WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.759 Hey, good morning everyone. We've only looked this morning and think introduced by the idea 00:00:09.759 --> 00:00:14.040 of a perfect storm. Lots of journalists on the TV are talking about the perfect storm 00:00:14.040 --> 00:00:19.519 hitting Australia at the moment. The perfect storm actually is a meteorological event 00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:26.120 when several storm cells combine to make a supercell. The term was first used in 1991 00:00:26.120 --> 00:00:34.079 to describe the worst storm that ever hit North America. That catastrophic event later became the 00:00:34.079 --> 00:00:41.179 movie called the perfect storm. So a perfect storm happens when several intense low pressure systems 00:00:41.179 --> 00:00:48.020 collide. Now normally when they collide they sort of neutralize each other or they bounce off each 00:00:48.020 --> 00:00:55.579 other but on rare occasions they merge and feed off each other and form that supercell which generally 00:00:55.579 --> 00:01:02.659 has absolutely catastrophic results and consequences as a weather system. Well in 1991 off the coast of 00:01:02.659 --> 00:01:10.099 Massachusetts in North America two intense low pressure systems collided. They collided with a 00:01:10.099 --> 00:01:17.480 third weak low pressure system. Now the problem was that the weak front couldn't neutralize the intense 00:01:17.480 --> 00:01:25.259 systems nor could it bounce them. And so what happened was they merged and the weak absorbed the intense 00:01:25.260 --> 00:01:40.020 pressure of the major storm cells. And there was catastrophic results. These days the term is used just as a sort of slang term to picture the intersection of severe consequences. 00:01:40.020 --> 00:01:45.540 Consequences which combine and give devastating results. 00:01:45.540 --> 00:01:57.719 As we move into John 18 I think at first impressions you might think that Jesus was caught up in a perfect storm. 00:01:59.180 --> 00:02:05.080 You might say the storm had been building for months. Dreadful circumstances combining. 00:02:05.079 --> 00:02:13.560 And you might then also say catastrophic consequences for Jesus' mission to deliver the light and life of God's salvation. 00:02:15.060 --> 00:02:19.240 Jesus was disliked, ignored, even hated by his own people. 00:02:19.939 --> 00:02:26.300 And his own people are the Jewish nation in general and the Jewish religious and political leaders in particular. 00:02:26.300 --> 00:02:33.300 That was a major storm cell brewing. His own disciples then still did not really get Jesus. 00:02:33.300 --> 00:02:37.040 Even after three years of intense teaching and observation. 00:02:38.140 --> 00:02:41.920 One of that close band of brothers now has committed treachery. 00:02:42.060 --> 00:02:44.000 The ultimate treachery of betraying Jesus. 00:02:44.920 --> 00:02:46.620 Second storm from brewing. 00:02:49.240 --> 00:02:54.900 But in the case of Jesus, first appearances could not be more misleading. 00:02:54.900 --> 00:03:05.080 John is not recording defeat as though somehow or other the events had combined against Jesus and overpowered him. 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:11.040 On the contrary, John is recording total success in Jesus' salvation mission. 00:03:11.819 --> 00:03:18.740 As Jesus demonstrates what it means to love them to the end and that may are to be glorified. 00:03:18.740 --> 00:03:27.280 And remember, those two themes, John's really emphasized in chapters 13 to 17 of his record of the life of Jesus. 00:03:27.740 --> 00:03:34.560 That chapter 13 to 17 was a record of one meal, the evening before Jesus died. 00:03:34.560 --> 00:03:40.620 And so those two themes are really emphasized in those four or five chapters. 00:03:40.860 --> 00:03:48.659 And chapters 18 and 19 that we move into this morning record incidents where those two things are demonstrated. 00:03:49.800 --> 00:03:57.439 Jesus demonstrates his love and he demonstrates his glory in the last few hours before his crucifixion. 00:03:57.439 --> 00:04:04.020 The first incident in which he demonstrates his love and glory is in his arrest. 00:04:04.359 --> 00:04:07.340 And Simon's now going to read the verses 1 to 11. 00:04:07.340 --> 00:04:16.139 Okay. 00:04:16.139 --> 00:04:16.220 Okay. 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:27.540 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the book Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 00:04:28.819 --> 00:04:35.019 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 00:04:35.019 --> 00:04:45.879 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. 00:04:47.219 --> 00:04:52.279 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, 00:04:52.779 --> 00:04:54.240 Whom do you see? 00:04:55.359 --> 00:04:58.159 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. 00:04:59.560 --> 00:05:02.699 Jesus said to them, I am he. 00:05:02.699 --> 00:05:07.019 Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 00:05:08.360 --> 00:05:13.620 When Jesus said to them, I am he, they drew back and fell to the ground. 