The Courageous Christ

Intro

Welcome to Spring Lake, if we’ve never met one another, my name is Arlen. I serve as the Campus Pastor of Lawrence! Honored to get to be here with you today. We are continuing through a study of the book of John, in which we are talking about the miracles of Jesus, as well as some wonderful the wonderful signs, ultimately leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Spoiler alert, He lives. But we’ll talk more about that next weekend. However, today, we are talking through an important aspect of the story of Jesus. When Jesus is arrested, and then the denials of Jesus by Peter. And all of this we are talking about today is under the title “The Courageous Christ,” and I think that title is incredibly important to today. Mainly, because Jesus is courageous.

And when I say courageous, I think our brain automatically runs to something like Braveheart—William Wallace charging head first into battle. And in a way this encapsulates the courage that Jesus had.

I’m a movie guy, love them, watch a ton of movies. And I can remember 2019, sitting in the middle of a sold out theater for Avengers: Endgame. The ending of this 22 movie tapestry. And after over a decade of watching these heroes fight different bad guys and go through struggles, this story comes to a crescendo.

Thanos and all of his alien goons show up, and then standing across from them is Captain America. Everyone is coming out of these portals, and all the heroes we know and love are standing there. And then Captain America says to them “Avengers… assemble,” and then it’s on. And it is really cool. You watch the Hulk rip aliens in half. It’s awesome.

However, I want us to understand the true nature of Jesus as we read this. That His courage is next level. His courage is more than just putting His fists up and charging into battle.

Jesus did truly enter into a battle, but He entered into it in a way that we normally wouldn’t associate with courage, or in a way that we normally wouldn’t expect someone to. Ultimately, Jesus enters into battle in a manner that is counter to anything we would expect of a hero.

Jesus doesn’t do this. He actually doesn’t put up a fight, because He understands that the battle isn’t with flesh and blood.

And so today, we are going to talk about how courage, especially in the life of Christians, is a different type of courage than we are used to. It’s tied to our faith that we don’t win the battles. God does. And learning about the character of Jesus, helps us understand what true courage actually is. And John wants us to understand this… who Jesus is. When we read through this entire scripture, my hope is that we get a true understanding of who Jesus is and that there is a large gap between us and Jesus. Let me pray for us, and we’ll jump in!

Jesus is Lord- Who Freely Gives Himself

John 18:1–9 “When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”” Okay, Lets land here for a second and understand what is actually going on. Because a lot is happening right now and I want to make sure that nothing is getting missed. Let’s back it up to the beginning of the verses and we are going to comb through this verse by verse. verse 2= Judas, who betrayed him. KNEW the place. Okay. Stop lets talk about this, Jesus, didn’t hide from this. Jesus knew that Judas had betrayed him. That he was going to sell him out. He knew that Judas was going to turn him over. So where did he go? He went straight to a place that it was easy to find him! Talk about courage, Jesus didn’t hide from Judas. He showed up! He didn’t change plans. He shows up. I am sure that the question pops up.. If Judas knew, why would Jesus go there? He knew what was coming. Why go!? To save you, silly! The very presence of Jesus in the garden, is evidence of the love that God has for you. He would rather face what was coming for him, than to turn his back on humanity. Jesus was no coward. And Jesus, in the face of being betrayed. Went anyway. We could stop the sermon right here, and be good to go! But it gets better. re-read verse 3= John 18:3–6 “So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.” Here’s what is going on. Some studies say that Judas showed up with HUNDREDS of men. Some studies say 600 men came looking for Jesus. The number doesn’t really matter.. all we know is that hundreds of guys show up. And how did they show up? With torches, lanterns, and weapons. They didn’t show up ready to just hang out… they showed up to throw down. Imagine tomorrow morning, you wake up, and outside your house is 600 men. weapons, lanterns, and torches. And you know, they are there for you. How many of you would step out of your front door? 0!

