Where Do You Stand? (John 18)

Good morning. Peter, one of the pastors here. Welcome to Garden City. 

Important Decision – Proposal. I love to give gifts but I’m terrible at waiting to give them on the day. As soon as I have it, I want to give it. And Grace hates surprises. So we kind of go well together.

2003. Back to back mission trips. Exhausted. Sleep deprived. Home to see parents first. Grace is not happy. – She didn’t know – Ring shopping. I couldn’t wait. – Tonight. Set things up at my apt – clean up/lighting. (Little rock has to shine/sparkle) Not romantic at all. She’s still mad. Doesn’t want to come. 

So I go to her apt. She’s pretending to study, not paying any attention to me. But I can tell she’s so excited I’m there. – She couldn’t hide how much she missed me and loves me behind her book. But she’s still pretending. (My story – sticking with it.) So instead of waiting and doing it right, remember how I told you I was sleep deprived from mission trips – serving God? – I just drop the ring box in her book. (BOOM)

NO. I say some stuff. I have no idea what I said. Afterwards, Grace told me she had no idea what I said either. – Are you going to ask me? No. You have no choice. – We’re doing this together. Excited – Grace goes to tell her best friend/roommate. Tired – I fall asleep in her bed the min she’s gone. She comes back – Finds me passed out. So she goes and sleeps with her best friend in her room. – Happily ever after.

I had to make a decision – where do I stand with Grace? Who is she to me? She was too important just to be like whatever. Whatever happens, happens and if it/marriage happens, great, if not, oh well. No – I knew I had to take a clear stance on our relationship.

Jn. 18. Getting towards the end of our series in John – Behold and Believe. Jesus over the last few weeks has been talking about how he has to suffer and die and then must leave – And this week, we’re covering the events leading up to the cross. (All. Note all the incredible detail.)

John 18 1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” (If Jesus knew – Why ask the question? Jesus is making them take an intentional stand. – What they’re about to do. – Who Jesus is.)

5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. (I AM – God. – Speaks the name of God. Jesus’ power even in “just” his words. The one whose words in the beginning created the heavens and the earth from nothing. Clear – Not forcibly taken. He’s freely giving himself up.) 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” (No going back. They know and are committed to what they’re doing and to whom they’re doing it.) And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 10 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.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (Peter – Probably tried to take off his head. Jesus – Added back. Lk. 22:51. Soldiers – Should have taken a moment to think again. – Do we really want to go through with this? No ordinary man. Power. But they dont…)

12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people. (Caiaphas as the high priest had received a word from God, this truth, but didn’t believe himself.)

15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. (Probably John) Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” (Opposite of I AM) 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. (The self-control! How many of you would have dropped the hammer? Smite. I probably would have!)

As we go through the rest of the chapter – Look at the people and see how they view and take a stand about who Jesus is.

(First) Religious Leaders – Power. Position. Status Quo. – I am in charge. I am god for all intents and purposes. I want to stay in control and for God to mind his own business. I don’t want God disrupting my life. I’m a good/religious person and that’s enough. I don’t really need God. 

Saying – Power corrupts OR sbsolute power corrupts absolutely. (Absolute) power does not corrupt. The hearts of all humanity are already corrupted by sin. Robert Murray M’Cheyne/John Owen – The seed of every sin is in every heart. Power just magnifies what’s already in the heart.

Annas – Was the HP. Corrupt. Colluded/Worked with the Romans. HP – used his position for selfish gain. Cared only for the religious elite, not God or other people. The contrast. – Jesus our real HP humbled himself and laid down his life so his enemies, wayward sons and daughters, could be saved back to the Father. Empathized with us, our weaknesses. Religious Leaders – Used their position and power to prey on the weaker. Annas – Court of the Gentiles – Jesus cleared. 

Jesus – Threat to their power and position. Many view Jesus this way. He’s a threat to their life – doing and living how they desire to live. Because he calls them to complete and total obedience that isn’t always easy. 

Honest – Religious people are some of the worst people in the world. They are terrible to be around. They’re self-righteous, full of themselves, think they’re better than everyone else so they look down on people. 

Religious Leaders – Outward appearance of holiness but inwardly their hearts are rotten – towards God and others. And the saddest thing is – they think they know God but they really have no idea. They’ve not truly experienced him – because they don’t reflect the love, grace, humility of Jesus. (Damage witness and testimony.)

