#1535 John 19 Part 1 I Have Authority

 

Pilate then took Jesus and flogged Him. 2 And when the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and put a purple robe on Him; 3 and they were coming to Him and saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and were giving Him slaps in the face. 4 And Pilate came out again and *said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you so that you may know that I find no guilt in Him.” 5 Jesus then came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate *said to them, “Behold, the man!” 6 So when the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out saying, “Crucify, crucify!” Pilate *said to them, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no guilt in Him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God.”

8 Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he became more afraid; 9 and he entered into the Praetorium again and *said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate *said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” 12 As a result of this Pilate kept seeking to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself to be a king opposes Caesar.”

13 Therefore when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he *said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!” 15 So they cried out, “Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate *said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” John 19: 1-15 LSB

John 19: 1-15

Pilate then took Jesus and flogged Him - There is a problem with so many in high positions, and that is this, they don't have the courage to stand, and so we call them politicians, and we applaud them for compromise. This is becoming a battle of wills between the squeaky wheel and a man that wants to keep his position, and is being pressed towards sacrificing the innocent in order to keep the guilty from rioting. He doesn't want to kill so here is a compromise, Jesus is flogged, the soldiers mock Him in verse 2, dressing Him up like a king. In verse 3 they Hail Him as the King of the Jews, and this isn't working in His favor, this won't satisfy the mob. They don't want Him to be called King, and especially not of the Jews. 

V. 4 I find no guilt in Him - Jesus is pronounced innocent, what a relief, now He can go home a free man, but that's not how this ends.

V. 5 Behold the man - He has been beaten, flogged, and humiliated, surely this is enough. 

28All this happened at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is He of whom I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’… John 1: 28-30

V. 6 Crucify, crucify - They are not appeased; they need more, and if you really want to know why, it's not just because they are confused or sick, but God's holiness demands more, sin is far more grievous than you or I comprehend. It is the will of an infinitely Holy and Just Being that this continues, if anyone is going to be saved then this must go on till completion. 

…6He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’” 8Then they remembered His words.… Luke 24: 6-8

V. 7 He made Himself out to be the Son of God - This is true, and others had made such claims such as Tiberius Augustus Caesar and Emperor Nero. This was by rule of might, dependent upon armies. Jesus proved He was God by way of His miracles, being over the elements, telling the sea to be still and walking on water. He turned water into wine, multiplied enough food for one child into more than enough for 5,000. He healed stuff way beyond headaches, like lameness, blindness, deafness, and showed His power over the spiritual realm by casting out demons. The claims of Tiberius and Nero are not those of a self existing, eternal being.  

“It is certain that the Jews understood this in a very peculiar sense. When Christ called himself the Son of God, they understood it to imply positive equality to the Supreme Being.” (Clarke)

V. 8 He became more afraid - Some say this is political fear again, strictly the fear of the mob and losing position in Rome because of the potentially explosive situation and unrest. I think that will be the deciding factor in turning Jesus over to be crucified, the fear of man, but Pilate really doesn't want to kill Him. He keeps stalling, and I find it very hard to believe that a man like this would normally care to do so. Matthew gives us another view of this time, and I know Pilate realizes this is about hate, about envy and we know greed and ego as well. I think Pilate also sees something that these religious rulers don't see, and to accept it, to continue down the path of Who Jesus really is would turn Pilate's world upside down. Even his wife has warned him.

…18For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. 19While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.” 20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.… Matthew 27: 18-20

V. 10 You do not speak to me - Pilate's the big guy, the representative of Rome, of capitol punishment, but that's not as big a deal as he thinks, and very temporary. I have had people ask me, "do you know who I am,' or sometimes, 'do you realize who that is?" Well, it ain't God. Pilate, do you know Who Jesus is? That's the more pressing question, that's the one with eternal implications. 

