TEXT: John 18:1-40
SERMON VIDEO: VIMEO // YOUTUBE
In this passage, Jesus is betrayed, arrested, denied, and given a false trial. Yet none of this is outside of God’s will. No one takes the life of Christ, he lays it down. As D.A. Carson notes, “Jesus offers us his life in obedience to his Father, not as a pathetic martyr buffeted by the ill winds of cruel fate.” As John recounts these events, he weaves in important theological aspects of the gospel - Christ’s substitutionary, wrath-bearing death as the innocent one. The only proper response is humble worship.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: Questions aimed at our minds to help us understand God’s word.
Why do Jesus’ captors fall back at his response to them in verse 6? How is Jesus’ response significant in light of what we have seen already in John’s Gospel?
In verse 11, what does Jesus mean when he says, “Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (see Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17, and Jeremiah 25:15–17.)
What does it mean that Jesus’ death is substitutionary? See verse 14 (A reference to 11:50) and 1 Peter 2:24.
HEART: Questions aimed at our affections to help us love God
Peter’s violent response in verse 10 shows that he still doesn’t understand the mission of Jesus. What does he misunderstand? In what ways are you like Peter here?
Note all of the differences between Jesus’ response to his arrest and trial and Peter’s response. What does this tell us about the work that Jesus came to accomplish?
How does this encourage you as you consider the ways you, like Peter, fall short of God’s standard of righteousness?
HANDS: Questions aimed at our hands to help us live for God (Personally, Communally, and Missionally).
The primary application of this passage is to see and believe Christ; his innocent, wrath-bearing, substitutionary death for us. Do you believe? Spend some time praising and thanking him for his work.
In what ways are you tempted to think that Jesus’ kingdom is of this world? What are some practical ways you can cultivate a mindset of Jesus’ heavenly kingdom as you live your life?
Read verse 38. Pilate reflects a belief that is common in our day as well - ultimate truth is relative or, at least, it cannot be discovered. What is the biblical response to this idea?