You can be very religious. Have all the head knowledge. Follow all the rules. Do the right things. You know all the religious talk. Come to church, read your Bible and pray. And still be very far from God – because you don’t truly know or have put your complete trust and faith in Jesus. X relationship. He’s not truly the Lord of your life and whom you love above all else.

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

Peter – He thought he was the man. Ready to fight to the death. Talked a big game. Self-reliant. Self-confident. Failed miserably. Denied Jesus 3x. It wasn’t on accident. Response – Weeping. Godly grief. Broken. Unlike the Religious Leaders – Brought to the end of himself. Not humiliated. But humility. Realization – It’s not about his strength, the size of his faith within himself – it’s the strength of the one in whom he trusts to work his power in him, to uphold him. (TK) Restoration.

That’s an incredibly beautiful thing. I am nothing. – I am not. But in Jesus – I am. You know how freeing that is? Weight/Pressure to perform is off you. (Encanto – Surface Pressure. She’s the strong one. Always performs. Does all the hard work – Moves mountains and churches. Tough on the surface. But under the surface – She’s about to crack. Pressure – Drip, drip, drip that’ll never stop. Woah. Tip tip tip til you just go pop. Woah, oh, oh. Grip, grip, grip and it won’t let go. Woah. Tick, tick, tick, til it’s ready to blow. Woah, oh, oh. – End – ) 

Many of you can relate to the pressure to perform – family, at work, in school, in life. But when it comes to Jesus – The question is not can you perform well enough for Jesus but will you trust in Jesus’ finished work for you? Frees you to live for Jesus – Peter – Crucified. Requested to be upside down because he did not feel worthy to die the same way as Jesus. Faith that comes from Jesus and his freedom, not from within.

28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. (Hypocrisy – “Concerned” about their ritual purity, not their hearts. Appearance of caring about the Law, but not the Law-Giver and Fulfiller. Manipulate to their advantage and will. Their hearts are not to honor God.) 29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” 32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die. (Jews would have been stoned for blasphemy. Not legal to put someone to death. Romans – crucified. Pilate – Blackmailed. – You’re going to get in trouble with Caesar. Jesus – King. (Jn. 19) No legitimate religious charge. So political charge.)

33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. (Remember Peter in the Garden?) But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber. (Insurrectionist)

Pilate – In and out – between the crowd and Jesus. He’s torn about what to do. He knows what he should do. Jesus – Innocent. Even his wife – He’s a righteous man. (Mt. 27:19) But he’s pressured by the Jews and religious leaders. But his biggest problem was his…

Passivity. – I’m not a Jew. I don’t want to get involved in other people’s religious affairs. Try to stay neutral. Not important enough to take a stand. Doesn’t want to risk his reputation, status. – Already on unsure ground.

So Pilate comes up with what he thinks is a clever way to get around the situation – Tradition at Passover that one person be released. Gesture – Good will toward the people. (Reflective of Passover – When God delivered the Israelites out of slavery – Angel of Death – Firstborn. Blood of the lamb – passed over. Free. Untouched.) Surely they’d choose Jesus over Barrabus – Robber/Insurrectionist/Terrorist. – This way, Pilate could remain passive and doesn’t have to make a decision himself on what he believes about Jesus.

(What is truth?) – The one who is empowered in this situation to determine the truth of the situation and the innocence of Jesus (justice) – Misses the Truth (Jn. 1, 14) standing right in front of him. He doesn’t understand the weightiness of the person and the decision in front of him. – (Hamilton (Broadway) – American Revolutionary War. Burr – Talk less. Smile More. Don’t let them know what you’re against or what you’re for. – Don’t cause any trouble. Just keep your head down and mind your own business. Don’t get involved. Stay neutral. Hamilton – If you stand for nothing, what will you fall for?) 

Passive indecision towards Jesus is what kept Pilate from eternal life. Deflect responsibility. – Washed his hands of Jesus’ blood. Not on me. On you.

Too many people – their passivity is what keeps them from salvation and eternal life. There is no middle neutral ground with Jesus. You have to make a decision. Why – Because the blood of Jesus is on your hands. It was because of the sin of the world, including you and me, that made it necessary for Jesus to die on the cross the death we deserved so we could go free and have eternal life. – So yes, you have a personal stake in this. Everyone does. And you have to take a stand.