Verse 4= Jesus knew what was going to happen! He knew that we was going to be betrayed. He knew that he would be arrested. He knew that He would be charged. And he knew that they were going to crucify Him. What does he do? HE STEPS OUT! Ge goes up to these roman soldiers and says to them “Whats going on? Who are you looking for?” I want us to pause here, because sometimes, we can read scripture too fast. I think we can read this line and just move on. And I don’t want us to be the Christians who do this. Imagine tomorrow morning, you wake up, your alarm goes off. If you’re anything like me, its your 72nd alarm of the morning and your wife is glaring at you because she’s been up since the first one two hours ago. And you go downstairs, turn on the TV, and if you’re like me, you don’t really know what you’re doing that day, which is why you have your calendar, you open it up and at the top of your calendar it reads this: 9:00 AM- go outside, immediately get arrested, they’ll rough you up a little bit too. 10:00 AM- arrive at the police station, you’re going to be charged with several felonies that were committed by someone else, but the authorities like that guy so they just don’t really care you’re getting charged with his crimes. 11:30 AM- Show up to the court. At this court hearing, the judge should shrugs as he looks to everyone in the crowd, they all kind of liked the guy who actually did the bad thing, so you’re found guilty. You won’t get to plead your case. 1:00 PM- Face Sentencing- get sentenced to death for the crimes of this other man. 4:00 PM- Find out that your death sentence has moved up a few days, and you will murdered by the end of the day. And it’ll be broadcast for the world, so they can humiliate you. How many of you are going outside? ZERO. But Jesus did. That’s some courage right there, amen? The cross isn’t something that Jesus just fell into. It was the plan from the beginning! You know why? Because Jesus thought that you were worth it. But then fast forward. What happens next? Well, we see that Jesus is actually in charge of it. Say it with me “Jesus is in charge” Hundreds of people are coming up over the hill, ready to arrest him. He steps up, “Who are you looking for” And Jesus says to them “I am he,” And they fall down to the ground. Now, lets not read this too fast. When Jesus steps up, to hundreds of men! And they say I am looking for Jesus, and he says “I am he” he doesn’t actually say “I am he” He says “I AM” Now let me remind you of something really quick, why this is actually important. Way back, second book of the bible. God reaches out to Moses, and he begins to instruct Moses that he is going to free Israelites, and he poses this question “who will I tell them sent me?” And that’s the first time we get the name of God. He says “Tell them I AM” sent you! Now fast forward, the very name that God claims for himself in Exodus, is said in this very moment, by Jesus! And EVERYONE falls down. Jesus is in charge, amen!? And then fast forward just a little bit- John 18:7–9 “Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”” And Jesus tells these men, I am the one you want. These followers of mine, have had nothing to do with it. Let them go. And Jesus shows us again what it looks like to be courageous. He protects his followers, He steps up for them. And in the midst of him getting challenged and facing consequence, he defends the disciples. Let me say this as an aside Christian… DEFEND PEOPLE. It is what Jesus did his whole life. And we must also defend people. Especially when we see an injustice. But lets keep going.. The second thing I want us to take from this is:

Jesus is Savior- Who Faithfully Speaks the Truth

John 18:10–14 “Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.”

And we pick up next in the story, So Jesus is being arrested, And what does Peter do? He jumps out like a ninja and cuts off the ear of the priest’s servant! He slices it clear off! And then he gets scolded, Peter! Stop it! This isn’t what we are supposed to do. Jesus, was a truthful man. He was courageous. And he could have allowed for Peter to fight for him, certainly Jesus is worthy of being fought for. But in this moment, he is telling Peter. “Stop, it is not you who should die for me. It is I who should die for you” And this interaction with Peter tells us everything we should know about Jesus. Jesus isn’t in the game to just win our blind obedience. He’s in the game to win our hearts. And stopping Peter, meant something too. He cared for this servant. He cared for this man enough, that John told us his name. Malchus. Jesus stopped Peter, because Jesus wasn’t just doing this for the disciples. He is doing this for everyone. Including these soldiers! And Jesus is arrested. He is taken. Then we read about the denial form Peter. Let’s keep reading: John 18:15–18 “Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in. “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.” I don’t want to land here too, long, but I think this is important to note… Jesus is the example of Courageous.. Peter is the example here of… well being a coward. We are going Here is Jesus. He gets arrested, and taken into Custody. He’s not denying anything. He is who he says he is. And Peter gets questioned by a little girl. And he is like “nope, never heard of the guy” Scripture literally tells us what is happening at the exact same time this is going on. Jesus is getting questioned by the high priest. John 18:19–24 “Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded. “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.” And we see this incredibly different think going on. Jesus is being honest, he’s being truthful. Even when lying could probably have helped him out here. He’s standing firm. Peter is denying he had any idea of Jesus’s existence. And Jesus stays firm, he does not bow a knee to this man. He tells the truth. I am going to be honest, seeing these two stories side by side like this- paints the picture. We don’t love Jesus like He loves us. We just aren’t capable of it. We can try to love Jesus with every possible part of ourselves. But we will fall short sometimes. Jesus is being slapped, beaten, and questioned and he stays strong to the truth, he is who he says he is. And Peter gets asked a question by a little girl, and obviously I don’t know Peter or what he looked like, but I am betting Peter could’ve taken this little girl in a fist fight. She posed no threat and Peter folded instantly. Jesus is on the verge of being murdered and he stayed strong. And I want to remind us. Sometimes we read the scriptures too fast. And I want us to take away the correct lesson here. Some might read this as “I need to be more like Jesus! I need to be tougher!” And I would say.. .yeah. You should be more like Jesus, we all should be. This isn’t some pull yourself up by your own bootstraps and grit your teeth story going on here. If this story depended on Peter’s courage, it’d all fall apart! But this story doesn’t depend on Peter. It depends on Jesus, and so should we. The moral of the story here and if you hear me say anything today its this “quit trying to be like Jesus instead of Peter. And start looking to Jesus when you realized you are Peter!” That’s the gospel. Welcome to church, YOU CAN’T DO IT. That’s the whole point. The point of Christianity isn’t to just be a better version of ourselves. The point to recognizing there is no version of us that can overcome sin. And it is when we hit that realization, that it all starts to click for us. And we aren’t scared of the small things anymore. Because we have confidence in the Lord’s strength. Not our own. Courage doesn’t come from your ability to do things on your own. It comes from the realization that God is in charge. Let’s keep reading.