00:05:14.560 --> 00:05:17.659 So he asked them again, Whom do you see? 00:05:18.480 --> 00:05:21.259 And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 00:05:22.740 --> 00:05:26.379 Jesus answered, I told you that I am he. 00:05:27.379 --> 00:05:31.240 So if you seek me, let these men go. 00:05:31.240 --> 00:05:39.139 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken of those whom you gave me, I have lost not one. 00:05:40.199 --> 00:05:46.360 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. 00:05:47.420 --> 00:05:48.920 The servant's name was Malchus. 00:05:50.060 --> 00:05:53.939 So Jesus said to Peter, put your sword into its sheath. 00:05:54.680 --> 00:05:57.400 Shall I not drink the cup that the father has given me? 00:05:57.400 --> 00:05:57.460 Amen. 00:05:57.460 --> 00:05:58.460 Amen. 00:06:01.240 --> 00:06:01.800 Okay. 00:06:06.800 --> 00:06:09.040 So they've just finished the meal. 00:06:10.620 --> 00:06:26.060 And that meal, remember, was part of the Passover celebrations, which in turn celebrated and pictured the last act of God's people before God saved them out of Egypt and brought them to himself in new relationship. 00:06:26.060 --> 00:06:41.560 So this is a really, really symbolic moment where having had the last meal, as it were, Jesus also goes out to Gethsemane and the final showdown, which will be the means of saving God's people, a new exodus. 00:06:41.560 --> 00:06:48.399 Now, Jesus knew that Judas was already heading to the garden with the temple police. 00:06:48.819 --> 00:06:53.100 The temple police were the enforcers of the Jewish political and religious leaders. 00:06:53.100 --> 00:07:07.800 They were backed by a contingent of Roman troops, probably a sizable contingent, because they would have been expecting violence, given that only a week earlier, Jesus had been welcomed into Jerusalem as a new king. 00:07:07.800 --> 00:07:11.400 But this was no ambush. 00:07:12.560 --> 00:07:17.160 Jesus knew this large, heavily armed force was coming for him. 00:07:17.759 --> 00:07:25.080 And look at verse four, because verse four just summarizes the whole incident and actually demonstrates the extent of his love. 00:07:25.079 --> 00:07:27.459 Just listen to these words. 00:07:27.979 --> 00:07:29.759 Knowing all that was to happen. 00:07:30.959 --> 00:07:32.680 He went out or step forward. 00:07:35.339 --> 00:07:46.459 Interestingly, that word step forward or went out is the same word used to describe Judas's actions only hours earlier, halfway through the meal. 00:07:46.519 --> 00:07:48.839 And you can see that back in chapter 13, verse 30. 00:07:50.439 --> 00:07:52.180 Same word, same action. 00:07:52.399 --> 00:07:54.019 But how different the motivation. 00:07:54.019 --> 00:08:00.319 Judas went out into the darkness planning the murder of Jesus. 00:08:00.779 --> 00:08:03.199 He went out into the darkness as darkness. 00:08:04.399 --> 00:08:12.759 Jesus goes out into the darkness as the light of the world to bring salvation to people like those who were about to kill him. 00:08:14.680 --> 00:08:23.439 Jesus' love for his father and his love for his needy people made him step forward into danger, into pain, 00:08:23.439 --> 00:08:27.439 into humiliation, into shame, into death itself. 00:08:29.180 --> 00:08:34.460 And as always, Jesus, as we see here in verse eight, thinking about his disciples, 00:08:34.980 --> 00:08:39.200 thinking about protecting them, giving them security at expense to himself. 00:08:39.200 --> 00:08:47.560 But in the same action of stepping forward, Jesus demonstrates his glory. 00:08:47.559 --> 00:08:52.759 His authority as God is unmistakable. 00:08:52.819 --> 00:08:55.959 He is clearly in control. 00:08:56.159 --> 00:09:03.399 At one point, he confronts this large, heavily armed contingent that must have been a frightening force coming towards you. 00:09:03.399 --> 00:09:06.939 Then he proceeds to interrogate them. 00:09:08.500 --> 00:09:09.879 Verses five and six. 00:09:10.379 --> 00:09:13.360 Simply declaring his name, which is also his character. 00:09:13.579 --> 00:09:15.799 I am the personal name of God. 00:09:16.220 --> 00:09:23.679 Simply declaring that causes all of this heavily armed, threatening party to cower before him. 00:09:23.679 --> 00:09:30.959 And clearly, John wants us to understand that Jesus' arrest is down to his consent, 00:09:31.599 --> 00:09:35.179 not the combined force of arms that he's confronted with. 00:09:36.099 --> 00:09:39.059 Put in different words, Jesus is working to a script. 00:09:40.039 --> 00:09:42.579 The script was written by the Old Testament prophets. 00:09:43.739 --> 00:09:47.979 Jesus isn't trying to make the best out of a situation that's gone horribly wrong for him. 00:09:47.980 --> 00:09:54.240 And when you look at verse 11, that idea of Jesus drinking the cup that was given to him. 00:09:54.720 --> 00:10:01.139 The cup is the cup of God's wrath, the cup of God's judgment that God handed to his enemies 00:10:01.139 --> 00:10:04.379 as a consequence of their sin and rebellion. 00:10:06.139 --> 00:10:10.920 Well, Jesus willingly drinks this cup. 00:10:11.879 --> 00:10:17.960 Drinks in the judgment due his people from God so that they don't have to. 00:10:17.980 --> 00:10:25.480 And so what we're seeing here, as this unfolds in the midst of the dark of night, 00:10:25.879 --> 00:10:30.800 we see the pathway of obedience, the pathway of submission to his Father. 