The Extraordinary Sacrifice Of Jesus

No Ordinary Man

Read John 18:1-8

The amount of reinforcements

band of soldiers - Roman cohort, not more than 600 soldiers

officers - sent by religious leaders

I am statement

The pronoun he is unnecessarily supplied in verse 6

Same construction as in John 8:58 Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.

Implication: He is divine

In response: they drew back and fell to the ground (miracle showing His power…He is in charge of the entire proceedings)

Matthew 26:53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?

Let these men go

Concern for His disciples

No Ordinary Trial

Read John 18:12-14, 19-24, 28-32

Jesus’ Six Trials (3 religious, 3 civil)

John 18 - before Annas (former high priest; no verdict)

Matthew 26 - before Caiaphas (current high priest; verdict: blasphemy)

Many false witnesses were brought against Jesus, but none of their testimonies would agree

The accusation that finally “stuck” is that Jesus made Himself to be the Son of God (cf. John 19:7)

Matthew 27 - before the Sanhedrin (governing religious board; sentencing: death)

John 18 - before Pilate (Roman governor over Judea; verdict: “I find no guilt”)

Luke 23 - before Herod (tetrarch and “king” in Galilee; no verdict)

John 18 - before Pilate (again; reluctantly gave Jesus to be crucified)

No Ordinary Death

Read John 19:1-7, 12-18, 26-37

It is finished

This expression is best understood as a victory anthem rather than a sign of defeat. His pain and suffering are over, but He has also finished His work on the cross by atoning for sins.

Jesus was in control of the whole crucifixion. He had said that no one could take his life from him—he would lay it down of his own accord. He had the final say of when His work was finished.