Satan’s Tactics: Lie & Enticement
John 18:39–40 (NKJV)
39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
Message
Let us think about whether we tend false accusations and sinful choices.
Satan’s Tactics
I. Setup: False Accusation
In a previous lesson, we studied that they accused Jesus falsely (John 18:23). The devil is a liar (John 8:44) and an accuser (Revelation 12:10).
False accusation is against the truth. If you choose to accuse falsely,
- You are not standing on the side of truth but are opposing it
- you are helping the devil in his work.
At this point, Jesus was bound in chains and appeared as a criminal on trial.
II. Enticement: A Sinful Choice
See v39.
39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
There was a custom to release someone at the Passover (39a). Jesus was innocent and therefore deserved this opportunity for release even more. Pilate reminded them of this custom and asked whether they wanted him to release Jesus (39b). Pilate attempted to release Jesus through this custom.
However, what was their response? See v40.
40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
Barabbas, a prisoner who was a known robber (40b), was chosen by the people instead of Jesus (40a). The opportunity to live was taken away from Jesus and given to Barabbas.
It was very clear that Jesus was the right person to release, and Barabbas was the wrong person. However, they were enticed to make a wrong choice.
This looks like an impossible mistake. However, the combination of a lie (deception) and enticement might blind and mislead us. So, we need to learn to pray effectively and scrutinise the word of God so that we may triumph even amid the fierce spiritual war.
Pilate Asked ‘What Is Truth?’ but Walked Away from the Answer
John 18:38 NKJV
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.”
I. Pilate Asked 'What Is Truth?' (38a)
See v38a.
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?”
During the trial, Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” The Jews accused Jesus of committing a crime. However, Pilate recognised the teacher in Jesus and seemed to seek understanding from Him. Similarly, during the Jewish trial, the high priest Annas questioned Jesus about His doctrine (John 18:19 NKJV). The high priest also recognised Jesus as a teacher and appeared to seek insight from Him.
Pilate asked a good question. “What is truth?”
‘Truth’ in Jesus’ Statements
- Jesus Himself Is the Truth (John 14:6)
- “What is ‘truth’?” ‘Jesus’ is the answer.
- Truth is the revelation of God (John 1:18 NIV). Jesus Christ reveals God the Father. He who has seen Jesus has seen the Father (John 14:9b, also see John 8:19b). Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible Father (Colossians 1:15 NKJV) and the exact representation of His being (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).
- Truth is the reality as opposed to the Law being mere a shadow of the reality (Colossians 2:17, Hebrews 10:1).
- Truth comes from God’s Word and Spirit (John 17:17b; John 16:13).
- God’s Word is Truth (John 17:17b).
- The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13)
- Truth has liberating and sanctifying power (John 8:32; John 17:17a).
- Truth Frees People (from the Slavery of Sin) (John 8:32).
- Truth Sanctifies them (John 17:17a).
- Truth is central to worship and salvation (John 4:23; John 18:37).
- Truth in Worship (John 4:23)
- Truth Is Tied to Jesus’ Mission (John 18:37)
Truth as opposed to Grace
- Truth reveals and assures ‘what grace does’ such as forgiveness and gift.
- Truth is divine thought while grace is divine love. * Jesus Christ is the Word of God (Revelation 19:13, John 1:14).
Truth is as opposed to gnostic and all other heresy
II. Pilate Walked Away from the Answer (38b)
See v38b.
And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.”
Pilate’s question indicated that he didn’t know the truth (=Jesus). But, Pilate didn’t wait for Jesus’ answer to his question. Perhaps he was primarily interested in whether Jesus posed a political threat. He then went out again to the Jews, and said, “I find no fault in Him at all.” However, later, Pilate committed the grave sin of handing Jesus over to be crucified (John 19:16). To avoid sinning, it would have been better for Pilate to follow and know Jesus (=the truth), and be set free from the slavery of sin (John 8:31-32).
