Emory Baptist Church

Will Your Adversity Advance the Gospel?

We are continuing our study this morning in Paul’s letter to the Philippian Church, the letter of joy.  If you were here last Sunday, you saw Paul praying for these believers that they would grow in their love and knowledge and example of Christ.

 

Today, Paul is going to remind of his adversity.  When we speak of adversity, we might use that word, but we also might use trial or tribulation or suffering. 

 

Bro. Jimmy Pritchard, long-time pastor of FBC Forney, used to say that no one is immune from adversity.  That includes Christians and non-Christians. 

 

As a matter of fact, every individual is currently in one of three places as it relates to adversity.  Some of you are experiencing adversity right now.  Others of you just came out of adversity.  There are still others who are about to be in the middle of adversity. 

 

Regardless of where you are, I have one question for you.  Will your adversity advance the gospel?  I would dare say that Paul answered this question yes.  I would even say he decided that his adversity would advance the gospel.  What about you?

 

As we look at the text, let’s examine what adversity can look like.

 

1. Sometimes, adversity can come in the form of physical limitations, 1:12.

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.

 

Obviously, the Philippian Church was worried about Paul and his adversity.  However, he wanted to put them at ease with this letter of joy.

 

What was Paul’s adversity?  He was under house arrest in Rome for preaching the gospel.  That story is in Acts 28.  We will look there closer in just a moment.

 

We know from the end of Acts that he rented a house.  However, for a period of two years, he was chained to a Roman soldier to write, to eat, to sleep, and everything else.  He referred to his chains four times in this first chapter: 7, 13, 14, and 16.

 

BTW, the NKJV translates verse 12 the things which happened to me.  Notice that “which happened” is italicized.  That means the editors supplied those two words to make the English flow better, and that is fine.

 

However, know this morning, Brothers and Sisters, that nothing ever just happens in your life.  God is control of all things.  Even adversity doesn’t just happen.  Either God caused the adversity, which is called discipline, or He allowed the adversity. 

 

There is nothing in your life that is an accident or coincidence.  It is all providence meaning under the control of the Eternal Sovereign. 

 

Paul’s adversity had literal, physical limitations.  He couldn’t go anywhere he wanted.  He had to go where the soldier wanted, and he never went anywhere alone. 

 

Some of you today are experiencing adversity in the form of physical limitations.  It might be cancer.  It might be diabetes.  It might be kidney failure.  Your adversity might be any number of literal, physical limitations.

 

 

2. Sometimes, adversity can come from the fallen world, 1:13.

13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ.

 

Don’t lose sight of the fact that Paul’s adversity was at the hands of the pagan Jewish World and the pagan Roman World.  See Acts 28:16 and 28:30.

 

16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

 

30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him.

 

Some of you today are experiencing adversity at the hands of the fallen world.  Make no mistake about it.  If you are a follower of Christ, Satan cannot endanger your eternity.  However, he will do everything he can to make your life on earth a living hell, and he will use lost people to do it.

 

 

3. Sometimes, adversity can come from the fellowship of believers, 1:14-18.

14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.  15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

 

This may surprise you, but sometimes adversity can come from other brothers and sisters in Christ.  In verses 14-18, there is an unnamed group of gospel preachers who trying to add more adversity to Paul’s adversity.  That is what he said in at the end of verse 16. 

 

This group preached Christ from envy and strife.  They were guilty of selfish ambition.  Maybe they were jealous of Paul and his influence in the church. 

 

Unfortunately, some of our greatest adversity can come from within these walls.  However, it shouldn’t be so. 

 

 

Application

So how can we apply today’s text to our everyday lives?

 

First, for me, when I was younger and immature, I thought it was my calling in life to point out the error and be hypercritical of other preachers.  I did this for those I read and those I saw on television. 

 

That was not Paul’s practice.  He did point out these brothers in Christ were different than him and even trying to hurt him.  However, notice what he said in verse 18.  He rejoiced in Christ being preached regardless of the motivation. 

 

Keep in mind, these brothers weren’t preaching a false gospel.  They were preaching the true gospel but with the wrong motives. 

 

Consequently, I’m not interested in pointing out to you or the world how I disagree with other brothers and sisters in Christ outside of this church. If you want to know my opinion, feel free to ask, but I’m not going to openly and publicly criticize other brothers and sisters in Christ unless they are preaching heresy.  See Ephesians 4:29.

 

29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

 

 

Second, God can use your adversity for His glory and your good.  God used Paul’s adversity to embolden the Philippian Church in sharing the gospel.  That is what verse 14 says.  Furthermore, he said in verse 12 that his adversity had furthered the gospel. 

 

Remember, there are not accidents or coincidences in your life.  Romans 8:28 reminds how God works all things for His glory.

 

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

 

However, He also works all things for our good including adversity.  See James 1:2-4.

 

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

 

 

Third, how you hand your adversity will either point others to Christ or turn others away from Christ.  Paul chose the former. 

 

He didn’t let his adversity rob his joy, and he took the opportunity to tell everyone he met about why he was in chains.  Look back at verse 13. 

 

It became evident to the entire palace guard and all of the rest that he was in chains because of Christ?  But how did that happen when he was chained to only one at a time?  One by one. 

 

Paul used his adversity to point others to Christ.  Jesus tells us to do the same in the Sermon on the Mount.  See Matthew 5:16.

 

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

However, this isn’t the first time Paul did this.  See Acts 16:25.

 

25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

 

The prisoners in Philippi were listening and watching how Paul and Silas would handle their adversity.  Brothers and sisters, the world is watching how you will handle your adversity. 

 

Will your adversity advance the gospel or hinder the gospel?  I pray the former and not the latter.