…35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel will save it. 36 What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?… Mark 8: 35-37

…6We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. 7He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. 8By oppression and judgment He was taken away, and who can recount His descendants? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was stricken for the transgression of My people.… Isaiah 53: 6-8

V. 11 Unless it had been given you from above - Pilate did not hold the highest seat here, nor Caesar, but God alone was sovereign in all this. This is history, and history is God's redemptive story. It is all about Christ, for their is nothing good in us, our righteousness is as filthy rags, but Jesus is the One Who the Father calls well pleasing. He is the only satisfaction for a Holy God. This is why Jesus is here, this is why Pilate is able to have this conversation with Him, because it was the Lord's will.

Pilate thought he had power, but what he had was the power to do wrong, to do harm. He didn’t have the power to do what was right. The right thing to do was to release an obviously innocent Man instead of sending Him to death, but Pilate was weak before the strength of the religious leaders and the crowd they commanded. To say, “I have power to do what the crowd wants me to do” is to say you have no power at all.

ii. The same man who claimed to have all power tried to wash his hands of the decision (Matthew 27:24) claiming, “I didn’t really want to do this.” - E Word

…4because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. 6In burnt offerings and sin offerings You took no delight.… Hebrews 10: 4-6

9He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. 10Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. 11After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.… Isaiah 53: 9-11

…23At the beginning of your petitions, an answer went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly precious. So consider the message and understand the vision: 24Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city to stop their transgression, to put an end to sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place. 25Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until the Messiah, the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress.… Daniel 9: 23-25

“He that delivered me could be a reference either to Judas or Caiaphas and the language of the evangelist seems to be deliberately vague.” (Tasker)

ii. “The verb ‘hand over’ (Gk. paradidomai) has been used repeatedly in the earlier part of the narrative to denote Judas’s act of betrayal.” (Bruce)

V. 12 Everyone who makes himself to be a king opposes Caesar - These guys are kind of special, a lot of them hate Rome, yet this is their argument. And here is the tension for Pilate, he wants to let Jesus go even though Christ claims to be the Son of God. He isn't sure there isn't something to that, but "opposes Caesar", now that could get spun up and turn into a riot, and he is all about self preservation. He has seen what Rome can do, but He hasn't seen Jesus, this Lamb like man, kill anybody. He seems harmless, but the mob is pushing to make this be about Rome, this is Pilate's weakness, the fear of man. This is when even your "friends" roll on you.

…27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.… Matthew 10: 27-29

V. 15 We have no king but Caesar - Wow! Is there anyone you fear more than God, anyone whose approval you want more than His? Is there anything you would choose over God? 

36Truly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation. 37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! 38Look, your house is left to you desolate.… Matthew 23: 36-38

“Driven by hate, they deliberately disown their Messianic hope, and repudiate their national glory. They who will not have Christ have to bow to a tyrant. Rebellion against Him brings slavery.” (Maclaren)

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#1534 John 18 Part 3 What is Truth?

 

28 Then they *led Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetorium, and it was early; and they themselves did not enter into the Praetorium so that they would not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. 29 Therefore Pilate went out to them and *said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered and said to him, “If this man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him to you.” 31 So Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” 32 in order that the word of Jesus which He spoke would be fulfilled, signifying by what kind of death He was about to die.

33 Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this from yourself, or did others tell you about Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what did You do?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be delivered over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not from here.” 37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You yourself said I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” 38 Pilate *said to Him, “What is truth?”

And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and *said to them, “I find no guilt in Him. 39 But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 So they cried out again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber. John 18: 28-40 LSB

John 18: 28-40

The permanent residence of the Roman governor of Palestine was in Caesarea (Acts 23:35). The governor had a residence in Jerusalem which he normally occupied only during principal feasts or in times of political unrest. The location of this building in Jerusalem is uncertain, but is probably one of two locations: either (1) the fortress or tower of Antonia, on the east hill north of the temple area, which is the traditional location of the Roman praetorium since the 12th century, or (2) the palace of Herod on the west hill near the present Jaffa Gate. According to Philo (Embassy 38 [299]) Pilate had some golden shields hung there, and according to Josephus (J. W. 2.14.8 [2.301], 2.15.5 [2.328]) the later Roman governor Florus stayed there. - Precept Austin

V. 28 So that they would not be defiled - The oral tradition of the Scribes was followed by these Pharisees and Sadducees. They were very careful not to "ceremonially" defile themselves by hanging out with Gentiles, but weren't worried about the unjust trial of Jesus, about false weights and balances being used in the temple courtyard. We certainly shouldn't add to what God says, but how arrogant is it when we put up our own rituals and preferences above the things He said and even think they offer a way around His precepts. The irony, "that they would not be defiled."