The Kingdom Not of This World: Pilate Questions Jesus
John 18:33-37 (NKJV)
33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
See 33.
33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
Pilate spoke with Jesus inside the Praetorium asking, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Earlier, Jesus had raised four-day-dead Lazarus (John 11:40-44). After that, when Jesus entered Jerusalem near the Passover Festival, people took palm branches and went out to meet Him, crying, “Hosanna! (meaning ‘Save us now!’) Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel!” (John 12:13 NKJV). Pilate may have heard about this event and wanted to know if Jesus posed a political threat.
See v34.
34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
Jesus asked whether Pilate’s question came from personal belief or from what others had said. By asking, Jesus might have been encouraging Pilate to distinguish his faith based on the truth and his worries about a king as a political threat according to the Jews who was accusing Jesus of a crime. See v35.
35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”
Pilate didn’t answer Jesus’ question. His answer could be ‘both’.
- He had heard about Jesus from others, though the Jewish crowd shouting “The King of Israel” in John 12:13 may have had differing views on what that meant.
- Pilate may have believed that Jesus was considered the King of the Jews because of His popularity and miracles but was concerned about any political threat Jesus’ kingship might pose. Pilate might be reminded of his political concerns, as Jesus was brought before him by the Jewish leaders. He wanted to know what political crime Jesus was accused of.
Pilate needed to know the true meaning of Jesus’ kingship.
See v36.
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
Jesus explained to him that His kingdom was not of this world. If it were, His servants would have fought to prevent His arrest.
See v37.
37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
Based on Jesus’ previous answer, Pilate deduced that Jesus was a king. Jesus confirmed this, stating that He was born and came into the world to bear witness to the truth. All who love the truth hear His voice.
Jesus came to declare the truth, so that people caught in the falsehood might believe the truth and be saved.
The Jews’ Accusation and Pilate’s Enquiry
John 18:28–32 (NKJV)
28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. 29 Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”
30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”
31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.”
Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” 32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.
Message
See v28.
28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover.
Praetorium is the official residence of an ancient Roman governor [1]. The Jews didn’t go into the Praetorium, not to be defiled. God has given the Jews the books of the Law written by Moses. They are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Leviticus 11-15 teaches ‘cleanness and uncleanness’. Uncleanness is transmittable (Numbers 19:22, Leviticus 5:2-3). Becoming unclean is a sin (Leviticus 5:2, 3, 5). The Gentiles do not know or distinguish ‘clean and unclean’. So, they must be unclean all the time. Their uncleanness would have defiled a Gentile place, such as the Praetorium. Therefore, the Jews did not enter the building to avoid having the uncleanness transmitted to them.
See v29.
29 Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”
Pilate was a Roman governor of Judea and Samaria. The Jews didn’t enter the Praetorium (28), and so Pilate went outside Praetorium to talk to them. He asked what accusation they brought against Jesus. What did they answer? See v30.
30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”
The Jews falsely accused Jesus, treating Him as if He were an evildoer. According to Jesus, ‘false witness’ is one of the things that truly defiles a person (Matthew 15:19-20).
See v31-32.
31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” 32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.
Pilate wanted them to take Him back and judge Him according to the law of the Jews. The Jews could not inflict the death penalty on anyone during the Roman era. The Jews indicated that they intended the death penalty on Jesus. This aligned with Jesus’ prophecy about the manner of His death.
References
[1] praetorium. Merriam-Webster.
A Child Is Born – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Price of Peace
Isaiah 8:20-9:7 NLT
20 Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. 21 They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God. They will look up to heaven 22 and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness.
Chapter 9
Hope in the Messiah
1 Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
2 The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
3 You will enlarge the nation of Israel,
and its people will rejoice.
They will rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest
and like warriors dividing the plunder.
4 For you will break the yoke of their slavery
and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod,
just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.
5 The boots of the warrior
and the uniforms bloodstained by war
will all be burned.
They will be fuel for the fire.
6 For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!
Message
Merry Christmas!! This year the Christmas’ message is from Isaiah 8:20-9:7.