00:10:31.920 --> 00:10:37.240 We see the only way to deliver God's salvation playing out before our eyes. 00:10:38.860 --> 00:10:42.159 Jesus knows how bitter that cup would be. 00:10:43.019 --> 00:10:44.440 And he drinks it anyway. 00:10:44.440 --> 00:10:47.980 Here is love. 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:48.940 Here is glory. 00:10:49.580 --> 00:10:50.740 In this one instant. 00:10:51.680 --> 00:10:56.400 The second way in which Jesus shows his love and glory is in his dealing with Peter. 00:10:56.960 --> 00:11:00.300 So we'll throw back to Simon now to read the verses relevant to that. 00:11:08.340 --> 00:11:11.180 Okay, so let's skip around a little bit. 00:11:11.640 --> 00:11:12.600 But here we go. 00:11:12.600 --> 00:11:13.600 Here we go. 00:11:14.440 --> 00:11:15.780 Verses 10. 00:11:15.780 --> 00:11:22.160 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. 00:11:23.220 --> 00:11:24.680 The servant's name was Malchus. 00:11:25.940 --> 00:11:29.860 So Jesus said to Peter, put your sword into its sheath. 00:11:30.760 --> 00:11:33.180 Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me? 00:11:34.620 --> 00:11:35.580 Skipping to 15. 00:11:35.580 --> 00:11:36.580 Simon Peter followed Jesus. 00:11:36.580 --> 00:11:38.340 Simon Peter followed Jesus. 00:11:38.920 --> 00:11:40.500 And so did another disciple. 00:11:41.759 --> 00:11:47.220 Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 00:11:47.220 --> 00:11:50.060 But Peter stood outside at the door. 00:11:50.060 --> 00:11:58.080 So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door and brought Peter in. 00:11:58.080 --> 00:12:05.580 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, you also are not one of this man's disciples, are you? 00:12:05.800 --> 00:12:08.220 He said, I am not. 00:12:08.220 --> 00:12:15.940 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire because it was cold and they were standing and warming themselves. 00:12:16.940 --> 00:12:19.940 Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. 00:12:19.940 --> 00:12:23.220 Jumping up to verse 25. 00:12:24.660 --> 00:12:27.260 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. 00:12:27.520 --> 00:12:31.660 So they said to him, you also are not one of his disciples, are you? 00:12:32.340 --> 00:12:34.800 He denied it and said, I am not. 00:12:36.480 --> 00:12:44.780 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, did I not see you in the garden with him? 00:12:46.220 --> 00:12:47.200 Peter denied it. 00:12:47.580 --> 00:12:49.540 And at once a rooster crowed. 00:12:49.940 --> 00:12:50.940 Peter denied it. 00:12:55.660 --> 00:13:02.660 Well, surely that's got to be one of the most tragic stories recorded for us in the Bible. 00:13:05.160 --> 00:13:11.540 John, in his record, has made Peter a central figure in both the arrest and trial of Jesus. 00:13:12.460 --> 00:13:15.780 I think on the one hand, Peter represents all his disciples. 00:13:15.779 --> 00:13:21.620 But mostly I think Peter's there as a huge contrast to Jesus. 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:28.759 I think it's fair to say that Peter is caught up in his own perfect storm at that moment. 00:13:29.340 --> 00:13:32.419 A perfect storm of wrong understanding of Jesus. 00:13:33.419 --> 00:13:37.139 A perfect storm of wrong confidence in himself. 00:13:37.139 --> 00:13:42.259 And then the awful reality of his own denial of Jesus. 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:50.580 If you look at verse 10 there, we see a parallel between Peter and Jesus. 00:13:51.120 --> 00:13:56.679 As Jesus took the initiative in confronting his enemies by the weapon of his word. 00:13:56.679 --> 00:14:01.359 So Peter takes the initiative to confront Jesus. 00:14:01.359 --> 00:14:02.359 How? 00:14:02.359 --> 00:14:04.519 By a sword. 00:14:04.519 --> 00:14:12.399 Now, it's obviously an incredible act of bravery given the size of that armed contingent before him. 00:14:13.939 --> 00:14:23.679 But in reality, it showed how little Peter understood about Jesus' mission and about his own spiritual needs. 00:14:23.679 --> 00:14:31.079 So I think after three years, Peter still believed that King Jesus would establish a physical kingdom. 00:14:31.479 --> 00:14:35.120 A kingdom that would liberate them from the power of the Romans. 00:14:35.659 --> 00:14:38.099 A kingdom that would restore economic prosperity. 00:14:38.639 --> 00:14:42.919 That, in familiar words these days of Mr. Trump, that would make Israel great again. 00:14:44.359 --> 00:14:47.359 And so I think we see Peter wanting to help. 00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:53.259 Peter believed he could help establish this kingdom. 00:14:53.960 --> 00:14:56.500 He knew that blood would have to be established. 00:14:57.320 --> 00:15:01.580 Blood would have to be spilled, sorry, to establish Jesus' kingdom. 00:15:01.960 --> 00:15:03.960 And he was willing for that blood to be his. 00:15:05.159 --> 00:15:06.879 As he stood alongside Jesus. 