimes He restrains it. But again, that's where our walk of faith comes in. We must trust Him who is all wise and all loving and all powerful to know when His best to exercise His power, when His best to restrain it. He doesn't always demonstrate it. And that can look like maybe He doesn't have the power to really work out our situations in our life, but He does. Sometimes He has purposes and reasons always when He does. He has purpose and a reason for restraining His power. So He can demonstrate it. He can restrain it according to the Father's will. And that is all in God's plan and purpose. So He demonstrates that He's in control of the situation, not only with His knowledge, He knows exactly what's happening, but also His power. Any comments or questions about that before we move on to the next one? Yes, Angela? I think they're beginning to see that, but I think they are still, everything's kind of jumbled still in their minds. First of all, they will see a timeline here in a little bit. It's probably after midnight. Most of them have been asleep in the garden. You know what it's like when you finally fall asleep at night and you get woken up and things are happening around you and it's all just kind of chaotic and you're not real clear as to what's going on. I think they were kind of in a daze that way. I think they still don't understand everything that's happening, but I think it's pretty obvious they picked up on Judas by this point. Yeah, they would have grasped that, but they're still in the dark as to everything that is happening and the reasons for it. What we're going to see, especially with Peter, is he just reacts. He just reacts to the situation, not really understanding what's going on. So there's a mix of each, I think. They did get some things. Obviously they would have gotten the Judas is the Betrayer. He's led the soldiers there, but other things I think they still haven't put together yet and everything's kind of chaotic in their minds. Any other questions, comments? Yeah. Right. The answer is both. Yes. Remember a few weeks ago, and it's been a few weeks ago, we had a very long discussion about this very thing and it may have been, sometime when you weren't able to be here, Jeanne, but that is a very, very interesting question and a great question. The last time that question was asked, I think we spent about 45 minutes on it. So I'm not sure I want to go all there this evening, but let me just summarize what we talked about because it was a great discussion. I just love that. Basically, he was chosen. He was put in that position by God, the Bible talks about he was the son of tradition and all this had to be done so that scriptures would be fulfilled. Obviously, just as everything else that happens in the universe, this is a part of God's purpose and plan, God works all things after the counsel of his own will, Paul tells us in Ephesians 1. So we know that God is orchestrating all of this. Jesus chose him to be one of the apostles, knowing, knowing that he was the Betrayer. Jesus chose him. He was placed in that position, but he also was responsible for his own actions and chose to do what he did. He was an unbeliever. He was a deceiver. He was wicked in his heart. He was so clever that he was stealing money from the treasury. There were women who supported Jesus' ministry and enabled them to travel and do what they did. By provisions and so forth, there were some wealthy people who supported Jesus' ministry. So they had a treasury. The Bible says that Judas held the bag in John 12 when they were in Mary and Martha and Lazarus home. He was pilfering from it. He was stealing from it. He was a deceiver. He was a wicked man. He chose to do what he did. Again, what you have here is that amazing parallel between God working out His plan and purpose and His sovereignty and man's responsibility. And they're both true. They're both true. In Judas' case, they're both true. Judas is a tremendous example of that balance. There are a lot of unanswered questions in regard to that. And that's where we got into a huge discussion before. But still, you have to keep that balance. They're both true. Yes, Greg? I do not have to do that. I do not have to do that. I do not have to do that. I do not have to do that. It's hard to tell. There's no indication in any of the gospels that Judas responded in that way. Obviously, it would not take him long to realize he had betrayed innocent blood and he went in and threw his money down. He tried to give his money back to the chief priest in Pharisees. They didn't want it. And so he just threw it down. Then, when he went out and hanged himself. So he's pretty quickly coming to realize he's made a horrible mistake. But you have to keep in mind also that Judas, even though he was sorry for what he had done, it was not a godly repentance. And the scriptures talk about that. It was not the kind of repentance that he turned back to the Lord. He has realized he made the wrong decision and messed up. Kelly? Yeah. Yeah. Right. