In Charge

In Charge

2020 The year of the Jetsons- flying cars and robot maids.

New Year- New Beginning- Last year is over. Time for new starts.

New series- what seems like the end is really the start of it all.

This desperate time will leave the disciples hopeless. Yet it is the beginning of everything they had hoped for.

READ

John 18:1–14 ESV

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

"I'm the Boss"- kids “you're not my boss”

What happens when you give a child authority over other children?

It always goes to their head.

I’ve never seen a kid deal with it well.

Who is really in charge?

4 Ways Power Is Used

Secretively

Religious Leaders Hid

happens at night.

sent Judas, at least one servant (Malchus), and soldiers -- They didn't go.

200-600 soldiers- sent to make sure there was not an uprising with the arrest. Overwhelming response.

ILL- Iraq War in early 90’s- Shock and Awe- Operation Desert Storm

lanterns and torches used to arrest the Light of the World.

"officers"= Temple Guard

Religious leaders stayed away from the public conflict-

Paid people to do their dirty work.

Luke 8:17 ESV

For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.

Wisely

Jesus Surrendered

Jesus had the Power

"I am" - ego eimi =

"let them go"

Moses- let my people go- suggestion or command. God gets his way one way or another.

Surrendered to God (Cup)

Jesus prayed for the cup to pass.

But surrendered to God’s will.

Surrendered to Authorities (they didn't take him by force, he held the power)

Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” 55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me.

Matthew 26:53–55 ESV

Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me.

Carelessly

Peter charged when Jesus said stop.

Peter attempts his own will on the situation.

He had promised Jesus that he would not deny him and he would die for him.

Maybe he was desperate.

Maybe his pride was hurt.

Maybe he was expecting Jesus to join him and set up his rule.

Maybe he wanted to prove something to Jesus.

Suicidal attempt considering the size of the military with Judas.

This proves Jesus’ control of the situation that Peter didn’t immediately die when he pulled out his sword.

We must not force our will and desires over God’s.

Justly

“That’s not fair”

ILL- being fair is a big deal with our children.

Everyone is made in the image of God and deserve justice.

Jesus does nothing wrong- yet goes through an unjust trial with an unjust verdict to receive an unjust sentence.

The cross is where God’s love and justice meet.

He loves man

He has to punish sin.

This whole arrest and trial is unjust.

Yet, it pays the way for our forgiveness.

He disadvantages himself for the advantage of others.

The trials are not about man’s justice. It is about God’s justice.

CONCLUSION

Are you prepared to stand before a God of justice?