 

 

 

Whose Job Is It, Anyway?

Back in the Game

This morning is a special morning as it is our annual Back in the Game Sunday.  In the next few minutes, we are going to be looking back at the previous 11 months and looking forward to the next church year that will begin in October. 

 

BTW, why do we do this every year?  That’s a great question.  We need to be reminded at least every year, why we exist and what is our job. 

 

But Bro. Richard, that’s boring.  We have already heard that.  Great!  Let’s get to work. 

 

Brothers and sisters, can I suggest to you that as followers of Christ, there is a very real temptation to grow bored with following Jesus daily.  Our culture has conditioned us to long for the mountain top experience.

 

While there are plenty of mountain top experiences in following Christ, many days would not be described that way.  However, we are called to follow any way and every single day, and so I want to remind you of that today, and encourage you to embrace the challenge of following Christ every day not just on the mountain top.

 

In addition to looking back and looking forward, we will remember why we exist at EBC and find our purpose in Matthew’s Gospel, and I will be encouraging you to get “Back in the Game!”

 

 

Looking Back

In 2022-2023, God was kind to us and God blessed us, and we need to celebrate that.  Specifically, we need to celebrate some individuals and some families.

 

In today’s bulletin, you will find a Back in the Game Brochure.  Please find that and notice on the very back panel.  In 2022-2023, God added 21 new members to Emory Baptist Church.  Of those 21, 5 were baptized by immersion and after salvation.  Praise the Lord!

 

 

Looking Forward

Not only do we want to look back, but we also want to look forward.  In that same brochure from your bulletin, you will find some ministries and events that we hope you will consider joining. 

 

First, our largest and in many ways, our most important ministry at Emory Baptist Church is our Sunday School Small Groups. 

 

In this next church year, we will have 21 Sunday School Small Groups.  I cannot say enough about the importance of you as an individual and as a family, as adults and teenagers, and children, of being part of one of these small groups that meet every Sunday morning at 9:15 AM all over our property.

 

Beginning in September, almost all of those adult options will be studying the Gospel of Mark.  Therefore, you don’t have to worry about different classes teaching different subjects.  You simply decide on which teacher and which class members you like the best. 

 

On Sunday mornings, we began a new sermon series last week in Philippians, and that will continue next Sunday and through the fall.  On Sunday evenings, we will continue to study Deuteronomy. 

 

 

Why Does EBC Exist and What is Your Purpose?

More than informing you about calendars and schedules, I want to remind you of our purpose at EBC and why we exist and challenge you to get back in the game.  God’s Word tells me that EBC exists for three reasons, and these three reasons could also be considered or called our purposes.

 

However, they aren’t just the three purposes for our church.  They are also the three purposes for every EBC member. 

 

Therefore, we exist and you exist to love God, love people, and make disciples.  Summer is over.  Vacations are done.  School has started.  Sports and band have begun so it is time to get back in the game.

 

 

1. Love God, Matthew 22:36-38!

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”  37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment.

 

Our first purpose and expectation is to love God.  In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked by a lawyer what is the great commandment in the law. 

 

In short, Jesus responded with love God.  You are to love Him with everything you are.  You are to love Him with your heart and your soul and your mind.  Consequently, this is the first and greatest commandment.

 

How do we love God?  The answer is worship.  We love God by worship individually and worshipping collectively as a church.    

 

Paul called every follower of Christ to worship God individually in Romans 12:1.

 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

 

The NIV says presenting your bodies to the Lord is proper worship.  The NASB also reads this way.

 

Monday through Saturday, my challenge to you is to love God by worshipping Him individually with your daily living.  That includes your job and your marriage and your family and your school and your games and your entertainment and your finances and your health.  Love God.

 

We are also to love God by worshipping collectively as a church.  Hebrews 10:25 contains a warning for me and you.

 

25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

This verse contains a command not to forsake the assembling of the saints in worship when they meet.  In other words, make sure Sunday worship is a priority for you and your family. 

 

It is so sad and such a terrible indictment on the local church today that regular worship attendance has dropped to once or twice a month.  That’s not how you would play a game.  You don’t just play half the game.  As a player, you should be ready to play the entire game. 

 

Therefore, Brothers and Sisters, don’t settle for once or twice a month.  If you are a member of EBC, I want to challenge you to be here each and every Sunday. 

 

Don’t forsake this assembly.  Make Sunday worship a higher priority than your recreation and your work. 

 

I know…you’re busy, and you’re tired.  Guess what?  You’re in good company. 

 

The bottom line is that you need this church and this church needs you.  Love God by worshipping Him individually and worshipping Him collectively. 

 

 

2. Love People, Matthew 22:39-40!

39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

 

In answering the lawyer in Matthew 22, Jesus didn’t stop with love God.  He added love people too.  He said the second is like the first.  In addition to loving God, your job is also to love your neighbor.  In other words, love people. 

 

How can you love people at EBC?  You can be a part of one of those 21 small group Sunday School classes.  You can love people through fellowship.  You can love people through life experience and discussion and learning of God’s word. 

 

We need one another, and God’s word confirms such.  See 1 Corinthians 12:14-18.

 

14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.  15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

 

This is the body of Christ.  You can love people with your participation in one of our small groups.

 

You can also love people by serving them through ministry.  Did you know that if you have been born-again, God has given you at least one spiritual gift that is to be used in serving this body of believers?  See 1 Corinthians 12:7.

 

1 Corinthians 12:7, 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.

 

God has given each member a spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit to be used in serving or for the profit or benefit of all, the entire body. 

