The Bridge - " " - John 18:1-11

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It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once captured a prince and his family.

When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, "What will you give me if I release you?" The prince said, "Half of my wealth.”

Cyrus pondered and liked his response. Cyrus then asked the prince, "What would you give me if I release your children?" The prince with passion in his voice said, "Everything I possess."

Intrigued, Cyrus then asked, "And if I release your wife?" The prince replied, "Your Majesty, I will give myself." Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all.

As they returned home, the prince said to his wife, "Wasn’t Cyrus a handsome man!" With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, "I didn’t notice. I could only keep my eyes on you- -the one willing to give himself for me."

We live in a crazy world full of distractions and burdens, and options.

I pray that tonight we would just put our eyes on Jesus… who He is, what He’s done, and see Him in a fresh way tonight!

John 18:1–11 NKJV

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.” 10 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. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”

1. The Demonstration of His Coming Action

a. Place of Rejection

The Brook Kidron…

rejected by a nation

Israel receviced Absolam

rejected by a friend

Ahitafel

Jesus was rejected by a

It wouldn’t be this way anymore!

b. Place of Pressing

c. a Place of Obedience

2. The Dominance during His Arrest

Notice a few things…

a. The Company of Troops

b. The Control

Jesus was born as a humble baby, yet announced by angels. Jesus was laid in a manger, yet signaled by a star. Jesus submitted to baptism as if He were a sinner, then heard the Divine voice of approval. Jesus slept when He was exhausted, but awoke to calm the storm. Jesus wept at a grave, then called the dead to life. Jesus surrendered to arrest, then declared “I am” and knocked all the troops over. Jesus died on a cross, but in it He defeated sin, death, and Satan.

3. The Deliverance for His Associates

That’s the gospel!!!

He willingly took your place.

Lovingly endured the grave!!

4. His Demand in the Altercation