…8But look, you keep trusting in deceptive words to no avail. 9Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, 10and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’?…

…11Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD. 12But go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for My Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel. 13And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and because I have spoken to you again and again but you would not listen, and I have called to you but you would not answer,… Jeremiah 7: 8-13

…23Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. 25Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.…

…26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. 27Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.… Matthew 23: 23-28

V. 30 If this Man were not an evil doer, we would not have delivered Him to you - It's like social media court, "just take our word for it, someone was offended so this is justice." 

V. 31 It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death - This is a difficult prophecy to bring to fruition. They have already tried to throw Him off cliffs, and at one point the crowds have wanted to make Him King, but before the Lion comes the Lamb. This they speak truly, because they do not have the power of death like Rome does. It would appear that Pilate would maybe even allow Him to be stoned, but they obviously want the spectacle of crucifixion. They have a business to run, a racket, and this will show that Rome is on their side, and they can also make the claim that Rome killed Him. There is something in the indignity of it that they find appealing, for they know the Scriptures, and cursed is anyone who hangs on a tree. Some may think, like David did, that this removes them from directly murdering Jesus, like when David had Uriah sent to the front line after he stole Uriah's life. "See, an enemy killed him." Israel was under Roman rule so capitol punishment would belong to the occupying empire. It was an old custom where those that won the battle would hang their enemy up on a tree or wall to degrade them and also warn others that this could be you. The Romans developed the technique of crucifixion which put your enemy, a criminal, someone you wanted to punish in the most excruciating way, up on a cross alive. Jesus was held there by nails, and the agony of death was prolonged. It offered quite a picture to those that Rome was trying to keep under control, and to the Jews it would mark Jesus as cursed. Who is going to follow that Guy after seeing this?

…12The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” 13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.… Galatians 3: 12-14

V. 32 He spoke would be fulfilled - The OT was very clear on prophecies about Messiah and Jesus fulfills it with that same level of precision every time. There are no wasted words, no deviation. 

…13No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.… John 3: 13-15

…31Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.” 33He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.… John 12: 31-33

V. 34 Are you saying this from yourself or did others tell you about Me - Man, what a wild response, and people speculate all sorts of things here, but to be certain, God looks at the heart, and everyone will have to answer this one way or another, here in this life or at the judgment. He asked Jesus, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Let me ask any reader this, Who do you say that Jesus is, is your answer the regurgitation of someone else's opinion, or your own assumptions and vain meanderings based upon your gut or what you would like to think? 

…9Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.… Philippians 2: 9-11

V. 35 Am I a Jew - Pilate seems confused by it all, unfamiliar with their customs or why they even think this is worth the escalation. It's all about to become real political. 

V. 36 My Kingdom is not of this world - Pilate had stated that Jesus' own nation had turned Him in, so what kind of King could He be other than a lunatic? His answer reflects that He is not of this world or it's present system. This is all passing, the politics, the lying, the fighting over which system works the best. No, one day He will return and set all things right, but this is not the time, this is why He has Peter sheath his sword. He is here to die. 

…12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.… Colossians 1: 12-14

37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! 38Look, your house is left to you desolate. 39For I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”… Matthew 23: 37-39

10Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son. 11On that day the wailing in Jerusalem will be as great as the wailing of Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.… Zechariah 12: 10-11

Romans thought they knew about kingdoms and their might; that armies, navies, swords, and battles measured the strength of kingdoms. What Jesus knew was that His kingdom – though not of this world – was mightier than Rome and would continue to expand and influence when Rome passed away. - E Word

V. 37 So You are a king - The figure before him was not that impressive, where was the majesty? Pilate probably didn't like the Jewish leadership, but he has to do his due diligence to make sure there is no challenge to Rome standing before him, and he seems to have established that.