 

Brothers and sisters, how are you serving?  In the choir?   In the Prayer Room?  Through Backpack Buddies?  Through Little Free Pantry?

 

How are you loving people through service and ministry?  Don’t just come and sit.  Go and serve.

 

 

3. Make Disciples, Matthew 28:19-20!

Matthew 28:19-20, 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

 

You can know what Jesus said in Matthew 28 was important because it was the last thing He said to us.  Not only do we exist to love God and to love people, but we also exist to make disciples. 

 

That starts with sharing the gospel, and that is not just the responsibility or obligation or ministry of some but of all.  BTW, come this next Wednesday night, and I will share with you the absolute easiest way to share the gospel. 

 

If you’ve been saved, the power of the Holy Spirit has come upon you.  If that is true, you are to be His witnesses. 

 

Every believer is to be a verbal witness.  God gave you a testimony to share.

 

You received the gospel.  Share the gospel. 

 

We also make disciples by small group Bible studies.  That can happen on Sunday mornings or Monday nights or Tuesday nights or Wednesdays.

 

God called you as a disciple.  Then He called you to make disciples. 

 

 

Conclusion

So I want you to leave this morning informed and challenged to get back in the game at EBC by loving God, loving people, and making disciples. Not only is this information and a challenge, but this also why we exist as a church and church members.

A Letter of Joy

Today, turn in your Bibles to the Philippians 1:1.  We’ll start today and finish this four-chapter book of the New Testament before the end of December.  You could simply call our entire study but also this first message, “The Letter of Joy.”

 

 

1. The Author and His Associate

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ

 

The Apostle Paul is the author of this letter to the Philippian Church.  Remember, he is the most prolific author of our New Testament writing at least 13 books. 

 

What do we know about this man?  His resume of sorts can be found later in this letter, 3:5-6.

 

5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

 

However, in Acts 9, we learn of his conversion experience, 9:3-9.

 

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”  5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”  Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”  6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”  Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”  7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

 

BTW, Saul’s name wasn’t changed to Paul.  Saul was his Hebrew name.  Paul was his Gentile name.  Because he was the Apostle to the Gentiles vs. Peter, the Apostle to the Jews, we are more accustomed to his Gentile name.

 

Paul’s associate was a young man named Timothy.  In 1 Timothy 1:2, Paul called him his son in the faith.

 

Paul was introduced to Timothy in Acts 16:1-3.  We know that Timothy was introduced to Christ by his mother and grandmother, 2 Timothy 1:5.

 

1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.

 

5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

 

BTW, here is your T. E. L.  It doesn’t stand for The Elderly Ladies but Timothy, Eunice, and Lois.

 

Together, Paul and Timothy were bondservants of Jesus Christ.  If you have been saved, that should be true of you too.  If Jesus isn’t your master, you haven’t been born again.

 

2. The Audience

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons

 

There was only one church in Philippi composed of all the saints.  However, “saints” doesn’t refer to dead people.  These are living and breathing brothers and sisters in Christ. 

 

Also, “saints” isn’t some extra special class of Christians.  Saint means holy one, set apart from sin and self and set apart to God. 

 

If you a Christian, a brother or sister in Christ, been saved, born again, are a follower of Jesus, you are a saint because that is who we are in Christ Jesus.  You aren’t holy in and of yourself, but we are holy when we are in Christ.

 

Who were some of these saints in Philippi?  Turn to Acts 16.

 

In Acts 16:14-15, Lydia and her family were saved.

 

14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.

 

In Acts 16:29-33, the Philippian Jailor and his family were saved.

 

29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.  30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

 

And there seems to have been even more who met at Lydia’s house for church.

 

40 So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.

 

Paul not only wrote this letter of joy to the saints in Philippi, but that also included the church leaders.  He mentions the two offices of the church then and today.

 

First is the bishop.  This single office is referred to in the New Testament by multiple titles.  Bishop, overseer, elder, and pastor all refer to the same office, the same position.

 

Second is deacon.  This is also an office of the church but without the responsibility of teaching. 

 

 

3. Paul’s Ambition for Writing

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Verse 2 is a very common Pauline greeting.  Grace is the giving of what we don’t deserve.  Namely, we could never deserve salvation, but God gave us the opportunity to be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. 

 

And when a person receives Jesus as Lord and Savior, he or she receives peace from God because that person is now at peace with God.  You can only be at peace with God and receive peace from God through a personal, saving relationship with God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

 

I would suggest to you that Paul had at least three ambitions or goals in writing this letter of joy.  First, he wanted to give a report on Epaphroditus.  Evidently, this saint had brought a gift to Paul from the Philippian Church.

 

While on the trip, he became very sick.  He almost died, but Paul sent this letter of joy back to the church reporting what happened.  See 2:25-30.

 

25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

 

Second, Paul wanted to thank the Philippian Church for their support of him while he was in jail.  They seemed to have sent some type of financial support to him.  See 4:10.

 

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

Paul’s third and final ambition in writing this letter was to encourage these Christians to choose joy!  See 4:4.

 

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

 

The noun “joy” or the verb “rejoice” is found some 16 times in this letter.  That is why it is often called the letter of joy.

 

Notice that Paul encourages the Philippians to choose joy in all situations.  You might even say he commanded such. 

 

How in the word could he do that?  How could he do that in light of his situation? 

 

Remember, Paul wrote this letter from a Roman Prison Cell.  How do we know?  Look back at chapter 1.

 

1:7, just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.

 

1:13, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;

 

1:14, and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

 

1:16, The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;

 

Paul chose joy himself, but going forward, let’s understand what joy is by understanding what is not.

