Pray
Read the text
- 18:1-6
What made Jesus so bold in His proclamation of Himself?
Love. He loved us, His Church, enough to die for us. He, therefore, boldly went to proclaim should love.
Why do you think the soldiers were so shocked at Jesus’ proclamation?
One man’s boldness vs a legion of trained soldiers. I would likewise be shocked at one man’s boldness.
Ok. So we talked about Jesus and His bold. Let's move to talk about Peter’s boldness/bravery.
- 18:7-11
I have always found this to be one of the most strange scenes in all the gospels.
Why would John include something so detailed/inconsequential to the overall story?
Why do y’all think Peter attacked the priest's servant?
I’m not sure why Peter would attack the priests servant out of all people; maybe he was the easiest target. But its clear by his actions Peter was brave/bold.
18:11
Jesus rebukes Peter for his “bravery”. Why?
Because Jesus is going to the cross to pay for our sins and He doesn’t want Peter to interfere with His mission/purpose.
How would you define bravery/boldness?
Acting in the face of fear.
So Jesus was bold/brave in going to the cross. How would you define bravery biblically?
Trusting in the sovereignty/plan of God in spite of your fear.
What’s “the cup” Jesus is referring to/What's that mean?
“the cup” in OT is associated with suffering and judgment (Isaiah 51:17,22 Jer. 25:15).
- 18:12-14
John here seems to remind the reader of his previous writings on Caiaphas.
- 18:15-18
18:15
Take a guess at who this “other disciple” is.
John. Obviously; given that he hasn’t referred to himself directly/by name ever in his writing.
“known to the high priest”
If this other disciple is indeed John it’s interesting that John makes note of his own origin here. I wonder how much influence the priestly class had on John, and on his writings in particular. Maybe his particular upbringing is what caused his gospel to be so unique in its style and content.
18:19-20
What do y’all think of Jesus' response here?
He answers wisely. Jewish courts did not actually allow the accused to answer for themselves. Only witnesses could testify. First, those for the accused would be called on to answer questions, then those against then a decision would be reached. Jesus here challenges the legality/legitimacy of His trial.
Let's say that you were called up right now to trial to speak of Jesus and His teaching, what would you say of Him?
18:25-27
Interesting how quick Peter’s zealotry for Jesus fades. Why do y’all think Peter denies Jesus here?
It would seem Peter distanced himself from Jesus and therefore grew weaker in faith/less reliant on Jesus. “followed, stood, brought in, standing and warming himself.”
What does this passage show on the human heart?
It shows it’s darkness, weakness, faithlessness and it shows our need for God to keep us and cleanse/change our hearts.
So Jesus previously established that He died for His friends and that Peter is His friend.
What’s it say about Jesus that He would die for someone like Peter?
It shows His love.
18:28
Why didn’t the Jews go into the Governor’s HQ?
Because they didn't want to be defiled.
But why were they going to the Governors in the first place?
To try and have Jesus killed.
So what's that say of the Jews here?
It shows their heart. Passover was a week-long event in which one needed to remain clean/pure for the whole week to partake in the feast. To enter into a pagan house was to be defiled.
The Jews paid attention to the letter of the law but not the spirit/They paid attention to the details of religion but not the object of religion itself-God.
So what kind of religion/faith does God want us to have?
God wants hearts that want Him.
Have y’all ever read the Apostle’s Creed?
It says:
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, (emphasis added)
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
And it is The Apostles’ Creed, sometimes titled the Apostolic Creed or the Symbol of the Apostles, is an early statement of Christian belief—a creed/“symbol”. It is widely used by a number of denominations for various use in many Western Churches. Because of the early origin of its original form, it does not address some Christological issues defined in the Nicene creed.. It thus says nothing explicitly about the divinity of Jesus or Holy Spirit. Nor does it address many other theological questions which became objects of dispute centuries later.
The earliest known mention of the expression “Apostles’ Creed” occurs in a letter of AD 390 and it is widely accepted that under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit each of the 12 Apostles contributed an article to the twelve articles of the creed. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostles%27_Creed)
I bring all this up to ask the question: Why, of all people, is Pilate mentioned in our Creed?
Because Pilate functions as the public authority who is in the position of judgment to vindicate or condemn Jesus. He could’ve freed Jesus but didn’t and condemned Him to be crucified and die and be buried. Thus, he is mentioned in our creed as a real, historical, public governing figure because he condemned a real, historical, public savior.
Another question on Creeds: What Creed do you confess?/What is your creed?
“Not creed but Jesus” “We don’t need creeds” B*******.
Creeds are merely summations of what the Church believes. Please note I say “Church” not you; an individual.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. - 1 Peter 2:9
A nation. Not Island, property, or state but Nation. No Christian is his own island. If you are called out of the world and into the Church; you can’t survive or grow on your own for even the Christ had Disciples. You are a Christian. One who upholds a legacy and a community that reaches across space/the world and throughout time. By creeds you are connected to the Church past, Church present and Church future. You are not an Island. Seek out and know your own beliefs.
- 18:33-40
18:36
What do y’all think Jesus is talking about here?
His sovereignty over this situation.
18:38
“What is truth?” How would y’all answer that question?
Truth is that which corresponds to reality as perceived by God. Because God sees/knows reality best/better than us all.
18:40
Heres a part of the story of Jesus that I never understand: Why does the crowd choose Barabbas over Jesus?
Perhaps because they didn't want the truth.
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