Do not be far from me

The Distance Between Us: Finding Christ in Our Isolation

Bible Passage: John 18:1–19:42

Summary: This passage details the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus, illustrating the profound isolation He experienced as He approached the cross, as well as the emotional distance felt by His disciples during these events.

Application: In our struggles with feelings of isolation and distance from God and others, this passage reminds us that Jesus understands our pain. His own experience of abandonment and suffering shows us that we’re not alone—He is present even in our deepest valleys.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that even when we feel the furthest from God, we can trust that Christ has gone before us in suffering. He has endured isolation and betrayal so that we can find hope and solace in Him, demonstrating that distance does not equate to absence in our relationships with God.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage ultimately points to the sacrificial love of Christ, who willingly faced separation from the Father for our salvation. It highlights the theme of redemption through suffering, affirming that Jesus is the bridge overcoming isolation between humanity and God.

Big Idea: In our deepest feelings of isolation, Christ's experience offers assurance that He is present and that our suffering has purpose and leads to redemption.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon on John 18:1–19:42, consider diving into the characters present in the narrative, such as Peter's denial and the responses of those around the cross, using Logos to explore the cultural backgrounds and emotional dynamics at play. Look for commentaries that discuss the theme of abandonment in relation to Jesus' mission and how it applies in the context of contemporary loneliness. This will deepen your understanding of how to convey the comforting presence of Christ in our isolation.

1. Purposeful Steps to Surrender

John 18:1-11

You could start by discussing the beginning of Jesus' journey and His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Despite feelings of abandonment, Jesus willingly accepts His path, showing that even in our isolation, there is a purposeful plan at work. His submission to the Father's will can inspire us to trust in God's presence during difficult times, affirming that our isolation is not a solitary path, but one Jesus has walked before us.

2. Peter's Path to Distance

John 18:12-27

Perhaps focus on Peter's denial, reflecting the profound emotional distance and fear he felt. Yet, this passage also implicitly provides hope by showing that Jesus remains steadfast. We might feel distant from God or others by our actions and fears, but Jesus' unwavering journey toward the cross—even while being forsaken—invites us to find courage and redemption in Him despite our failures.

3. Pilate's Paltry Perspective

John 18:28-40

Maybe highlight the separation as Jesus faced political powers alone, revealing human tendencies to misunderstand and reject divine truth. Yet, His resilience amid wrongful accusations shows us that He has faced the depths of loneliness and injustice, offering us an example in our own struggles. His trial before Pilate invites us to stand firm in our identity in Christ, knowing He understands our isolation and has already brought redemption.

4. Mockery Meets Redemption

John 19:1-16

You could discuss the isolation experienced during Jesus' scourging and mockery. Despite mockery, His silent endurance exemplifies how redemption can be borne out of profound isolation. This section could encourage believers to embrace their trials as a means of connecting to Christ, who suffered yet did not abandon His identity. His example challenges us to maintain our faith in the midst of isolation, confident of His presence.

5. Crucifixion's Connection to Life

John 19:17-42

Perhaps end with the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, the ultimate act of isolation and sacrifice for humanity. Despite feeling forsaken, Jesus' death is not the end but the beginning of our reconciliation with God. This point may inspire hope, as we are reminded that Christ's sacrifice bridges the gap of our isolation, transforming suffering into new life. For our struggles, His crucifixion is the source of profound connection and new beginnings.

Good Friday Sermon Title: The Distance Between Us: Finding Christ in Our Isolation Scripture: John 18:1 – 19:42

Introduction:

Dear friends, tonight we gather at the foot of the cross—not to rush past the pain of Good Friday toward the joy of Easter—but to dwell in the heaviness, to sit in the shadows, and to acknowledge what Christ endured for us. This is a night that speaks deeply to those who know what it feels like to be alone. To be misunderstood. To be abandoned. To be afraid. If you’ve ever felt like the world is far away or that God is silent, this is your night. Because in His Passion, Jesus steps into our distance. He bridges the gap between us and God—and between us and one another.

Tonight, I want us to walk with Jesus through John’s account, not just to observe but to find ourselves in the story.

1. Purposeful Steps to Surrender (John 18:1–11)

We begin in a garden. It was night. Jesus knew what was coming. And yet, He stepped forward. He didn’t hide. He didn’t run. He didn’t lash out. He willingly surrendered to the Father's plan.