 

Joy is not happiness.  Happiness is the positive feeling that you get when external circumstances are going your way.  Most of the time, these circumstances are beyond our control.

 

Joy, on the other hand, is the positive feeling that a Christian can choose because of the internal reality of being saved.  Even though Paul’s external circumstances didn’t produce happiness in him, he chose to rejoice because of who he was in Christ. 

 

The world is full of reasons not to be happy.  And of course, there are some people who naturally choose mad instead of joy.  We even have some of those folks at EBC.

 

They are down on Emory and Rains County and Rains ISD and the school board and the high school and the junior high and the intermediate and the elementary school.  They are down on the Rangers and the Cowboys and the Mavericks.  They are down on Bro. Richard and Bro. Ronnie and Bro. Chris and their Sunday School Teacher.  They are down on the Texas and the US and the world.

 

Brothers and sisters, in a watching world that needs to see the difference that Christ makes, I invite you to make it a habit of choosing joy!  It is a conscious decision, and you can start today.

 

 

Conclusion

However, it is next to impossible if you have never received the grace of God in your life by receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Would you do that this morning?

 

 

Second Chances and Mind Your Business!

We have finally come to the end of the gospel of John.  We started this study in November 2021.  After 22 months, we will finish today.

 

From last Sunday in John 21, Jesus and seven of His closest disciples were in Galilee.  The 7 had spent all night fishing and caught nothing. 

 

Jesus told them to throw their net on the right-hand side of the boat.  They did and caught 153 large fish.  They then sat down with the post-resurrected Christ for breakfast.

 

Today’s verses focus on Peter.  Peter was the unofficial leader of the 12 and was the second closest to Jesus behind the author of this gospel, John. 

 

Remember how Peter had recently failed the Lord?  Peter denied Jesus on three different occasions late Thursday night and early Friday morning before Jesus was crucified. 

 

Now it was time for him to be forgiven and restored.  This morning, let’s think about second chances and minding our own business.

 

 

17. Jesus Forgave Peter’s Past Failures, John 21:15-17.

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”  He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”  He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”  16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”  He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”  He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”  17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”  And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”  Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

 

I rather suspect that most everybody in the room this morning has heard some kind of sermon or Bible study regarding our first 3 verses.  Bible students have been discussing and debating Jesus’ words in this text for years without ever coming to a solid consensus. 

 

I’m sure we won’t arrive at a consensus today, but I believe the point here is not to remind Peter of his past failures.  However, I do believe that Jesus forgave Peter and restored a broken man to his rightful place of leadership among Jesus followers.

 

In verse 15, Jesus turned to Peter and asked him this question, “Do you love Me more than these?”  Remember that they are probably sitting around the fire that cooked their fish, and it was around a fire that Peter first denied Jesus on Thursday night. 

 

Notice that Jesus called Peter “Simon, son of John.”  It was this name that Jesus first called Peter to follow Him in John 1:40-42.

 

40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.  Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).

 

As for His question, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him more than these.  Jesus asked this question of Peter three times to mirror the three times that Peter denied Jesus, and Jesus used the word “agape” to describe that perfect, total, complete, all-encompassing love that He desired.

 

What did He mean by “more than these?”  Was He talking about the fish and fishing and Peter’s former profession?  Was He talking about Peter’s love for the other disciples?  Was He talking about Peter’s love for Jesus compared to the other disciples’ love for Jesus? 

 

I would contend that Jesus was talking about Peter’s love for Him compared to the other disciples’ love for Him. Peter had said previously that he would follow Jesus regardless, but we know that didn’t happen.  It was important for Jesus to remind Peter what he said and then what he had done.

 

Peter answered the Lord by using the word “phileo.”  That is different from “agape” and is a love that is based more on emotion rather than obedience.  It is a feel-good love that is seen in the word “Philadelphia,” which is the city of brotherly love.

 

Once Peter responded, the Lord told him to tend or feed or provide for His sheep.  Again, Jesus is restoring Peter to ministry, and Peter was to care for Jesus followers then and in the future as Jesus would soon depart again.  This time would be permanent and to the right hand of the Father.

 

Jesus asked Peter the same question a second time in verse 16.  Again, He used the word agape, and Peter responded with phileo.  Then Jesus told Peter to shepherd His sheep.  Again, care for His followers.

 

Then Jesus asked Peter the same question a third time.  However, in this third instance, Jesus used the word that Peter had used previously, phileo.  This is why I am not 100% sure that there is as much difference between these two words as we have often heard in sermons and from preachers. 

 

Now for a third time, Peter answered yes with phileo, but Peter was now upset.  He was grieved.  His feelings were hurt because he heard Jesus asking the same question on three successive occasions. 

 

In all three of his responses, Peter appealed to Jesus’ omniscience, His knowledge of all things.  He knew that Peter loved Him, but had failed at following Him, and Peter knew that too.  Jesus told Peter then for the third time to tend or care for His sheep.

 

Jesus went to Peter personally and tried to remind Him of His past failures only to restore him for future ministry.  There is not a person in the room this morning that hasn’t failed in some form or capacity.

 

Some have failed as spouses.  Some have failed as parents.  Some have failed as friends.  Some have failed as employers and employees.  Some have failed as business owners.  Some have failed as students.  Some have failed as athletes.  Some have failed as Christians and church members.  There have been times that I have failed as a pastor and your pastor.

 

However, I have good news for you today.  Peter failed, and yet, Christ restored him completely to ministry and service and to lead the first century church when He was gone. 

 

You can be restored today, and we should be a people that helps in restoring others from past failures.  Do you need to be restored today?  Do you need to forgive and move on and help in restoring someone close to you?

 

Jesus forgave and restored Peter from past failures. 