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Big difference in his response and Peter's response. Okay. All right. Let's move on because I do want to, I would like to get to the trials tonight. At least get started. We'll see. We'll see. It's okay. Christ's compassion. Jesus also demonstrates his control of the situation and his compassion. And his compassion is demonstrated toward the disciples. Notice how this happens. Jesus has taken the initiative back in verse four to approach those who are arresting him and asking who is it you want? They say Jesus of Nazareth. Then we have that interaction with I am and then in verse seven. Again, he asked them, who is it you want? Jesus of Nazareth, they said. Jesus answered, I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go. Okay. Now, do you see what's going on here? There's very little question in my mind that the chief priests had engaged this many soldiers to arrest all of them. Jesus and the 11 disciples. And they were probably figuring on putting all of them to death. Jesus is not going to let that happen. Obviously, that's not in the plan and purpose of God. And so I believe the reason why Jesus does what he does here is to demonstrate his compassion for his disciples. And so they will not be arrested. Twice, he forces the, those who are coming to arrest him. He forces them to identify him as the one they've come for. And then the demonstration of power, all he has to do is speak the word and their power, unless they fall back. Now they know his power and authority, his statement that letting these guys go, that sounds pretty reasonable to them now. You know, they're not going to say no. We're going to arrest them too, or they might be falling backward again. So whatever Jesus says right now, sounds pretty reasonable. So they will just take him and let the others go. Now, Jesus, I believe, framed it this way, purposefully put the focus on him and said, then let these men go if you're looking for me because of his compassion for his disciples. It is not God's purpose for them to die that night. God has other purposes for them. They're going to be the founding foundation of the church. They're going to start the church in the book of Acts. It's built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Paul says in Ephesians 2.20. So they're going to lay the foundation of the church and God has other reasons for them. They will not be arrested. Jesus is protecting them from death and he is doing it in line with his own promise. Look at verse 9. This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled. I have not lost one of those you gave me. Jesus had said that back in chapter 6, chapter 6 in verse 39. And so in order that that be fulfilled, Jesus arranges the situation so that his compassion for his disciples provides that they will not be arrested that night. They will not be put on trial with Jesus. They will not be killed. Again, Jesus shows his control over the situation. There's one other thing though that he shows control in and that is in regard to his sacrifice. Jesus talks about his death now in the next few verses and what we find in what happens and in what he says is first of all, he makes it clear that he will not die prematurely. Look at verse 10. Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. Servants name was Malkus. Jesus commanded Peter, put your sword away. Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me, then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. Now these events, what has happened here in the garden, has become too much for Peter. And the one who has been consistently impulsive throughout Jesus' ministry, sometimes great, sometimes terrible, is impulsive again. I don't care for 600 to you. I'll take you all on. And he grabs his hidden sword that by the way they'd ask Jesus if they should take swords with them, small dagger type swords in the upper room. And Jesus said, yes. And so he grabs that and just starts whaling away. And the first guy he can reach, he walks away at him and obviously the guy ducked and Peter just got his ear. Okay, can you imagine the scene? All 600 soldiers have their swords drawn now. They came prepared for this. And if there's going to be any resistance, they've got enough people to squash it in no time flat. And so they're ready. All right. But who's in control? Jesus. Jesus, first of all, speaks to Peter and says, put your sword away. Luke's gospel says that he addresses the whole crowd and says, no more of this. And given what has happened just a moment ago with his word, that stops the soldiers. Okay, let's let's flip back to Matthew's gospel. Matthew gives a few more details here. Matthew 26. Matthew 26 in verse 52. Put your sword back in its place. Jesus said to him, said to Peter, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Now notice verse 53, this is not recorded in the other gospels. Do you think I cannot call on my father and he will at once put it my disposal more than 12 legions of angels, but how then would the scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way? So here's the situation. Jesus says to Peter, first of all, put your sword away. Those who live by the sword die by the sword. Enough of this, he says to the soldiers who are now drawing their swords. And then he