00:15:08.759 --> 00:15:10.340 But of course, he was totally wrong. 00:15:10.480 --> 00:15:15.740 Very brave, but totally wrong in his focus on external physical renewal. 00:15:15.740 --> 00:15:18.620 Rather than inner spiritual renewal. 00:15:20.060 --> 00:15:24.639 And in verse 11, Peter, Jesus I think is reminding Peter, very gently. 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:29.799 But reminding Peter, nevertheless, of the conversation they'd had only hours earlier. 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:33.879 And again, go back and check that out in chapter 13, verses 36 to 38. 00:15:34.500 --> 00:15:37.279 Where Jesus said to Peter, called him out. 00:15:37.600 --> 00:15:40.039 In spite of all his bravado, Jesus called him out and said, 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:43.659 Peter, you cannot walk the pathway of salvation. 00:15:43.980 --> 00:15:45.700 Only I can walk that pathway. 00:15:45.740 --> 00:15:52.799 And I think the harsh reality of that starts to dawn on Peter now. 00:15:53.659 --> 00:16:00.840 As slowly, painfully, excruciatingly painfully as we listen in on the story. 00:16:01.419 --> 00:16:05.940 As he denies association with Jesus on three separate occasions. 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:09.799 Just as Jesus predicted he would. 00:16:09.799 --> 00:16:15.459 And again, you see, John contrasts Peter and Jesus. 00:16:17.159 --> 00:16:21.500 Jesus stepped out into the darkness to bring light and life to the world. 00:16:23.319 --> 00:16:30.539 Peter, for all his big words, finds himself trying to move away from the light of the fire to hide in the shadows. 00:16:30.539 --> 00:16:30.620 Jesus. 00:16:31.419 --> 00:16:34.079 So it might not be identified with the light of life. 00:16:35.039 --> 00:16:36.240 What a contrast. 00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:42.219 Jesus is on the inside being interrogated by his enemies. 00:16:43.000 --> 00:16:45.599 But he's being light in the world, as we'll see in a moment. 00:16:46.039 --> 00:16:47.679 He's standing up to his accusers. 00:16:47.939 --> 00:16:50.360 He's accepting their abuse, their injustice. 00:16:50.879 --> 00:16:52.899 He's denying nothing of himself. 00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:56.759 And he's denying nothing of God's mission and God's cause and God's glory. 00:16:57.079 --> 00:16:59.199 He's sacrificing himself for others. 00:17:00.959 --> 00:17:03.360 Peter, he's on the outside. 00:17:04.700 --> 00:17:06.039 Denying everything. 00:17:07.799 --> 00:17:10.619 Protecting himself at the expense of Jesus. 00:17:10.619 --> 00:17:18.119 And so in great sadness, Peter's just left as that rooster crows. 00:17:19.219 --> 00:17:26.299 Peter's just left with that noise of that rooster ringing in his ears for a long time to come. 00:17:27.159 --> 00:17:29.139 Left contemplating his own failure. 00:17:30.599 --> 00:17:35.619 Even as, again, Jesus continues to deliver God's salvation as planned. 00:17:36.439 --> 00:17:39.000 The contrast couldn't be any more clear. 00:17:39.000 --> 00:17:42.500 Peter is part of the problem. 00:17:43.819 --> 00:17:45.079 He might be willing to help. 00:17:45.240 --> 00:17:47.200 He might have ideas of how he could help. 00:17:47.619 --> 00:17:48.779 But he can't help. 00:17:49.660 --> 00:17:53.299 Only Jesus can be the solution to this particular problem. 00:17:55.440 --> 00:18:00.559 And friends, what love Jesus shows Peter at this particular time, in this moment. 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:02.759 A broken man, no doubt. 00:18:04.160 --> 00:18:06.519 And yet Jesus doesn't condemn him outright. 00:18:06.519 --> 00:18:16.879 Rather, I think Jesus here is gently but firmly pushing Peter to learn the truth about God's purpose in salvation. 00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:20.120 And also to learn the truth about his own heart. 00:18:20.120 --> 00:18:23.800 And about his own need for forgiveness and restoration by Jesus. 00:18:24.420 --> 00:18:28.720 Rather than any thought that he could help Jesus and do his own bit towards salvation. 00:18:30.740 --> 00:18:37.220 And then we're thankful that in just a few days, Peter is restored by Jesus. 00:18:37.220 --> 00:18:39.079 Even with greater love. 00:18:39.700 --> 00:18:42.019 So Jesus shows Peter love here. 00:18:42.120 --> 00:18:46.519 But what glory, again, Jesus shows in his dealing with Peter. 00:18:47.779 --> 00:18:52.400 And the glory is this, that he continues to act for Peter's salvation. 00:18:53.500 --> 00:18:56.819 He continues to act for Peter's greatest need. 00:18:56.819 --> 00:19:02.240 Even when Peter continues acting so offensively against him. 00:19:04.639 --> 00:19:06.279 It's just remarkable, isn't it? 00:19:07.339 --> 00:19:12.779 But it's just the character of Jesus and the character of Jesus' mission. 00:19:13.720 --> 00:19:20.319 Well, the third way in which Jesus shows his love and glory is in his so-called judicial trials. 00:19:20.639 --> 00:19:22.579 And Simon's going to read the other verses then to that. 00:19:22.579 --> 00:19:30.339 So, from verse 12. 