 

 

19. Jesus Forecasted Peter’s Painful Future, John 21:18-19.

18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” 

 

In verse 18, Jesus continued His conversation with Peter, and reminded Peter of what life was like when he was young.  When you are young, you make decisions for yourself and go your own way. 

 

However, when Peter would get older, Jesus forecasted or predicted that others would lead Peter were they wanted him to go, and he would do what others decided he would do.

 

BTW, if you are here today and you are grown children caring for your elderly parents, be considerate of the decisions you make for them on their behalf.  More than likely, what you do with your parents when they are old will likely come back to you from your children when you are old.

 

Also, spell out in writing such as a last will and testament or directives as to what you want at the end of your life.  The more decisions that are made now means that few decisions to be made then.

 

Verse 19 tells us that Jesus was talking about how Peter would die.  His arms would be stretched out in order to be tied to or nailed to a cross, and he would be crucified like Jesus was. 

 

Church history confirms this fact as Jesus was correct in His prediction.  Peter indeed was led away against his will and crucified on a cross but upside down at his request as Peter believed that he was not worthy to die in the exact same fashion that Jesus had died.

 

Notice then two more facts about these verses.  Jesus said Peter’s death would be glorifying to God.  I hope that can be said of your death as well. 

 

Death is difficult in the sense of no longer having that person in our presence.  However, death can be good if you point people to Jesus in the process. 

 

You then can glorify God in your death.  Then Jesus said to Peter those same two words that were some of Jesus’ first words to Peter, “Follow Me.”

 

 

• Jesus Frowned Upon Peter’s Focus, John 21:20-23.

 20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”  22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”  23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

 

In light of what Jesus had to say about Peter’s future, Peter was curious about John’s future.  Peter saw John there close by and asked Jesus about him in verse 21. 

 

Notice Jesus’ response in verse 22.  He frowned on Peter’s focus. 

 

Peter shouldn’t be worrying about John.  Peter should be worrying about Peter, and Jesus told him that.  Don’t worry about John.  You worry about Peter and just keep following Me. 

 

In verse 23, Jesus then corrected some misinformation within the group.  He didn’t say that John wouldn’t die.  He simply said that if He wanted John to live that was nobody’s business but His.

 

It’s real easy to worry about everybody else except the person in the mirror.  We can point fingers and name names and criticize everyone else’s actions and words and failures. 

 

Jesus said stop.  You worry about you, and let Jesus take care of everybody else.

 

John’s final two verses remind us again of John’s eyewitness testimony.  That which he experienced, he wrote about.  It wasn’t exhaustive or complete.  There aren’t enough books in the world to contain all that Jesus did, but instead of worrying about what is not here, you and should be sure to take sincere notice of what is here.

 

 

Conclusion

Here is the bottom line.  Jesus expects total and undivided commitment from those who choose to follow Him.  Would you make that choice this morning to follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

Why is Your Net Empty?

In one regard, we come to John 21, and it is anticlimactic because it serves as an epilogue or an addition to the ending of this gospel account. Jesus has already been resurrected in chapter 20, and that is certainly the climax of the Christian story. 

 

However, there is still much that we can learn from this last chapter, and is testifies to the authenticity of John’s eye-witness account.  We spend today and next Sunday finishing this fourth gospel of our New Testament. 

 

Let me remind you of what happened in chapter 20.  It was Sunday morning after Jesus was crucified on Friday.  First, Mary and Peter and John found an empty tomb.

 

Second, Mary spoke to the resurrected Jesus.  She thought He was the gardener or caretaker of the garden tomb.

 

Third, Jesus appeared to the scared disciples in an upper room on Sunday night.  Fourth, a week later, Jesus appeared to the disciples again.  This time, Thomas was present and verified that the Jesus who had been crucified was now alive.

 

Fifth, John 20:30-31 reminded us of the purpose of John’s writing. 

 

30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

 

Do remember these 7 signs in John’s Gospel?  1. Jesus turned water into wine (2); 2. Jesus healed the nobleman’s son from a distance (4); 3. Jesus healed the paralyzed man after 37 years (5); 4. Jesus fed 5,000 with two fish and five loaves (6); 5. Jesus walked on water and calmed the storm (6); 6. Jesus healed the man who was born blind (9); and 7. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (11).

 

In the first half of John 21, I want to show three pictures to you.  I want you to see a picture of futility, a picture of prosperity, and a picture of unity.  Then, at the end, I want to ask you, “Why is your net empty?”

 

 

1. A Picture of Futility, John 21:1-3

1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”  They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.

 

Verse 1 tells us that after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples on other occasions.  This particular occasion occurred in Galilee. 

 

Remember that Jesus had told His disciples to go there, and that He would see them there in Matthew 28:10.  Galilee was north of Jerusalem, and the Sea of Tiberias is another name for the Sea of Galilee.

 

10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

 

Verse 2 tells us that those present were Peter, always mentioned first as the unofficial leader of the twelve.  There was also Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and two other unnamed disciples. 

 

In verse 3, Peter decided to go fishing.  Remember that was his profession before he left everything to follow Jesus.  If he was waiting on Jesus, and wasn’t sure what else to do, it would make total sense that he would fall back on what he knew best. 

 

The others agreed to go as well.  We also know that James and John were professional fishermen too.

 

They went out on the Sea of Galilee at night because that was when fish were known to be active in feeding.  However, pay close attention to the end of verse 3. 

 

They caught nothing…not one single, solitary fish.  These were professional fishermen who had been doing this for a long time.  It was the family business, and yet, this is a stark picture of futility.