Why is this world in darkness? Why did our human being need the Savior? See Isaiah 8:20 NLT.
20 Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark.
It is because people contradict God’s word. If they don’t look to God’s instructions and teachings, they will much more likely contract God’s word. Even if they look to God’s instructions and teachings, they may still contradict God’s word if they fail to understand, disobey, or forget it.
What’s their darkness like? See v21-22.
21 They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God. They will look up to heaven 22 and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness.
In the darkness, they don’t find what satisfies them even if they go from one place to another. So they are weary and hungry. They will be filled with anger and complaints against their leader and God. Wherever they look, they find nothing but trouble, anguish and dark despair.
See Isaiah 9:1-2 NLT.
1 Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
2 The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
The solution to the darkness and despair is God’s word. God’s word (Jesus Christ) is coming and will end the time of darkness and despair. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali was invited by the Assyrians and populated by the Gentiles. When Jesus came, He started His ministry in this region called Galilee. Those who walked in darkness saw a great light, Jesus. He was the light that shone for those who lived in this area of deep darkness.
See v3.
3 You will enlarge the nation of Israel,
and its people will rejoice.
They will rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest
and like warriors dividing the plunder.
Here, ‘You’ is the Lord. Whoever believes in Jesus becomes spiritually an Israelite (a child of God) (See John 3:12).
See v4.
4 For you will break the yoke of their slavery
and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod,
just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.
The true slavery is the slavery of sin. Whoever sins is a slave of sin (John 8:34). Jesus sets us free from sin (4a, John 8:36). Jesus came to destroy the work of the devil (4b, 1 John 3:8).
See v5.
5 The boots of the warrior
and the uniforms bloodstained by war
will all be burned.
They will be fuel for the fire.
Jesus establishes the Kingdom of God where there is no more war and the warrior’s boots and uniforms are no longer required.
See v6.
6 For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
This child represents Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, what Isaiah 9:1-5 mentions took place. And He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Price of Peace.
See 7.
7 His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!
His Kingdom – the Kingdom of God – is eternal. He will reign it peacefully, fairly and justly for all eternity. This is God’s promise. God keeps His promise. We are sinners but God is passionately committed to making this happen – because He loves us! Hallelujah! Merry Christmas!
Take Up The Shield Of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)
"The Armour of God" Virtual Reality Game was published on VivePort.com several years ago.
However, a part of our VR game shown in the video above was accidentally lost. I would like to restore this missing feature, which means I need to rewrite the code for it.
Additionally, I need to check if The Armour of God VR game is still functioning properly on VivePort.com. If there are any issues, I will need to resolve them as well.
With Christmas approaching, I also need to prepare the Christmas message.
Unfortunately, I was too busy with VR tasks today and couldn't post the weekly message.
In the video, however, the narrator says:
"Take up the shield of faith!" (Ephesians 6:16a NIV)
"Extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." (Ephesians 6:16b NIV)
These words are my message for today 😊.
I wanted to share my situation with you.
Have a wonderful week. See you soon!
Jesus’ Trial Before Annas and Peter’s Denial
John 18:12-27 NKJV
First Jewish Trial Before Annas
Matt. 26:69, 70; Mark 14:66–68; Luke 22:55–57
12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?”
He said, “I am not.”
18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.
19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.
20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”
22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”
23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”
Second Jewish Trial Before Caiaphas
Matt. 26:57–68, 73–75; Mark 14:53–65, 70–72; Luke 22:59–65
24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?”
He denied it and said, “I am not!”
26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.
Message
I. Jesus Arrested and Taken to Annas (12-18)
See v12.
12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.
Jesus was arrested on Thursday and crucified on Friday. Jesus could have 12 legions of angels to protect Him (Matthew 26:53). But He was voluntarily arrested (John 10:18). He was unfortunate and mistreated so that we might be fortunate and well-treated (2 Corinthians 8:9, Isaiah 53:5-6).