00:19:31.980 --> 00:19:37.740 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 00:19:38.859 --> 00:19:44.279 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:51.339 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people. 00:19:51.339 --> 00:19:54.720 Skipping down to verse 19. 00:19:56.279 --> 00:20:00.299 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 00:20:01.359 --> 00:20:02.480 Jesus answered him, 00:20:02.879 --> 00:20:05.220 I have spoken openly to the world. 00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:10.679 I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple where all the Jews come together. 00:20:11.379 --> 00:20:13.159 I have said nothing in secret. 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:15.799 Why do you ask me? 00:20:16.699 --> 00:20:18.779 Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. 00:20:19.419 --> 00:20:20.399 They know what I said. 00:20:20.399 --> 00:20:20.459 They know what I said. 00:20:21.339 --> 00:20:26.720 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:29.299 Is that how you answer the high priest? 00:20:30.859 --> 00:20:31.980 Jesus answered him, 00:20:32.359 --> 00:20:36.759 If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong. 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:41.319 But if what I said is right, why do you strike me? 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:46.299 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas, the high priest. 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:49.419 And skipping down to 28. 00:20:49.419 --> 00:20:54.740 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters. 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:56.620 It was early morning. 00:20:56.620 --> 00:21:03.920 They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:07.700 So Pilate went outside to them and said, 00:21:08.300 --> 00:21:11.200 What accusation do you bring against this man? 00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:13.480 They answered him. 00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:18.240 If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you. 00:21:19.660 --> 00:21:20.700 Pilate said to them, 00:21:20.940 --> 00:21:24.600 Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law. 00:21:25.900 --> 00:21:27.279 The Jews said to him, 00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:30.359 It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death. 00:21:31.799 --> 00:21:38.079 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:49.500 So Jesus now has to endure two trials. 00:21:50.059 --> 00:21:56.639 The first by the Jewish ecclesiastical authorities was really a kangaroo court. 00:21:57.279 --> 00:22:01.059 And it has a sense of being cobbled together on the run. 00:22:01.819 --> 00:22:08.599 I suspect trying to make the most of an unexpected gift that Judas had handed them in betraying Jesus. 00:22:09.579 --> 00:22:10.819 And there was a rush. 00:22:11.720 --> 00:22:15.720 Before Passover, they had to get Jesus killed and buried. 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:22.940 Otherwise, that would be the opportunity gone for at least another two weeks to the aftermath of the Passover feast. 00:22:22.940 --> 00:22:32.980 So it has that sense of they're just scrambling to get whatever they need to do to get a credible judgment and sentence passed on Jesus. 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:40.620 In other words, they're going through the motions of justice to legitimize their decision to kill Jesus. 00:22:40.619 --> 00:22:48.539 Now, under the Roman rule, the Jewish political and religious leaders had considerable authority. 00:22:49.419 --> 00:22:55.519 But they didn't have power to issue and authorize executions. 00:22:56.319 --> 00:23:04.819 So they needed the Roman governor to hear Jesus' case and to pass sentence on him as soon as possible. 00:23:04.819 --> 00:23:15.799 And it's clear now that not just did they want Jesus dead, but they wanted him dead as a criminal, not as a hero. 00:23:16.439 --> 00:23:21.539 They wanted him killed as publicly and shamefully as they could manage. 00:23:22.839 --> 00:23:24.019 They wanted him crucified. 00:23:24.019 --> 00:23:28.619 And they wanted him to find out, and that was the first trial. 00:23:28.619 --> 00:23:30.299 And the first trial begins, such is at ease. 00:23:30.940 --> 00:23:32.940 Jesus was dragged before Annas. 00:23:33.599 --> 00:23:37.099 Now, the interesting thing here is that Annas wasn't even the official high priest. 00:23:37.220 --> 00:23:40.139 He had no jurisdiction to be doing what he was doing. 00:23:40.920 --> 00:23:45.599 But Annas was a bit like we would recognize today as a godfather figure. 00:23:45.900 --> 00:23:52.680 He was the power broker who called others to follow the path he set. 00:23:52.680 --> 00:23:57.320 And especially his son-in-law Caiaphas. 00:23:59.160 --> 00:24:01.140 So Annas had the first go at Jesus. 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:08.920 And I think his option was just to try and intimidate, to browbeat Jesus into some sort of admission, 00:24:09.420 --> 00:24:11.180 which could be used to condemn him. 00:24:12.460 --> 00:24:16.900 Now, in response, Jesus very, very gently, but very, very firmly, 00:24:17.320 --> 00:24:20.400 exposes the illegality of the trial. 