 

 

1. A Picture of Prosperity, John 21:4-8

4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”  They answered Him, “No.”  6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.  7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.

 

The disciples had been on the water the entire night, and it was now getting close to dawn or sun up, and they had caught nothing.  Verse 4 tells us that Jesus was on the shore, but they didn’t know it was Him. 

 

Maybe He was too far away.  Maybe the water was splashing in their faces.  Maybe it was because of the darkness giving way to sunlight, but He yelled at them and told them to cast on the right side of the boat.

 

In one regard, you wonder why they would do what He said if they simply thought it was some stranger yelling at them.  However, on the other hand, what could it hurt if they hadn’t caught anything all night long? 

 

So they did it, and look what happened in verse 6.  They were not able to haul in the net because of all of the fish they had caught. 

 

Now why did Jesus tell them to cast on the right side?  Was it because He could see a school of fish there?  No, He caused the fish to be there.

 

By the way, one of the great truths of this story is that God blesses obedience.  When Peter and the others did what God the Son told them to do, God the Son blessed them with an enormous mess of fish.

 

Brothers and sisters, don’t ever doubt this truth.  God blesses our obedience.  Do you want God’s blessings in your life and on your life?  Do whatever He tells you to do through His Word!

 

When this happened, John knew immediately it was Jesus, and he told Peter.  Peter acted instinctively and jumped into the water and started swimming to Jesus. 

 

The other disciples stayed in the boat and hauled in the net full of fish that they had caught after casting on the right side doing what Jesus told them to do.  This is a picture of prosperity.

 

 

• A Picture of Unity, John 21:9-14

9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”  11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.  14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

 

In verse 9, Jesus evidently had supplied His own fish and bread, and we know He can do that, but He asked the disciples to bring some of their fish as well.  Why?  Because God has chosen to partner with us in accomplishing His will.  Yes, He can do it all, but we get to be join Him in this picture of unity. 

 

God can cause the whole world to be saved in a nanosecond.  However, His plan is for us share the gospel, and He will open hearts.  We join Him in that work.

 

God can accomplish anything, anytime, anyhow.  However, His plan is for us to pray, and He will bring His will to pass.  We join Him in that work. 

 

We know that John’s account is an eye-witness account because of the details.  He chronicled 153 fish that were caught that day. 

 

Is that a special number or have some special meaning?  I think it only means that John was there and saw it with his own eyes and wrote about it with own hand. 

 

By the way, don’t miss the end of verse 11.  Although there were so many fish, the net was not broken. 

 

It seems that John is saying that normally, a catch of that size would break the net.  This time, it didn’t. 

 

When we are obedient, God will work beyond what we think is normal or reasonable.  Paul said something similar in Ephesians 3:20.

 

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.

 

So think about this related to our FLC and John 21:11. Normally, a church our size wouldn’t be able to raise the money, and normally, the net would have broken on a catch that size.

 

However, when they didn’t what Jesus said, God worked beyond what they thought was normal.  When we do what God says with our finances, I believe that God will work beyond what we think is normal.  Paul said He can do more than we ask or even think according to the power that works in us. 

 

What power is that?  The Holy Spirit is in in us, and our job is to obey His leading. 

 

In verses 12-13, these men had breakfast as Jesus had provided for them.  This was now then the third time that He had appeared to this group after the resurrection. 

 

The first was when Thomas was not there.  The second was with Thomas, and now this. 

 

 

Conclusion

So here is what I want to ask you this morning.  Why is your net empty? 

 

Is your salvation net empty because you’re casting on the self-righteous side of the boat instead of the trust Jesus side of the boat?  Call on Him to save you today.

 

Is your ministry net empty because you’re casting on the self-seeking side of the boat instead of the honor God side of the boat?  Ministry isn’t about you.  It’s about honoring Him and giving Him glory.

 

Is your marriage net or your parenting net empty because you’re casting on the self-serving side of the boat instead of the serve other side of the boat? 

 

Marriage is about serving your spouse.  You can teach your kids about leadership by modeling for them servant leadership. 

 

That’s what Jesus did when He died on the cross.  He served me and you by giving up self. 

 

If your net is empty this morning, would you throw it on the Jesus side?  If you will, you’ll be blessed beyond measure.

Our Substitute

Let me begin this morning with a question.  “What are you willing to do to preserve the life of the person sitting next to you?” 

 

If it is your spouse or your child, you would probably be willing to give your life, but would you be willing give your life for the person close by who is not your spouse or your child?  Most of us would not, and this is normal, but today, we look closely at the abnormal.

 

Last Sunday, we saw Jesus undergoing His Roman Trial at the hands of Pontius Pilate.  Today, we continue with that trial in John 19:1-16. 

 

It is Friday morning, and Jesus is at Pilate’s residence, and the Jewish religious leaders are outside demanding Jesus’ death by crucifixion.  Pilate doesn’t really want to act on this issue, but he is in between a rock and a hard spot.

 

 

1. The Humiliation by the Soldiers, John 19:1-3

1 Pilate then took Jesus and scourged Him.  2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and put a purple robe on Him; 3 and they began to come up to Him and say, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and to give Him slaps in the face.

 

Because Pilate didn’t want to sentence Jesus to death, he thought that beating Him and humiliating Him would pacify the Jews.  Therefore, he had Him scourged or beaten. 

 

Jesus’ hands were locked down on a stump with His back exposed, and two Roman soldiers took turns beating Him with a “cat of nine tails.”  This instrument had a wooden handle with strips of leather extending from it.  At the end of each leather strip were bits of metal or bone or glass and would tear the flesh into bloody strips.  Many criminals didn’t survive this flogging as these Roman soldiers beat Him up to 39 times. 