(Back to…Quickly) Malchus – Friends – Did that really happen? Yeah, look at my ear. Cool scar, right? Dude tried to take my head off. But I was too fast, but not fast enough. Actually, I had a hard time hearing out of that ear but now it’s great. Wonder – What happened to him after? Having witnessed the healing power of Jesus first hand – probably heard about his death and resurrection – what did he do? We’re not sure. But how crazy would it be to like – Jesus was cool – But I’m going to keep doing my own thing.

Maybe that’s you – You’ve personally experienced the power of God. I know God’s done these things in my life. Clearly him. – Worked, Provided, Saved, Healed. Thanks, God. But you still don’t really follow him. – But here’s the thing – you’ve been confronted with an even greater work of God – the death and resurrection of Jesus. So how will you respond? What stand will you take? Will you continue to live your own way? Or will you give your life to him? 

(Lastly) Barabbus – Barrabus shows up to dinner that night – Robbers/Insurrectionists/Friends – Wait, aren’t you supposed to be dead? How are you here? What happened? B – Craziest thing happened. I thought I was as good as dead too. But these crazy people voted to crucify Jesus instead of me! How wild is that? 

Insurrectionist – Political terrorist. Murderer. Bad man. Not an asset to the community. Danger. Trouble. It made no sense for the Jews to choose Barabbus over Jesus.

Again, I wonder what did B decide to do once he was set free? We don’t know. But here’s the question for you today – What will you do now that Jesus has taken your place to set you free? Since Jesus lived the life you could not live and he took your place, and died the death you deserved? There were 3 men supposed to die that day – Two other robbers to the left and right and Barrabus was supposed to be in the middle. And instead, Jesus took his place and Barrabus was set free.

“Barrabus” – Son of a Father. – The most generic name for a human being. And that’s exactly the point. We are all Barrabus. Children of God our Father who rebelled against his rule. Insurrectionists against God. And we, our sin, put Jesus on the cross. We did that. We got to go free because Jesus – the true Son of the Father – took our place – the guilty for the innocent. 

Jesus in my place And I in his. – Substitution all throughout Jn. 18.

-v.8 – If you’re seeking me, let these men go. 

-v.11 – Will I not drink the cup that God has given me? 

“Cup” – God’s judgment against sin and rebellion against him:

Isa. 51:17 ​​Wake yourself, wake yourself, stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord the cup of his wrath, who have drunk to the dregs the bowl, the cup of staggering.

Ps. 75:8 For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth  shall drain it down to the dregs.

-v.14 – One person should die for the people.

-v.32 – What kind of death Jesus would die. Gal. 3:13 – Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us – Those hanged on a tree are cursed by God.

2 Cor. 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Isa. 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,  and with his wounds we are healed.

John Stott – “Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we must first see it as something done by us.” 

All according to plan – To fulfill the scriptures, all of God’s promises. (v.9, 14, 32) Save us – Ge.3. Doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done. Murderer, Denier. The blood of Jesus covers it all.

(GTB) – King – David. Kidron. Fled from betrayal. From his own son. Jesus into it – his children and best friends. Barclay – Valley would have been filled with blood from all the lambs slaughtered for the Passover. Jesus would have seen and passed through all that blood to become our Passover Lamb whose blood would be shed to cleanse us from all our unrighteousness.

Jesus – Can’t just ignore and move on with your life. God. Savior. 

You have to decide.Where do you stand when it comes to Jesus? It’s the most important decision you will make in your life – because your eternity depends on it. Is he God? Is he Lord? Or not. There’s no in between. You’re either all in or you’re all out. Have you surrendered your life, everything to him? 

Free Gift – Nothing you’ve done to deserve it. Nothing you can do to earn it. Once you truly believe – there’s nothing you can do to lose it – because it was never about you – It’s all Jesus’ work done for you. There’s nothing left for us to do.

Gospel Transformation Bible – Our sins do not separate us from the love of Jesus; Jesus separates us from the love of our sin and from sin’s power. Maybe you feel like…

Peter – I am not. God – You’re not. But I am. God desires to work his power in your life personally. I take broken and humble people – Servants/Ambassadors. He doesn’t just to save us but to commission us like Peter into his service – to bring others to him. 

Kingdom is not of this world – No country. No political party. Not ushered in by the sword or the ways of the world. Our battle is not against flesh and blood. People are not the enemy. People are the mission. The gospel is our weapon.

What is truth? – May be the question of all questions. You have been confronted with the truth – who Jesus is – God who loves you and laid down his life for you. And you have to make a stand. Stand with Jesus or not.