Joseph’s brothers were jealous (Genesis 37:11) and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites (Genesis 37:28). Joseph ended up a slave of an Egyptian (Genesis 39:1) and then a prisoner (Genesis 39:20). Joseph was mistreated and unfortunate. But God enabled him to interpret the dream of Pharaoh, the King of Egypt (Genesis 41:25-27). The interpretation of the dream enabled them to prepare well for the coming famine (Genesis 41:28-36). Pharaoh entrusted Joseph to manage the whole country (Genesis 41:37-40). Joseph rescued his brothers during the famine (Genesis 42-45). But the brothers were afraid of Joseph, fearing that he might punish them (Genesis 50:15-18). But Joseph said in Genesis 50:19–21 NLT.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.”
Joseph is a shadow of Jesus Christ. They mistreated Jesus, but God intended it all for good. God made Jesus the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords (Philippians 2:9-11, Revelation 19:16) to save the lives of many people.
See v13-14.
13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
Annas was a former high priest who was replaced by Caiaphas under a new Roman governor. However, Annas remained a significant figure in Jewish leadership. The event related to v14 happened in John 11:50 NKJV (See the message on John 11:49-57).
See v15-16.
15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in.
‘another disciple’ in v 15 is maybe John, the author of this book. He was known to the high priest (15). He took Peter into the courtyard of the high priest (16). See v17-18.
17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?”
He said, “I am not.”
18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.
As Jesus foretold (John 13:38), Peter disowned Jesus (17). Peter stood and warmed himself near a fire, together with the servants and officers of the high priest (18).
II. Jesus’ Trial Before Annas (19-24)
See v19-24.
19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.
20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”
22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”
23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”
24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Annas asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine (19). Regarding ‘His doctrine’, Jesus said in John 7:16-18 NKJV (See the message on John 7:15-24).
16 Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. 18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.
The doctrine of Jesus is not from His own authority but from God who sent Him. This fact can be verified if anyone wills to do His will. Jesus does not seek His own glory but the glory of the One who sent Him. He is true and righteous. When we will to do the will of God who sent Jesus, God will be glorified. Therefore, we shall know that His doctrine is from God.
What Jesus taught is God’s revelation and the truth. The only problem is the unbelief of Annas. Even if Jesus repeats it before Annas, it will waste His time. So, Jesus asked him to refer to those who have heard Him what He said to them (21). They heard, believed and therefore knew what He said (21).
When Jesus said v20-21, one of the officers struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do you answer the high priest like that?” (22) This officer must be spiritually blind and dead. He didn’t know the real problem of their conversation – Annas’s rejection to acknowledge the revelation of God (or the truth) Jesus spoke. To people like this officer, Jesus must seem like a criminal—guilty and a wrongdoer. To such people, Jesus said in John 7:24 NKJV.
Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.
There are many people like this. People scorned Jesus when He was on the cross (Matthew 27:40, 42 44, Mark 15:30-32, Luke 23:35, 37, 39). James also warned the favoritism (James 2:1-4).
Proverbs 20:30 NLT says,
30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil;
such discipline purifies the heart.
Based on the above, evil invites physical punishment. There was no evil in His response to the high priest Annas. Therefore, the strike was unjust (23). Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest (24).
III. Peter’s Denial (25-27)
See v25-27.
25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?”
He denied it and said, “I am not!”
26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.
As Jesus foretold, Peter disowned Jesus three times (17, 25, 26). Peter remembered Jesus’ word, went outside, broke down and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75, Mark 14:72, Luke 22:61-62).
Maybe Peter could not understand his own behaviour, then. He might be shaken by people who belonged to the high priest. However, after his faith had grown and he was filled with the Holy Spirit, one day his message converted 3,000 people to believe in Jesus (Acts 2:41). Peter followed Jesus and glorified God.
Jesus’ Arrest: Injustice, Sovereignty, and Obedience
John 18:1–11 (NKJV)
The Arrest of Christ
Matt. 26:47–56; Mark 14:43–52; Luke 22:47–53
18 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?”