 

They then took a vine of thorns and twisted into a crown.  These thorns may have been 3 inches in length and pressed this crown down on Jesus’ head penetrating His scalp. 

 

At this time, they were also beating Him and slapping Him and spitting on Him.  Finally, they took a purple robe from nearby and draped it over His back and mocked Him as “King of the Jews.”

 

 

1. The Presentation of a King, John 19:4-7

4 Pilate came out again and *said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you so that you may know that I find no guilt in Him.”  5 Jesus then came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate *said to them, “Behold, the Man!”  6 So when the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out saying, “Crucify, crucify!” Pilate *said to them, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no guilt in Him.”  7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God.”

 

Again, we see in verse 4 that Pilate didn’t want to execute Jesus.  He was hoping that a severe beating would get the Jews off his back. 

 

Therefore, he presented the bloody Jesus to them, but they wouldn’t have it as they responded to the presentation of Jesus with chants of “Crucify Him.”

 

Now for the third time, Pilate told them that Jesus was innocent.  He did it in 18:38. He did it again in 19:4.  This is now the third time here in 19:6. 

 

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.

 

4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”

 

6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”

 

Pilate knew the truth, but he refused to act on the truth.  His lack of action was an action in and of itself. 

 

By the way, if you think your defense before God someday will be that you didn’t reject His Son, it won’t work.  If you don’t receive Jesus, then you are rejecting Jesus.

 

The Jews then told Pilate that Jesus had broken their law of blasphemy.  He claimed to be the Son of God and equal to God. 

 

For that, they believed Jesus was guilty of breaking the OT Law.  See Leviticus 26:14.

 

16 And whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him, the stranger as well as him who is born in the land. When he blasphemes the name of the Lord, he shall be put to death.

 

 

• The Condemnation from the Jews, John 19:8-16

8 Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; 9 and he entered into the Praetorium again and *said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.  10 So Pilate *said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?”  11 Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”  12 As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, “If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar.”  13 Therefore when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha.  14 Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he *said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!”  15 So they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!” Pilate *said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”  16 So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified.

 

Verse 8 tells us that Pilate became more afraid.  He was afraid that He was making a big mistake.  He began to wonder exactly who Jesus was. 

 

Jesus claimed to be a King and the Son of God, and remember that Pilate’s wife had a disturbing dream about Jesus.  See Matthew 27:19. 

 

19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.”

 

Therefore, Pilate began to question Him again or interrogate Him, and initially Jesus remained silent fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53.

 

In verse 11, Jesus finally responded after Pilate had grown frustrated with His silence.  Jesus reminded Pilate that all authority comes from God, and he would have no authority if it weren’t for God. 

 

We see here in this 11^th verse there is nothing beyond the control of God.  We may not understand it, but God is over all things. 

 

We also learn from verse 11 that there may well be degrees of sin.  All sin is unholy and an abomination to a holy God, but Jesus talked about a greater sin. 

 

I would suggest that He is talking about Caiaphas.  Caiaphas was the Jewish high priest and had the Old Testament Law to point him to the Messiah.  Yet, he missed it by handing Jesus over to Pilate to be executed. 

 

The Jews then made Pilate choose.  They gave him only two options.  He could choose to execute Jesus and follow their desires or he could release Him and be at odds with Caesar. 

 

For Pilate, his choice was clear.  He wanted nothing to do with the animosity of Caesar.  Therefore, he sentenced Jesus to be crucified.

 

In verse 13, after seeing and hearing that the Jews were not backing down, he brought Jesus one final time and put Him before the people.  It was mid morning on Friday, and he gave them their king.      

 

They responded with “Crucify Him.”  That word “crucify” or some form of it is in this text on 7 different occasions. 

 

This text is about Jesus being crucified, and so Pilate handed Jesus over for just that.  It is so strange that in verse 15, the Jews pledged their support to a Gentile, oppressive king and rejected their promised Messiah.

 

 

Conclusion

Let me be as simple as I can.  Today’s message is that Jesus went through all of this for you.  He died for you.  We owe God because of our sin, but yet, we have no means to pay God, but Jesus does. 

 

He lived a perfect, sinless life, and died in your place and for you sins.  He was our substitute. 

 

To receive Him as Lord and Savior is to have forgiveness of sins, heaven, and eternal life.  See Romans 5:8.

What Are You Doing with the Truth?

and denied in the wee hours of Friday morning.  He was taken to the house of Annas, the high priest emeritus where an informal trial was conducted sometime before daylight. 

 

This morning, we pick up in John 18:28, but John has left out something the other gospel writers included.  Remember, Jesus had two official trials. 

 

We are going to see the beginning of His Roman Trial today, but before that, He had a religious trail that was conducted by Caiaphas, the high priest, and son-in-law of Annas. 

 

The result of that trial was that Jesus was condemned to die because He claimed to be God.  However, the Jews couldn’t authorize capital punishment.  Therefore, John doesn’t include those details, and he jumps straight to Jesus’ Roman Trial.

 

 

1. The Examination of the King, John 18:28-32

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. 

 

Verse 28 begins with “they.”  These were the religious Jews who had Jesus arrested and brought to trial before Caiaphas.  Now, it is probably close to 6 AM, and they led Jesus from Caiaphas’ residence into the Praetorium or the hall of judgment. 

 

In verse 29, Pilate, the Roman governor at the time, greeted them and asked what their accusations of Jesus were.  Again, under Roman law, the Jews had no authority to execute anyone except by stoning, but that is not what they wanted for Jesus. 

