Jesus versus the World

Introduction of the series “The Great Exchange”

This pericope is the first of six pericopae that depicts the events surrounding the sacrificial death of the Son of God. After gathering his disciples and addressing them privately (chs. 13 - 16), followed by a prayer of consecrations to the Father on their behalf (ch. 17), Jesus now embraces fully “the hour” and the reason for which he came. In this scene Jesus voluntary accepts the bonds of the Jewish authorities and Roman soldiers, knowing full well that the “cup” that he must drink is from the Father (v. 11). The pericope begins the climatic moment of the Gospel, the purpose for which the Father sent the Son into the world.

A. The Arrest of Jesus

1. Betrayal in the Garden (vv. 1-3)

Jesus and the disciples prayed at midnight in the garden (Mk. 14:32)

"The first garden was the place where death was born out of life, the second garden was a place where life was born out of death." - Brian Brock

Judas now an friend of the kingdom of darkness and a foe to Jesus. Judas was escorting his Jesus’ enemies to his secret spot. Perhaps around 200-600 roman soldiers.

2. "Whom do you seek" (vv. 4-9)

Jesus turn towards his commission and confronted his opponents. They threw themselves down hearing the name of the divine name of Jesus Christ. Repeats himself three times and saves his disciples from death.

3. The cup of the Father (vv. 10-11)

Peter and his dishonoring of the high priest and attack on Malchus. Jesus reminds him of his divine mission.

4. Jesus, Arrested and Bound (v. 12)

Jesus surrenders and lovingly sacrifices himself for his opponents.

B. Jesus verse the World

1. Jesus is sovereign during his arrest (Jn 18:6)

This entire scene Jesus is complete control. He could've escaped, called down a legion of angels, destroyed his worldly opponents (Jews, Gentiles, and Kingdom of Darkness). He choose the cross because he was going to exchange his life for ours.

2. We respond in worship to "I Am" (Phil 2:10-11).

He is the God who saves, found in Exodus. Jesus declares himself seven times in the gospel of John as “I Am”.

Bread of life, Light of the world, Door for the sheep, Resurrection and Life, Good Shepherd, The Way, Truth and Life, True Vine.

His divinity alone encourage us to worship him. Every time Jesus uses an “I Am” statement in John, he always refer to himself as something that we need in our lives. Without him, we are nothing.

3. His church lives in his authority and example of self-sacrifice.

We can confront the worldly mob by humbly submitting ourselves to Jesus’ authority and example of self-sacrifice. We bear his name, “Christ-ian,” and receive his protection so that one touches the church without the permission of God himself (ch. 17)

When you see Jesus who he really is... you'll bend the knee and take yourself to a place of worship.