Message
Jesus washed His disciples, taught them, and prayed for Himself and them during the Last Supper in John 13-17. Today, we study what happened after this in John 18:1-11.
I. Jesus Under Arrest (1-3)
See v1-2.
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.
After the Last Supper in Jerusalem, they went to a nearby garden called Gethsemane. Jesus often met there with His disciples. Because of this, Judas, who betrayed Jesus, knew the place. See v3.
3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
Judas brought a detachment of troops and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, armed with lanterns, torches, and weapons. This scene is reminiscent of a movie where a group of police officers arrives to arrest a criminal, with sirens blaring and lights flashing on their cars. The government became complicit in wrongdoing by committing injustice against an innocent man, Jesus. This kind of injustice happens in the world. How sad it is for anyone to be unjustly mistreated. We experience deep sorrow in a world filled with injustice. Isaiah 53:4 NKJV foretold about the Messiah bearing our griefs and sorrows. See the first part of Isaiah 53:4 NKJV:
4a Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Most people can only see the situation apparently and do not know its truth. They think the authority is doing right. They scorn the victim of injustice instead of protesting for justice (‘We do not care’ in Isaiah 53:3 NLT, Isaiah 53:8 NLT). Jesus experienced this kind of situation of ours. See the second part of Isaiah 53:4 NLT:
4b And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
Worsley, Jesus was unjustly condemned (Isaiah 53:8 NLT). The fact is that Jesus was punished in our place as a redemption for our sins (Isaiah 53:5-7 NLT).
Again, people did not protest against injustice (Isaiah 53:3 NLT, Isaiah 53:8 NLT) but scorned Him when Jesus was hung on the cross (Matthew 27:40, 42 44, Mark 15:30-32, Luke 23:35, 37, 39). While He was paying for our sins, He also experienced our griefs and sorrows to understand our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). So, even if no one knows, understands or cares about our griefs and sorrows, Jesus knows and understands them.
II. Jesus in Control (4-9)
See v4-9.
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.”
Jesus helped them know He was the “Jesus of Nazareth” they were looking for (4, 5). But when Jesus said to them, “I am He.”, They were not able to arrest Him. Instead, they drew back and fell to the ground (6). This shows He wasn’t victimised powerlessly but was in control. He said in John 10:18 NKJV,
“No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”
This fact makes it clear that He voluntarily, purposefully, and by His own choice, laid down His life for us because He loves and cares for us.
III. God-Centeredness (10-11)
See v10.
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.
Peter fought against injustice and tried to rescue his Master because he loved Him and had a righteous mindset. Peter would have been willing to risk his life to save Jesus. But what does Jesus say to Peter? See v11.
11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
Did Jesus thank Peter? No! Never! Jesus must be offended by Peter – we can know this based on Matthew 16:23 NKJV. So, Jesus asked him to put his sword into the sheath.
Peter made a similar mistake in Matthew 16:21-23 NKJV.
21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.
22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”
23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
Then, Jesus rebuked Peter saying, “Get behind Me, Satan!” According to Jesus, we have to be mindful of not the things of men but the things of God. Here, ‘Satan’ is defined as a person who is not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.
In addition, v11 shows that
- This situation that led to the arrest and crucifixion was the cup the Father had given Him to drink.
- Jesus was determined to obey the will of the Father as the loving and obedient Son.
We can learn that it is crucial to know and do the will of God rather than just blindly following human-centred thoughts and decisions.
Are you God-centred or human-centred? Is it the will of God or the will of men?
When we believe in the power of death, like those who mourned Lazarus's death in John 11, we are consumed by grief and cannot move past the injustice Jesus faced in John 18. However, when we believe in the resurrection that follows death, we see death as merely a prerequisite for resurrection. In the same way, the negative experiences in life become prerequisites for the best that is yet to come.