In this, we see something crucial: Jesus was not a victim of circumstances. He was the Author of salvation. He walked into isolation on purpose. He faced betrayal, arrest, and abandonment to show us that even when it feels like we are walking alone—we’re not.

Consider a time when you felt utterly abandoned—a moment of deep betrayal or loss. It was a night not unlike Jesus’ in Gethsemane. In those moments, while we might feel alone, we can remember that Jesus walked that path first. His willingness to face betrayal shows us that we are never truly alone. Just as He faced His isolation, He stands beside us in our most difficult times, inviting us to lean on Him.

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you’ve felt abandoned or afraid of what’s next? Jesus has walked that path before you. And He walks it with you now.

2. Peter’s Path to Distance (John 18:12–27)

Then there’s Peter. Bold Peter. Faithful Peter. Until fear crept in. Three times, he said, “I am not one of His disciples.” He distanced himself out of fear.

How many times have we done the same? Kept quiet when we should have spoken up? Pulled back from faith or fellowship because of shame or fear?

But here’s the hope: Jesus knew Peter would fall. And He still called him “rock.” Jesus doesn’t give up on those who stumble. He doesn’t turn away from those who fail. Even in Peter’s denial, Jesus remained faithful—and later restored him.

If you feel like your failures have distanced you from God—know this: He hasn’t moved away from you. He’s waiting, arms open, even in the courtyard of your guilt.

3. Pilate’s Paltry Perspective (John 18:28–40)

Then comes Pilate. A man with power but no peace. Caught between politics and truth. He asks, “What is truth?” while standing in the presence of the One who is Truth.

Pilate’s distance wasn’t just political—it was spiritual. He couldn’t grasp who Jesus truly was. And many today still wrestle with that same blindness.

But here’s the beauty: Jesus didn’t stop being who He was, even when misunderstood, misrepresented, and mistreated. He remained faithful. In a world where it’s easy to lose ourselves trying to please others or avoid conflict, Jesus reminds us to remain true—because our identity in Him doesn’t depend on the world’s recognition.

4. Mockery Meets Redemption (John 19:1–16)

They beat Him. Mocked Him. Dressed Him up like a king and laughed. It was humiliation. Pain. Isolation. And still—Jesus endured.

He didn’t lash out. He didn’t curse them. He didn’t walk away. Instead, He bore it all in silence, with dignity, with love.

For us. For you.

Because in His suffering, redemption was being born. This is the mystery of the cross: that God would take the worst of human cruelty and transform it into the greatest act of love.

During the darkest time in my life, I witnessed a miracle. My grandmother was diagnosed with an illness that was said to be terminal. Yet, in her suffering, she became a beacon of hope to our family. Despite the pain, she shared her faith in Jesus, helping us understand that God could bring beauty from ashes. Just as Christ's suffering on the cross brought us redemption, her grace in suffering taught us profound lessons about love and hope in despair.

So if you are suffering—if you feel mocked by life, dismissed by others, or even forgotten by God—remember that Jesus has already walked that road. And He walked it for you.

5. Crucifixion’s Connection to Life (John 19:17–42)

Finally, we come to the cross. Suspended between heaven and earth, Jesus breathes His last. And it seems like the distance is complete—between Him and the Father, between Him and the world.

But here’s the mystery: at that very moment of isolation, the greatest connection is made.

The curtain in the temple is torn. The way to God is opened. Through death, Jesus brings life. Through abandonment, He brings belonging. Through His suffering, He brings salvation.

This is the heart of Good Friday. That our isolation is not the end of the story. Christ enters into our distance, endures it, and transforms it.

Conclusion:

So tonight, as we sit in the quiet and reflect on the cross, remember this: Your feelings of distance—your loneliness, your fears, your regrets—are not foreign to Jesus. He has felt them. He has faced them. And He has overcome them.

Through His wounds, we are healed. Through His isolation, we are drawn near. Through His death, we find life.

Let the shadow of the cross remind you tonight: You are not alone. Christ is with you—in the distance, in the silence, in the sorrow—and He is already bridging the gap with love.

Pastoral Prayer:

Gracious God, Tonight, we thank You for Jesus—who walked the lonely road of betrayal, pain, and death so that we would never be alone. In His suffering, we find comfort. In His silence, we find peace. In His death, we find life. As we sit in the stillness of this Good Friday, help us to trust that even in our darkest hours, You are at work. May Your love draw us close, even when we feel far. And may we find in Christ not only a Savior but a companion for the journey. Amen.