Jesus is patient- when others fail.

John 18:25–27 “Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.” Again, lets not read scripture too fast and miss what is happening here. Peter doesn’t just fail once, he fails multiple times. Actually he fails three separate times. And this time it wasn’t even just a random question. It was someone who knew him. If there was ever a time that Peter could’ve confessed, it was this time. But he again denies it. And here is why this is important. I want to refresh our memory all the way back to John 13 in which Jesus is telling Peter, he is going to deny him three times. And Peter’s response? “I WOULD NEVER DENY YOU! I WOULD DIE WITH YOU” And here is Peter, doing the very thing that he promised he’d never do. I think this is us. Let’s think about it… this is when it stops just being Peter’s story and is ours too. Not that we sin, but that we do it willingly and knowingly. The same patterns, and same moments. “I’ll never go back and do that again” and then we do. I am going to be honest, this is where it gets uncomfortable. It is easy to read this story and tell ourselves “I would never do that” But we do… We deny Jesus all the time. In the quiet moments. Not by saying “I don’t know Him” but by living like we don’t. When scripture speaks and we ignore it. When we feel conviction and run from it. When we sense God leading us and we run away. We deny Jesus with our silence. When his name comes up, we stay quiet. When truth is needed we avoid it. When we can speak and we choose comfort instead. We deny Jesus in our image. We want to be like. We want to fit in. We don’t want to be “that person” especially at work. And so we edit ourselves. We downplay our faith. We laugh at things that offend God and we go along with conversations we know are wrong. We deny Jesus when our following him costs us more than we’d like to give. When forgiveness feels unfair. When generosity stretches us. When standing for truths isolates us from the world. We don’t always say “no” out loud. But we do say it in our lives a lot. We deny Jesus like Peter did. We deny him in ways that we said we never would. But church… I want us to understand that this passage that we are reading is so incredibly important. It shows a courageous Christ who steps into the fire on our behalf. If our relationship with Jesus was built on our ability to stay faithful? We’d all be lost forever! But while Peter is denying Jesus…

Jesus is marching toward the cross for Peter.

And don’t miss that.

Peter’s failure does not stop Jesus. Peter’s denial does not slow Him down. Peter’s weakness does not change the mission.

If anything—it’s the very reason He keeps going.

Step by step… bound… beaten… mocked…

Jesus moves forward.

Not reluctantly. Not hesitantly. Not as a victim of circumstance.

But willingly.

With resolve.

With purpose.

And with every step He takes toward that cross…

you are on His mind.

Peter is on His mind. The disciples are on His mind. The soldiers driving the nails are on His mind.

Every sinner. Every failure. Every denial.

He sees it all.

And He keeps going.

With every lash of the whip… with every blow to His face… with every ounce of shame poured out on Him…

there is a settled conviction in His heart:

“This is worth it.”

Not because we earned it. Not because we deserved it.

But because He loves us.

And when He is lifted up on that cross…

struggling to breathe… body broken… blood poured out…

He is not overwhelmed by anger toward you.

He is waging war against sin.

Against everything that has broken His people. Against everything that has enslaved His creation. Against everything that has separated us from Him.

And in that final moment—

He does not whisper.

He does not fade out.

He declares.

“Tetelestai.”

“It is finished.”

The debt—paid in full. Sin—defeated. Death—crushed.

And as that veil tears from top to bottom…

what was once separated is now open.

Access to God—restored. Forgiveness—available. Life—offered.

Not to the strong. Not to the perfect. Not to the courageous.

But to anyone…

who will bow the knee to Jesus.

So hear me—

You don’t have to be courageous enough to do what Christ did.

You never could.

You just have to be courageous enough…

to trust the One who did.

And as we leave today…

we leave with a clearer picture of who Jesus is.

Not just a teacher. Not just a good man. Not just a moral example.

But a King.

A King who is courageous in a way we could never be. A King who is compassionate beyond what we deserve. A King who is generous to the point of death.

A King who gave Himself… so that we might be brought in.

And if you see Him clearly—

really see Him—

there is only one right response:

to bow your life before Him… to trust Him… and to follow Him. You were on His mind when He went to the cross—now let Him be on yours as you walk away from it.