Jesus’ Prayer for Future Believers Through Disciples’ Witnessing Through the Spirit and Word
John 17:20–26 (NKJV)
Christ Prays for All Believers
20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
Message
Last week, we learned that Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:6-19. Today, let us study that Jesus extends His prayer to all believers.
I. Jesus’ Disciples: Witnesses of Jesus (20)
See v20.
20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
‘these’ are the disciples of Jesus. Jesus has been talking to them since the last supper in John 13 ~ 16 and prayed for them in John 17:6-19. Now Jesus prays not only for them but also for those who WILL believe in Him through their word. The Holy Spirit and His disciples are His witnesses (John 15:26-27 NKJV).
People in the world have been in the darkness without the true light, Jesus. He came to the world but they did not recognise but rejected Him even though He created them and chose them as His own people (John 1:10-11). This is why God sent John the Baptist to bear witness to Jesus (John 1:6-7).
Through the testimony of John the Baptist (John 1:29-36, 3:27-36), many people believed Jesus (John 1:37, 10:40-42).
Jesus foretold that people would believe in Jesus through His disciples’ testimonies and prayed for the new believers (20). Jesus said in Acts 1:8 NKJV.
”But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Just as Jesus said in John 15:26-27 NKJV, the Holy Spirit’s coming upon them and their becoming His witnesses are interrelated according to Acts 1:8 NKJV.
The Prophets foretold the coming of John the Baptist in Isaiah 40:3-5, Malachi 3:1-5, and Malachi 4:5-6. John, the Baptist was in the spirit and power of Elijah, one of the greatest prophets of all time (Luke 1:17, Malachi 4:5).
Regarding this, I want to remind the audience of what Jesus said in Matthew 11:11 NKJV.
“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
This shows how great a New Testament believer can become. They can do what is great when we don’t limit God who can work through them. Jesus foretold them that they would do the works Jesus did and even greater works than these (John 14:12).
II. Jesus’ prayer for the unity of the Father, Jesus and all believers (21)
See v21.
21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
Earlier, Jesus prayed to the Father to keep them through God’s name for the unity of the Father, Jesus and His disciples in John 17:11. Now, Jesus prayed to the Father for the unity of the Father, Jesus and all believers (21).
III. The Glory for their Unity (22-23)
See v22-23.
22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
Jesus says that He gave them the glory which the Father gave Him. What is this glory?
I can think of the following facts that are related to the glory:
- Greater works: Jesus foretells that believers will do the works Jesus did and even greater works than these (John 14:12).
- The Promise of prayer being answered in Jesus’ name (John 14:13-14, 15:16, 16:23-24)
- Direct approach to the Father in Prayer, in Jesus’ name (John 16:26)
Jesus is the light (John 1:4-5). Based on John 1:4, the light is ‘life’ in Jesus. ‘life’ is the eternal life. The reason they used the light to express Jesus may be because of His glory. So, the glory may mean eternal life. Eternal life is the experiential relationship with the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent (John 17:3). Then, we can understand 22b (that they may be one just as We are one) and 23 (I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.) That is, eternal life (experience and relationship with God) brings oneness or intimacy with God. This is extended to oneness between believers.
IV. Jesus’s Prayer for Believers to be with Him in Paradice (24)
See v24.
24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
Jesus prayed for believers to be with Jesus in Paradise (24a, Luke 23:43).
We can know why the Father has given Jesus the glory. It is because the Father loved Him (before the foundation of the world) (24b). From that, we can know why Jesus has given the glory that the Father gave Him to believers (22a). It is because Jesus loved them (24b). And also, it is for their oneness between believers and with God (22b).
V. Jesus’s Gratefulness and Joy for their Faith and Salvation (25)
See v25.
25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.
People in the world have not known the Father. The Father sent Jesus who Knows the Father to save them. As a result, they believed that the Father sent Jesus into the world. I think Jesus is thankful and rejoicing for their faith and salvation.