“The question could scarcely have been more sarcastic. Pilate, in his heart, despised the Jews as such, but here was a poor Jew, persecuted by his own people, helpless and friendless; it sounded like mockery to talk of a kingdom in connection with him.” (Spurgeon)

1Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. 3He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.… Isaiah 53:1-3

V. 38 What is truth - And you thought this was just a post modern sort of question. Jesus represents the ultimate truth, a truth that is absolute and eternal, one that cannot be escaped, only put off in this time. It's wildly dismissive, yet if Pilate only knew, this is the accumulation of all truth, standing before him, the reconciliation of  all knowledge. His perception that Jesus is not a king because he does not have a visible army, a crown, and the very people who He grew up amongst, the Jews, did not want Him, in no way shapes reality. He is actually the Son of God, through Whom all things were made, including Pilate, and is above all present rule. Jesus is not limited to armies, to palaces, and does not need the approval of men. Wow, to think of standing before the source, the origin of all pure truth and understanding, yet evaluating Him and coming up with maniac, eccentric, liar, snake oil salesman; perception just isn't reality, not even close. Jesus is God, He is the only Way, The Truth and the Life, and any other conclusion falls infinitely short of His person. He is the King of kings.

V. 39 Not this Man, but Barabbas - Pilate found Jesus not guilty of the charges, at least nothing warranting the kind of punishment the Pharisees and Sadducees sought. When offered the chance to let Him go, the religious rulers stirred the crowd into a blood thirsty frenzy, and they asked that a robber be released in His place. How fitting to the prophecies, "He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities", and even now someone will go free, the innocent will take the place of the guilty.

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#1533 John 18 Part 2 Slap The Shepherd

 

So the Roman cohort and the commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him, 13 and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better for one man to die on behalf of the people.

15 And Simon Peter was following Jesus, and so was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest, 16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the servant-girl who kept the door *said to Peter, “Are you not also one of this man’s disciples?” He *said, “I am not.” 18 Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself.

19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. 21 Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; behold, they know what I said.” 22 And when He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby gave Jesus a slap, saying, “Is that the way You answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?” 24 So Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He denied it, and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the slaves of the high priest, being a relative of the one whose ear Peter cut off, *said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed. John 18: 12-27 LSB

John 18: 12-27

V. 12-14 Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better for one man to die on behalf of the people - I've gone into greater detail about Caiaphas in prior posts, so I will include a link below, but he is the son in law of Annas, the prior high priests, who was the mafia boss of the Bazaar of Annas. They hate Jesus because He interfered with business when He turned over tables at the temple. It is crazy how true a statement Caiaphas makes here though, and it is not because of his understanding of OT prophets, for he is more about politics. What he intends for evil God has already prepared for the good of those that love Him. 

Matthew 26 more on Caiaphas and the Kangaroo court

…9For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God. 11So you too must count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.… Romans 6: 9-11

…17For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit, 19in whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison… 1 Peter 3: 17-19

…10Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. 11After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. 12Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.… Isaiah 53: 10-12

V15-16 Now that disciple was known to the High Priest - People speculate that this is John, and John does have an interesting way of putting himself in stories, referring to himself as "the one Jesus loved", rather than using his own name. He has gone from being one of the sons of thunder to the disciple of love. Growth always moves towards humility, and the maturation of John is the elevation of Christ, Christ foremost. What he finds great about being John, being himself, is that Jesus loved him, that Jesus made him a disciple, and then that Jesus died for him, and that Jesus stands at the right hand of the Father on his behalf. 

“It may be that the family had connections with the priesthood, either by business relationships or possibly by marital ties.” (Tenney)

ii. “Perhaps for that he and his father Zebedee were wont to serve the fat priests with the best and daintiest fish (for this other disciple was John, who had first fled with the rest, and now came sculking in to see what would become of his master).” (Trapp) - Enduring Word

V. 17 Then the servant girl - It's not that she was intimidating, but she had a mouth and could raise suspicion about Peter, who had just cut off someone's ear. Jesus had warned him about this, but here is denial number one. Now we pick on Peter a lot for this scene, yet we ourselves deny Christ often, if not in word then by our deeds. Remember, there were 12, minus Judas, but of the 11 left only two have made it this far, only two have gone into enemy territory. 