00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:26.000 Now, because it's a trial without witnesses, and that was one of the fundamental things of Jewish jurisprudence. 00:24:26.460 --> 00:24:34.180 There had to be witnesses, credible witnesses, to support a charge or an allegation against some person. 00:24:34.840 --> 00:24:36.160 In this case, no witnesses. 00:24:36.160 --> 00:24:39.840 And Jesus pushes back at the illegality and says to them, 00:24:39.900 --> 00:24:45.120 Well, look, you guys, you just need to go out there into the marketplace and see the evidence for yourself. 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:49.680 For three years of ministry, I've been out there in the public spotlight. 00:24:50.320 --> 00:24:51.320 Everything's been taught. 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:54.100 Everything's been said in the plain sight of all. 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:59.919 In other words, Jesus is saying, Listen, you guys, if I'm guilty, as you say I'm guilty, 00:25:00.359 --> 00:25:03.599 you should have no shortage of witnesses condemning me. 00:25:03.659 --> 00:25:05.219 This room should be full of witnesses. 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:10.719 In other words, Jesus is saying, You guys have no case legally against me. 00:25:10.720 --> 00:25:15.940 And for his efforts, Jesus is slapped. 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:19.519 Now, I suspect it might be much more than just one slap. 00:25:19.600 --> 00:25:21.980 I think it might have been the first of the beatings. 00:25:22.160 --> 00:25:23.519 But we're not actually told there. 00:25:23.819 --> 00:25:29.660 At least he was slapped, which was an action of great shame. 00:25:31.380 --> 00:25:33.100 First, that it should happen in law court. 00:25:33.380 --> 00:25:37.120 Second, that it should happen against a defendant in the law court. 00:25:37.119 --> 00:25:41.639 First, things were spiraling out of control for these Jewish authorities. 00:25:42.019 --> 00:25:43.379 They had nothing on Jesus. 00:25:43.839 --> 00:25:48.159 Their frustration levels were rising because they couldn't build a credible case. 00:25:49.319 --> 00:25:52.959 And they're on the pathway now to ever increasing violence. 00:25:53.059 --> 00:25:54.079 That's all they have left. 00:25:54.839 --> 00:25:55.679 That's all they have. 00:25:57.319 --> 00:25:59.279 Things are out of control for them. 00:26:00.019 --> 00:26:02.759 And all pretense of justice is now gone. 00:26:02.759 --> 00:26:06.619 Then we jump over to the last section. 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:16.859 And finally, as dawn broke, they pressured the Roman governor, Pilate, to pass sentence on Jesus. 00:26:17.000 --> 00:26:21.819 Now, again, it's almost a kangaroo court because really what they say to Pilate, 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:23.160 just trust us, Pilate. 00:26:23.220 --> 00:26:25.379 This man deserves to be sentenced to death. 00:26:25.779 --> 00:26:27.299 We just want you to sign the document. 00:26:27.299 --> 00:26:35.919 Now, I think it's fair to Pilate to say that he seems to suspect their intentions 00:26:35.919 --> 00:26:39.460 and wants no part of their mock justice. 00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:42.019 So he tries to hand Jesus back to them, saying, 00:26:42.079 --> 00:26:43.519 you do your own dirty work. 00:26:44.960 --> 00:26:51.200 But in turn, this forces the Jewish authorities to really come clean and reveal their intention. 00:26:51.200 --> 00:26:53.940 And again, it's very clear. 00:26:54.539 --> 00:26:56.940 We want this man sentenced to death. 00:26:57.360 --> 00:26:59.680 We want this man publicly shamed. 00:26:59.880 --> 00:27:01.460 We want this man crucified. 00:27:05.360 --> 00:27:11.460 Now, again, what all in love Jesus demonstrates. 00:27:13.640 --> 00:27:18.240 It's just hard to grasp this, but this is the Lord of the universe. 00:27:18.240 --> 00:27:23.759 This is the only truly just and righteous man. 00:27:24.720 --> 00:27:25.960 This is Jesus. 00:27:26.220 --> 00:27:26.960 I am. 00:27:27.839 --> 00:27:28.480 Yahweh. 00:27:28.960 --> 00:27:29.319 God. 00:27:30.120 --> 00:27:43.779 And here he is, accepting injustice, abuse, the shame of this mock trial by evil men who present to be righteous, 00:27:43.779 --> 00:27:50.399 by men who should have been on their knees pleading mercy from Jesus rather than accusing him. 00:27:52.240 --> 00:27:54.980 And to make things worse, Jesus knew their hypocrisy. 00:27:55.619 --> 00:27:56.160 Here they were. 00:27:56.579 --> 00:28:01.920 They wouldn't come into the building where Pilate was because they're pretending concern for purity 00:28:01.920 --> 00:28:05.799 and concern for God's word in the eve of Passover. 00:28:05.799 --> 00:28:13.680 They were parading as shepherds of God's people while happily plotting the murder of God's Messiah. 00:28:13.680 --> 00:28:23.600 And in this darkest moment of history, and it is the darkest moment of history quite possibly, 00:28:24.940 --> 00:28:26.620 Jesus is glorified. 