VI. The Declaration of the Father’s Name (26)
26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
Jesus has declared the name of the Father to them. Indeed, Jesus revealed the Father. He was glorious as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). He will die for our sins on the cross out of His love for us, and He will be gloriously raised to life on the third day. This will reveal the depth of the Father’s love and His desire to save us. Also, the resurrection will demonstrate the greatness, power, and righteousness of the Father. His obedience to the Father, who is love (1 John 4:16), will continue to impact and change the world forever.
Jesus’ Prayer for Disciples: Manifestation, Belief, Protection, Sanctification, and Commission
John 17:6–19 (NKJV)
Christ Prays for His Disciples
6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
I. Jesus' Manifestation and the Disciples’ Belief (6-8)
See v6-8.
6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
What is meant by ‘Your name’ here? The 'name' represents the characteristics and abilities of a person. God is glorious, gracious, righteous, just, fair, faithful, holy, eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. God is Love, Truth, Life, Light, Wisdom, and Spirit. Jesus has manifested God’s characteristics and power (6a).
Who belongs to the Father (‘They were Yours’)? They are those who listen to the Father (John 8:47, John 6:45) and learn from Him (John 6:45, Isaiah 54:13, Jeremiah 31:34, Micah 4:2, Hebrews 8:10). When they believe and follow Jesus, it is the Father who gives them to Jesus (6b).
No one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him (John 6:44). And, no one can come to the Father without through Jesus (John 14:6, *Jeremiah 30:21 NLT).
They have kept God’s word (6c). God’s word in our hearts is like a seed planted in soil (Matthew 13:1-23, Jeremiah 4:3 NLT). Who has sown the seeds in them?
Jesus has given them the words the Father has given Him (8a), and they have received them (8b) by faith, believing that all things the Father has given Jesus are from the Father (7). They have known for certain that Jesus came forth from the Father and have believed that the Father sent Him (8c).
II. Jesus' Prayer for Protection and Unity in the World (9-15)
See v9.
9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.
Jesus prays for those whom the Father has given Him and who belong to the Father.
See v10.
10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them.
They belong to both the Father and Jesus (10a). Jesus is glorified in them (10b). Proverbs 14:28 says:
28 In a multitude of people is a king’s honor,
But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince.
Additionally, in the Parable of the Marriage Feast, the master compels them to fill the house with guests (Luke 14:15-24).
Jesus bore much fruit by having many followers, and He is glorified in them. He taught how to bear much fruit in John 15:7-8 NLT.
See v11.
11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.
Jesus was about to leave the world and return to the Father. So, He prayed to the Holy Father to keep His disciples in the world through the Father’s name.
See v12.
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
While Jesus was with His disciples in the world, He kept them in the Father’s name. He protected those the Father gave Him, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction (Judas Iscariot), so that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
See v13.
13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.
As Jesus prayed, He asked the Father to protect His Disciples by His name after His return to the Father. Reflecting on the greatness and power of God’s name in the Old Testament fills us with awe and causes us to rejoice in His protection over us!
See v14-15.
14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
Giving them God’s word signifies that the seed of God has been sown in their hearts. This simple yet profound act changed everything—it transformed children of the devil into children of God. They are no longer of the world, and as a result, the world has hated them. The world is under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19), a spiritual force in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus’ prayer for their protection was a plea for God to shield them from the evil one.
III. Jesus' Prayer for Sanctification and Commissioning of His Disciples (16-19)
See v16.
16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
Jesus spoke twice, saying, 'They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world,' in v14 and again here in v16. While His disciples live in the world, they are not of the world.
Jesus prays for their sanctification. How are they sanctified? It is through God’s truth—God’s word (17).
Jesus sends His disciples into the world just as the Father sent Him into the world (18). A believer is like a small representation of Jesus in this world. Jesus set the model. By following Him, we can learn from His example and experience His life and relationship with the Father.
Jesus sanctifies Himself for their sake so that they may follow His example (19). To better understand this, we can consider Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1. For brevity, let us focus on 1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1 NLT:
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 11:1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