…33Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.” 34“Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “ this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the other disciples said the same thing.… Matthew 26: 33-35

19-21 I have spoken openly to the world - His teaching was public, not a secret society, and square in the face of his enemies. He and John the Baptist both called out the Pharisees. They had plenty of interactions with Him and He corrected their bad Theology often, so they are reaching even more here. 

V.22-24 Is that the way you answer the high priest - The officer that slapped Him is like a little dog. I know men like that today, that follow someone in power, sing their praises, but they only care about the position. Annas and Caiaphas were both corrupt high priests, and Jesus is the High Priest, the One able to enter the Holy of Holies with His own blood on our behalf, Priest, Prophet and King. I feel sorry for men like this because they always hold up and defend the worst sorts, either for praise, nepotism, money or power, but they never see a spade for a spade. No one in these kangaroo courts cares about truth and righteousness. They just want to kill God, and marvelously He is going to allow them to do just that, but just for a minute.  

“This blow was a signal for the indignities which followed.” (Alford)

7Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones. 8And in all the land, declares the LORD, two-thirds will be cut off and perish, but a third will be left in it.… Zechariah 13: 7-8

Vs. 25-27 I am not...Peter denied it again - This is the charge. Are you a Christian? What would indicate that, how could I tell, what would the evidence be against you? In times of ease there often arises a cultural Christianity, but it has no salt; it doesn't stand up under scrutiny. In those days they will wear crosses, tattoos, and identify with a movement. There was the "moral majority", but they were really much more like the Pharisees, moralist, not lovers of God. They liked their system, their traditions, and I see a lot of them still today, even those who think they are going to conquer the world through politics and debate, then hand it over to Jesus when He returns. I see 12 step teachers like Joel Osteen and other prosperity teachers, pragmatist, who easily unite under the banner of morals, happiness, and how to books that teach the same stuff you can find in New Age books. They align easily with Mormons, Jehovah's Witness's, Hindus, Buddhist and Roman Catholics. When you take their teachings and compare them to Scripture, when you put them on national television on a talk show, they deny the true Jesus of Scripture and make up another that fits the occasion, the current temperature. 

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#1532 John 18 Part 1 The Kidron Piercing

 

When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples to the other side of the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, into which He entered with His disciples. 2 Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place, for Jesus had often gathered there with His disciples. 3 Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, *came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 So Jesus, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and *said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He *said to them, “I am He.” And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them. 6 So when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Therefore He again asked them, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 in order that the word which He spoke would be fulfilled, “Of those whom You have given Me, I lost not one.” 10 Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?” John 18: 1-11 LSB

John 18: 1-11

V. 2 Now Judas also - The people closest to you, in your own ranks, are those who know the most about your habits, where you eat, sleep, where you like to go. The disciples had been with Jesus for some three years now and this garden is a place they often went to. You have to get away, reboot, recharge, have the quiet required for study and prayer. Jesus had just finished praying for His disciples, praying for them because of the moment that was about to come, their fear and even their future ministry. He covered all the important stuff. Jesus is committed to this task, and on such a grand level, I mean, He knows His betrayer, has sent Him away, but His betrayer is like the hunter of the group now. Judas knows their pattern, he knows where they will head to next, and He is convinced of the devil and his own greed to turn in the Messiah for a small amount of money, the price of a slave. Jesus recognizes him, but his disguise, his camouflage is so good that he looks just like those he is hunting. I included Luke's account of what transpired in the garden, what a marvelous Savior.