00:28:29.220 --> 00:28:33.120 Everything was going according to plan. 00:28:33.940 --> 00:28:36.100 That's a plan that just blows our mind. 00:28:36.640 --> 00:28:39.640 But everything was going according to plan. 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:42.580 By contrast, the Jewish authorities had nothing. 00:28:42.579 --> 00:28:43.559 They were in panic. 00:28:44.079 --> 00:28:46.039 Their plans weren't going to plan at all. 00:28:46.439 --> 00:28:53.339 They were scratching and scrambling for any old thing to get the end they want. 00:28:55.939 --> 00:28:59.000 Jesus is under control. 00:28:59.740 --> 00:29:01.099 Jesus is in control. 00:29:03.079 --> 00:29:10.799 He would die the death of a cursed man to remove the curse of sin and death from his people. 00:29:10.799 --> 00:29:13.779 The glory of Jesus. 00:29:14.659 --> 00:29:16.839 And his authority was undiminished. 00:29:19.139 --> 00:29:23.819 It's just so ironic that in the earlier verse, verse 11. 00:29:24.299 --> 00:29:24.980 I don't know, hang on a second. 00:29:25.079 --> 00:29:26.159 Verse one of the other verses anyway. 00:29:26.220 --> 00:29:26.839 What number is it? 00:29:26.919 --> 00:29:28.559 Verse 14. 00:29:28.559 --> 00:29:32.659 It's ironic, but not surprising. 00:29:33.419 --> 00:29:46.579 That Jesus caused Caiaphas in his moment of treachery and murder and evil to testify most clearly to the nature of Jesus' own death. 00:29:46.579 --> 00:29:55.259 It was from the lips of Caiaphas that we have final confirmation that Jesus' death was no accident. 00:29:56.359 --> 00:29:57.460 No defeat. 00:29:58.259 --> 00:30:05.259 Jesus' death was a substitutionary death voluntarily entered into for the sake of the salvation of his people. 00:30:05.259 --> 00:30:22.799 What an incredible situation we have that the one who hated him most unwittingly praised him most as a sacrificial Passover lamb who would die under God's wrath in order to set his people free and give them life. 00:30:25.400 --> 00:30:28.000 Remarkable, remarkable three incidents. 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:57.980 Remarkable, remarkable three incidents. 00:30:57.980 --> 00:30:58.980 Remarkable, remarkable four incidents. 00:31:00.940 --> 00:31:07.240 We're in the midst of the potential for a perfect storm in each of our lives. 00:31:07.460 --> 00:31:11.400 You are in the midst of the potential for a perfect storm in your life. 00:31:12.860 --> 00:31:14.680 How is that storm brewing? 00:31:15.140 --> 00:31:17.319 How has it been brewing for you in this past week? 00:31:18.860 --> 00:31:20.839 Going back to the original introduction. 00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:26.359 we've already got two raging storms, 00:31:27.000 --> 00:31:28.899 two intense pressure systems 00:31:28.899 --> 00:31:32.899 coming together in COVID-19 health crisis 00:31:32.899 --> 00:31:37.500 and then the associated economic meltdown. 00:31:38.359 --> 00:31:40.199 Each of them in their own right 00:31:40.199 --> 00:31:42.240 are showing how much havoc 00:31:42.240 --> 00:31:45.899 they're capable of bringing amongst us. 00:31:47.240 --> 00:31:48.839 The question then becomes 00:31:48.839 --> 00:31:53.480 will these two fronts merge with you this week 00:31:53.480 --> 00:31:54.799 to become a supercell, 00:31:55.659 --> 00:31:57.299 a perfect storm in your life? 00:32:00.279 --> 00:32:02.359 The answer to the question will depend 00:32:02.359 --> 00:32:05.980 on how strong that third front is. 00:32:06.039 --> 00:32:07.179 Remember the one in Massachusetts 00:32:07.179 --> 00:32:09.539 was a relatively weak front 00:32:09.539 --> 00:32:14.679 and wasn't able to neutralize the intense systems, 00:32:14.779 --> 00:32:16.199 wasn't able to bounce them, 00:32:16.200 --> 00:32:19.680 but instead absorbed them and fed off them 00:32:19.680 --> 00:32:22.580 into a destructive supercell. 00:32:23.660 --> 00:32:24.880 So this week, 00:32:26.440 --> 00:32:30.200 whether it's perfect storm develops or not 00:32:30.200 --> 00:32:32.740 in your life will depend on how strong 00:32:32.840 --> 00:32:36.480 your confidence and hope in Jesus is. 00:32:36.480 --> 00:32:40.720 we know that we will collide 00:32:40.720 --> 00:32:43.900 with the existing mass of storms daily this week. 00:32:44.940 --> 00:32:46.460 The only question is, 00:32:46.559 --> 00:32:47.920 will we be able to neutralize them? 00:32:47.980 --> 00:32:50.000 Will we be able to bounce them off 00:32:50.000 --> 00:32:53.559 because our hope in Jesus' love 00:32:53.559 --> 00:32:55.380 and Jesus' glory 00:32:55.380 --> 00:32:57.900 and Jesus' kingship is unassailable? 00:32:57.900 --> 00:33:01.700 The only alternative, my friends, 00:33:01.820 --> 00:33:03.560 is to have that perfect storm 00:33:03.560 --> 00:33:05.920 sweep us up to destruction, 00:33:07.080 --> 00:33:09.600 consume us, overwhelm us 00:33:09.600 --> 00:33:12.580 and leave us in a state of fear 00:33:12.580 --> 00:33:13.780 and panic 00:33:13.780 --> 00:33:17.500 and perhaps even ultimate spiritual destruction. 