Jesus On Trial

Intro:

A little recap of last week:

Jesus, accompanied by his disciples, sought solace in the Garden.

As anticipated, Judas arrived with a small army to seize Jesus.

In the ensuing chaos, Peter impulsively severed the ear of a temple servant.

Jesus, now bound, was taken away.

Despite the perilous circumstances, Peter and John shadowed the procession, eager to witness the unfolding events. As they entered the high priest's courtyard, Peter faced a pivotal moment when a servant girl questioned his allegiance, prompting him to deny any association with Jesus.

Now I’m not sure about the exact lay out but for sure, they can see Jesus and Jesus can see them

Luke 22:61 (NIV)

The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.

Read John 18:19-24

The questioning begins with the high priest asking Jesus about two things, His disciples and his teaching (associates and doctrine)

Jesus has nothing to hide.

Where are the testimonies of eye witnesses. Go find those who heard me and ask them about my teaching.

No one convicted of a crime would just up and confess

Verse 22 may be a pivotal for the disciples. They watch as their teacher, the one they’ve been following, the one that Peter has confessed as the Christ get smacked in the mouth.

Psychologically what would this do to them?

Jesus keeps his cool. He could call down heaven but instead he responds, “What did I say that was wrong? And if I’m write? Why strike me.”

Annas then sends him away to Caiaphas.

Read John 18:25-27.

Now this is where Peter really shows his poor judgment

His first denial seemed to be one of being caught off guard but the 2nd is a little more premeditated

The 3rd is with out a doubt. This is someone who saw him at the garden, saw him lop off Malchus’ ear.

Peter’s responses get more intense, more intentional.

Matthew’s account says he even cursed and swore.

Of course we know that Peter is later on restored by Jesus.

But Peter is not modeling for us discipleship behavior.

In fact in Matthew 10 Jesus warns his disciples just before sending them out to do ministry that they will experience hardship and opposition.

He says Matthew 10:33

Matthew 10:33 NIV

But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.

The problem we run into is that we get knocked back on our heels and we give up.

Before we move on let me just read one quote to you about Peter’s denial.

John 12–21 (4) Peter’s Second and Third Denials (18:25–27)

The point of all the narratives, however, is virtually the same. Peter failed at this stage of his discipleship. He was merely a fallible human whom the church must not remake into something more than a human. Clearly, sometimes he was a miserable failure as a follower of Jesus. But that fact helps us as human failures to realize that we do not have to be perfect to become followers of Jesus or to be accepted by God. Jesus knew Peter’s good intentions, but he also recognized his human insecurities and his resistance to full commitment, even after the resurrection (cf. John 21:21–22). That reality ought to help us find acceptance when we like Peter hear the trumpet blow or the cock crow and we are alerted to our failures.

The heat is now turned up. Jesus is sent before the Roman Governor Pilate. Jesus is brought before the religious governing body and now that of the state. In fact if you look at all the gospel accounts you see that there are actually 3 of each. Why? Because the charges were trumped up and neither wanted to actually be the one to pull the trigger.

Read John 18:28-32

The irony of there concern about ceremonial uncleanliness vs their hateful anger, false accusation and the desire to see Jesus’ death.

But look what charges to they bring when asked? They can say nothing other than, “he’s a really bad guy and we cant kill him so you need to kill him for us”

And Jesus on several different occasions make statements about “being lifted up” predicting the kind of death he would die…crucifixion.

John 3:14 NIV

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,

Even in this moment Jesus is in control

Read John 18:33-38

All four gospels include this line of questioning, “Are you the king of Jews?”

This charge would have gotten the attention of Rome. Messianic claims were nothing new but if Rome didn’t handle them things could have gotten out of control.

However, Jesus would have been viewed much differently. Where was his army? Where was the rebellion?

That’s made evident in the way Jesus responds. John 18:34

John 18:34 NIV

“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”

Jesus’ want some perspective from Pilate. If this is form you…then it’s political. Was Jesus a physical, political threat to Rome? No

But if this is coming form someone else, the Jews then the answer is yes because the question is now about a spiritual kingdom.

Political vs. Spiritual King

Pilate finally Pilate asks about charges… what have you done? Jesus could have given him a list of amazing miracles and teachings of the truth.

Instead he says John 18:36

John 18:36 NIV

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

(Expound)

When Jesus says my kingdom is not of this world it’s another mic drop moment but I bet Pilate was letting out a sigh of relief. This is not a kingdom he thinks he needs to be concerned about.

Not a kingdom of swords but mightier than Rome.

Verse 37 comes off as Pilate still needing some reassurance.

Jesus drives home the point that his kingdom of truth.

Pilate “What is truth?” Pilate is dripping with sarcasm.

This question comes up all the time even today, “What is truth?’

Truth vs. Personal Preference

Any real objectionable truth about God.

Jesus makes a bold claim “In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.”

“Those who listen to me is on the side of truth”

Read John 18:39-40

Pilate doesn’t seem to have the courage to back up his conviction (I find no fault)

Instead he offers them Barabbas. And insurrectionist and murderer.

There were 3 crosses set up that day and one of them was for Barabbas. But Jesus died in his place

I hope the imagery is not lost on you?

We are Barabbas!

Maybe it’s appropriate to ask you this morning, Jesus or Barabbas?