Luke's account of the garden

…20My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. 21His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. 22Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.… Psalm 55: 20-22

…15For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. 17And you will be hated by everyone because of My name.… Luke 21: 15-17

…21Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. 23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.… Matthew 10: 21-23

V. 3 Having received the Roman cohort - The Pharisees wanted Jesus dead, but the Sanhedrin didn't hold the power of death because Israel had come under Roman rule. Jesus was popular as a healer among the people, Who had given many other signs as well, but rejected the additions and subtractions to the law that the Pharisees and Sadducees had made. He and His messenger, John the Baptist, had pricked the elite, overthrown their abominable tables in the temple market, and called them children of Satan. He didn't run the best campaign, all truth and no fluff, and people were more than offended. Jesus had attacked their pockets as well, the market was more sacred to them than the temple. The temple had become for them the lure, the means to get people to come in and give tithe, to buy sheep and doves, exchange money. They were prosperity teachers before Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland and Joel Osteen were even a thought, and Jesus was disrupting this. 

…6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 7But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.… Matthew 3: 6-8

…43Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. 45But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me!… John 8: 43-45

V. 6 They drew back and fell on the ground - Ah, the Lamb, imagine when He is no longer coming as the sacrifice, the offering for remission of sin, but instead as the Judge, the Lion of Judah. It's a little taste here. Here are the people with the swords, the Roman cohort, but this is God, and when He says, "I am He", they fall back and fall down. They hate Him, but they are rightly afraid. He has calmed the Sea, has had the voice of His Father from heaven inaugurate His ministry, the Holy Spirit descend upon Him. Judas had seen far more than even those he led here. Jesus could heal, could raise the dead, could make the blind see. He has shown the power to back His every claim, but they hate Him, and we know it goes deeper than that.

…9Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.… Philippians 2: 9-11

V. 8 If you seek Me, let these others go their way - This we are told in the next verse fulfilled His prayer that He would lose none that the Father had given Him. The Father had given a people to the Son, and how do you make people a worthy gift to the Son of God? A price has to be paid, and what is the highest price, what could, Who could add more value or confer most upon a people set apart as a gift to God? You want to be worth something, you want to be valuable? Repent and acknowledge Jesus as Lord, confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. There is nothing more valuable on this planet, no one in higher standing than a true believer, because they belong to the Son, were purchased by His blood, redeeming them from the slave market of sin. 

…10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness. 11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock.… John 10: 10-12

18Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.… 1 Corinthians 6: 18-20

V. 10 The slave's name was Malchus - I think this helps date this as passed the time of Peter, that he has probably already been martyred, and I think this because the other gospel writers don't call out Peter by name, they use companion and bystander, which probably protects him and other eye witnesses. All the Apostles would be at the top of a lot people's list, and not the good list. They were the pillars of the Church, Christ being the foundation, and to the apostate Pharisees they would be like cult leaders that needed to be put down. John was the longest living and latest writer, and by his acute description here, an inspired eye witness. What a great detail, the slave's name was Malchus. I am sure Peter felt very passionate here, and seeing his enemies fall back at Jesus' voice gave him no small boost of confidence. 

…50“Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him. 51At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.… Matthew 26: 50-52

V. 11 The cup that the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it - John gives us some more of the conversation he heard that night, and it's very insightful. This wasn't a reaction to mankind's fall, for we already know that God chose us in Christ before the foundations of the World. This is the price for redeeming those that were given, the agreed upon price. This is the cup of God's just wrath to be poured out on these sinners. Those who are elect will believe, will profess Christ, and accept this atoning work, that He drank my portion and that of all who come to be saved. He is taking my place, as one man put it, He is standing before God's wrath as me, so that I may stand before God in the righteousness of Christ. Where He use to see a sinner He now sees His Son. I was born spiritually dead, and now have this new life that is tied to Christ, His work, His death, the Spirit's gift of faith to believe, and the Father drawing me in all along the way. He came to do this, it wasn't time to fight Rome, and Peter is yet to realize, like me before I was broken, or maybe someone else reading this, that you need this, I needed this just as much as Peter. I couldn't come to God on my own, I wouldn't have even known of Him, nor would I have understood the state I was in. 

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. 4For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love 5He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will,… Ephesians 1: 3-5

…46You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume. 47Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” 48Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”… Luke 7: 46-48

9He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. 10Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. 11After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.… Isaiah 53: 9-11

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