00:33:17.500 --> 00:33:21.500 Our hope, 00:33:22.019 --> 00:33:24.400 as we walk into uncertain times, 00:33:25.079 --> 00:33:27.140 is that Jesus has removed 00:33:27.140 --> 00:33:29.500 the sting of death 00:33:29.500 --> 00:33:30.660 and the fear of death 00:33:30.660 --> 00:33:32.940 and has given us every blessing 00:33:32.940 --> 00:33:34.059 in the heavenly realms. 00:33:36.299 --> 00:33:37.819 His resilience, 00:33:38.460 --> 00:33:40.240 his resolute acceptance 00:33:40.240 --> 00:33:42.319 of his Father's purpose and salvation, 00:33:42.559 --> 00:33:43.720 we've just seen it playing out 00:33:43.720 --> 00:33:45.019 in John chapter 18, 00:33:45.019 --> 00:33:48.359 as the means to deal with our sin, 00:33:48.839 --> 00:33:50.819 which is the thing that causes fear and death. 00:33:52.480 --> 00:33:54.759 Jesus has done that for us. 00:33:56.460 --> 00:33:57.700 Can we trust him 00:33:57.700 --> 00:33:58.879 in his glory 00:33:58.879 --> 00:34:00.019 and in his love? 00:34:02.460 --> 00:34:04.379 In loving us to the end, 00:34:04.859 --> 00:34:06.079 Jesus continues 00:34:06.079 --> 00:34:07.480 in 2020 00:34:07.480 --> 00:34:08.679 in Newcastle 00:34:08.679 --> 00:34:10.139 to do everything 00:34:10.139 --> 00:34:12.239 we need him to do 00:34:12.239 --> 00:34:13.920 to keep us safe, 00:34:13.920 --> 00:34:15.820 to keep us secure, 00:34:16.180 --> 00:34:17.340 to bring us home. 00:34:19.579 --> 00:34:21.720 The record before us this morning 00:34:21.720 --> 00:34:23.019 is not just 00:34:23.019 --> 00:34:25.480 the message of Christ's triumph. 00:34:27.500 --> 00:34:30.380 It's the basis for our triumph as well. 00:34:32.579 --> 00:34:35.079 Very simple conclusion to draw from that. 00:34:35.960 --> 00:34:36.760 No matter, 00:34:36.860 --> 00:34:38.360 given that Jesus has walked 00:34:38.360 --> 00:34:40.360 that pathway of suffering before us, 00:34:40.360 --> 00:34:44.300 no matter what befalls us as Christians, 00:34:44.900 --> 00:34:45.800 our hope, 00:34:46.800 --> 00:34:47.620 our security, 00:34:48.360 --> 00:34:49.820 our pathway to glory, 00:34:50.280 --> 00:34:51.860 and it will be through suffering. 00:34:51.960 --> 00:34:53.120 The Lord has promised us that. 00:34:53.900 --> 00:34:54.920 That pathway, 00:34:55.300 --> 00:34:55.800 that hope, 00:34:55.920 --> 00:34:56.559 that security 00:34:56.559 --> 00:34:58.059 remains unshaken. 00:34:58.059 --> 00:35:01.679 It will be a stormy week, 00:35:02.119 --> 00:35:02.699 stormy month, 00:35:02.860 --> 00:35:03.759 stormy six months, 00:35:04.039 --> 00:35:06.079 but it doesn't need to be 00:35:06.079 --> 00:35:07.059 the perfect storm 00:35:07.059 --> 00:35:09.239 if we have 00:35:09.239 --> 00:35:11.860 strength in Jesus 00:35:11.860 --> 00:35:14.519 to bounce or neutralize 00:35:14.519 --> 00:35:16.659 those things that will threaten 00:35:16.659 --> 00:35:17.400 to sweep over 00:35:17.400 --> 00:35:18.739 and overwhelm us this week. 00:35:18.739 --> 00:35:21.159 My friends, 00:35:21.479 --> 00:35:22.639 may the Lord bless you 00:35:22.639 --> 00:35:23.559 this week and keep you. 00:35:23.859 --> 00:35:25.159 Just join with me now in prayer. 00:35:28.119 --> 00:35:28.519 Lord, 00:35:28.639 --> 00:35:29.859 these are easy words 00:35:29.859 --> 00:35:30.879 to say, 00:35:31.919 --> 00:35:32.299 but 00:35:32.299 --> 00:35:34.419 very difficult words 00:35:34.419 --> 00:35:35.619 to really live out. 00:35:37.699 --> 00:35:38.619 As an article 00:35:38.619 --> 00:35:40.039 that was posted this week said, 00:35:40.899 --> 00:35:41.439 we've not, 00:35:42.559 --> 00:35:43.579 many of us here, 00:35:43.699 --> 00:35:45.019 perhaps none of us here this morning 00:35:45.019 --> 00:35:45.439 listening, 00:35:45.440 --> 00:35:47.619 have been exposed 00:35:47.619 --> 00:35:49.220 to the coronavirus, 00:35:50.300 --> 00:35:50.780 but Lord, 00:35:50.860 --> 00:35:51.559 almost certainly 00:35:51.559 --> 00:35:52.480 every one of us 00:35:52.480 --> 00:35:53.400 has been exposed 00:35:53.400 --> 00:35:54.579 by the coronavirus. 00:35:56.220 --> 00:35:56.980 I pray, 00:35:57.139 --> 00:35:57.240 Lord, 00:35:57.300 --> 00:35:58.320 now that we will not 00:35:58.320 --> 00:35:59.940 be that weak front, 00:36:01.039 --> 00:36:02.519 a weak front of faith, 00:36:03.840 --> 00:36:05.460 unable to neutralize 00:36:05.460 --> 00:36:06.619 or bounce off 00:36:06.619 --> 00:36:07.940 the storms 00:36:07.940 --> 00:36:10.059 that will collide 00:36:10.059 --> 00:36:10.860 with this week. 00:36:10.980 --> 00:36:12.480 Give us confidence, 00:36:12.700 --> 00:36:12.780 Lord, 00:36:12.840 --> 00:36:13.220 in you, 00:36:13.820 --> 00:36:15.380 unassailable confidence. 00:36:15.440 --> 00:36:18.079 that you will keep us 00:36:18.079 --> 00:36:20.300 and that you will help us thrive 00:36:20.300 --> 00:36:22.059 in the darkest of times. 00:36:22.720 --> 00:36:23.300 Help us, 00:36:23.400 --> 00:36:23.639 I pray, 00:36:23.760 --> 00:36:23.960 Lord, 00:36:24.240 --> 00:36:25.059 in Jesus' name. 00:36:25.460 --> 00:36:25.720 Amen. 00:36:27.000 --> 00:36:27.820 Thanks very much, 00:36:27.900 --> 00:36:28.099 guys, 00:36:28.179 --> 00:36:29.119 for listening to me 00:36:29.119 --> 00:36:29.619 this morning. 00:36:29.800 --> 00:36:30.659 Have a good week.