says, don't you realize I could call 12 legions of angels who are perched on the edge of heaven ready to deliver me if I just give the word. All I've got to do, give the word. Now how many angels are 12 legions of angels? Anybody know? Somebody said it. 72,000. Wait a second. The song says 10,000, right? He could have called 10,000 angels to destroy the world and set him free. The song says 10,000. Who's right? The song or Kenneth? Kenneth is right. A Roman legion was 6,000 soldiers. I can call 12 legions, Jesus said. I can call 72,000 angels. There are 72,000 angels. Peter, I don't need you to take on 600 Roman soldiers. There are 72,000 angels just waiting. All I've got to do is give the word. Who's in control of the situation? Obviously, isn't it? Jesus is. So he speaks all of these things and shows again his control of the situation. He will not die prematurely because the Roman soldiers could have within a few seconds taken out all 12 of them. Jesus and the 11 disciples. Easily done. And it would have been easy to explain Jesus death. We went out to talk with him in the garden. He resisted. One of the disciples drew a sword. We had to attack. It would have been easy. But Jesus will not die prematurely. Jesus knows the Father's plan. And notice, back in John's Gospel, Jesus command up here. Put your sword away. Shall I not drink the cup? The Father has given me. He will not die prematurely, but he will die sacrificially. Remember the cup is the cup of God's wrath being poured out. Remember the wrath of God being poured out. The symbolism of the cup and the book of Psalms. The wrath of God is poured out. Jesus is saying, I will take the wrath of God for the sins of mankind. I will die sacrificially. And that's going to happen the next day. No blood will be shed that night. But Jesus will die sacrificially the next day. Okay, just a few more details are given us in Mark's Gospel. So let's turn back to Mark chapter 14. Mark 14 beginning in verse 48 and we'll wrap this up. By the way, Jesus put Malkus's ear back on. He healed his ear, which again demonstrates his control, his power, his authority in the situation. I've often wondered what happened to Malkus after this. You know, you kind of have to wonder these minor characters. Did they just fade away into history or did he must have gotten saved? I mean, this is a great Ben Hurst or isn't it? Yeah. Okay, maybe so. Let's see what Mark says. Adding a few little details in verse 48. Am I leading a rebellion? Said Jesus that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me. Every day I was with you teaching in the temple courts and you did not arrest me. But the scriptures must be fulfilled. So this added detail that Jesus addresses them when they are about to arrest him. And he just reminds them. You're doing this under the cover of darkness, middle of the night. Why didn't you do it openly and publicly? I taught openly and publicly. I'm not leading a rebellion of some kind. Everything I said was public knowledge. But the scriptures must be fulfilled. And then verse 50 says, then everyone deserted him and fled. That's the 11. Now that's the reason why I believe they still aren't thinking straight. They're just confused. It's chaotic. And even though they've seen the power of Christ demonstrated, they don't know what to think. And so they run. They run. They flee. Interesting detail given by Mark only in Mark's gospel is verse 51. A young man wearing nothing but a linen garment was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. Now the fact that all he had always a linen garment, which is the outer garment, probably indicates that he dressed hurriedly to come with Jesus and the 11 disciples into the garden that night. And most people believe most commentators believe this this was not one of the the 11. Most believe that this was, anybody know? Some of you got study byables and you got iPads and you're looking it up already. John Mark, the writer of this gospel, who is the only one who would know who it was. The other 11 have fled. Who knows who started following Jesus and then they tried to apprehend him and he wiggled away from them and they managed to get his cloak. John Mark, it may well have been John Mark, a young man who would show back up, show up again in the book of Acts. Well, it's an amazing, amazing scene. And now Jesus is bound and taken to the first of six trials. Times up, we'll get to the trials next week. But they are an amazing story in themselves. And we'll take a little bit of time on them. In fact, we'll do some introduction first to kind of helps understand what was going on and then we'll look at each of the six trials individually. Okay? Let's pray. Father, thank you for the masterful demonstration of our Savior, of his knowledge, his power, his compassion and his sacrifice for us, that he would willingly give himself a willing giving of which did not start when he went to the cross. It started when he gave himself up to be arrested. It started when he left Heaven's glory to come down to this earth. So we thank you that he willingly gave himself so that we might live. And we never get over that in Jesus' name, amen.