 

They wanted Him crucified, and so they needed the judgment of Pilate.  Interestingly enough, by wanting Him crucified, they were fulfilling prophecy.  If they stoned Jesus, surely He would have suffered broken bones, but according to Psalm 34:20, that could not happen to the Messiah.  The Messiah was to be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent according to John 3:14. 

 

Psalm 34:20, 20 He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken.

 

John 3:14, 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.

 

Why did these religious Jews want Jesus put to death?  Go back to Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas in Mark 14:60-64.  Jesus equated Himself with God, and to these Jews, that constituted blasphemy. 

 

Mark 14:60-64, 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” 61 But He kept silent and answered nothing.  Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”  62 Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”  63 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? 64 You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?”  And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.

 

 

1. The Explanation of His Kingdom, John 18:33-38

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.”  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.

 

Beginning in verse 33, we see a somewhat private conversation between Pilate and Jesus as Pilate, the Roman governor, asked Jesus some questions.  The first question is if He was King of the Jews.  Jesus answered that question with a question, and then explained about His Kingdom.

 

Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world.  Otherwise, His followers would be fighting right now for His release.  However, they weren’t, and then Jesus recounted in verse 37 why He came into this world.  It was to testify to the truth.

 

So if we were to answer Pilate’s question this morning, what would you say.  The world around us today would say that truth is relative, and in some contexts, that is correct. 

 

For example, I am a tall person.  This is truth relative to any of my daughters.  However, it is not true compared to anyone who is taller than six feet.

 

Truth is also absolute.  Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.  Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.  There is no wavering on these scientific realities. 

 

Here is a truth: Jesus is different.  When Pilate was questioning Jesus in private, we know that he was concerned about Jesus being a king because that threatened Pilate’s kingdom.  However, Jesus’ kingdom is not political but peaceful. 

 

Jesus wasn’t a threat to the Roman government.  However, He could have summoned His followers to fight or battle on His behalf, but He didn’t.  His kingdom was about peace and heaven and eternal life. 

 

Jesus is different, and as a result, His followers are called to be different.  When it comes to money, as followers of Christ, we are to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven rather than treasures on earth.  When it comes to marriage, our spouse is our ally rather than our adversary.  When it comes to meaning in this life, we find our purpose in our Savior rather than sex or substances or success. 

 

Jesus is different, and His followers are to be different as well.

 

 

• The Emancipation of a Criminal, John 18:38-40

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.

 

In verse 38, Pilate went back out to the Jews, and even though he didn’t find any fault with Jesus, he let the Jews choose what to do with Him, and they chose to emancipate or release a criminal.

 

The text says his name was Barabbas.  That was actually like calling him John Doe.  Barabbas means son of a father, and this man was more than a robber. 

Barabbas was a terrorist, who had murdered and stolen.  However, he was released, and Jesus’ Roman Trial will continue next week in John 19. 

 

 

Invitation

Before we close, I need for us to go back to Pilate’s profound question, “What is truth?”  Pilate’s experience with Jesus is fascinating and unfortunate. 

 

Pilate asked about the truth.  Some of you have asked about the truth and what is truth.  You want to know what the world says and what the Bible says.

 

Pilate also associated with the truth.  He associated with Jesus in this trial, and every Bible ever printed records Pilate’s association with the truth. 

 

Again, some of you associate with truth.  You come to church.  You are in a family full of Christians. 

 

However, Pilate never accepted the Truth.  He never accepted the truth that God is holy, man is sinful, and Jesus is the only way to God.  He never accepted Jesus and His Lord and Savior.  What about you?

 

Second Chances

This morning, we are in John 18:12, and we have now ventured into the wee hours of Friday morning, and 600 plus Roman soldiers came to arrest Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane, and that is where we pick up today’s story. 

 

As we continue in John 18 this morning, we are going to be seeing two different scenes that took place at the same time.  The first scene is with Jesus and Annas and Caiaphas and John.  The second scene is with Peter.

 

 

14. Jesus was detained, John 18:12-14.

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.

 

In verses 12-14, we see that Jesus was detained or arrested or incarcerated.  The Roman cohort did not arrest Jesus disciples as they fled, but they did arrest Jesus, and they bound Him probably meaning that His hands were tied behind His back.

 

In verse 13, we see that the first place Jesus was led was the residence of Annas.  Who was Annas?  Evidently, he was the high priest emeritus.  Even though he wasn’t the acting high priest, he still exercised a lot of influence as his daughter’s husband was the acting high priest.

 

It seems that Annas saw Jesus first in an informal setting.  You might even think of this like we see on television when detectives interrogate suspects in the police station. 

 

Jesus would experience two trials on this Friday.  The first was at the hands of the religious leaders, and the second was at the hands of the Roman leaders.  The religious trial was conducted by Caiaphas.  The Roman trail was conducted by Pilate. 

 

Notice one last item in verse 14.  John reminded us that it was Caiaphas who prophesied that Jesus would die on behalf of all the people.  See John 11:49-52.

 

49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.

 

I made this point last week, but it certainly bears repeating.  Jesus died for the sins of the world.  He died physically so that you and I would not have to die spiritually if we confess Him as Lord and Savior.

 

Always remember that.  Jesus died for your sins and my sins.

 

 

24. Jesus was demeaned, John 18:19-24.

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. 

 

Skip down to verse 19. Jesus was before Annas, the high priest emeritus.  Annas questioned Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine or teaching. 

 

Jesus spoken plainly and told him that He taught openly and in the Jewish synagogues and in the temple.  He taught nothing in secret. 

 

After His answer, one of those soldiers present evidently thought Jesus was being disrespectful to Annas and hit Jesus in the face.  Jesus was demeaned. 

 

However, Jesus responded by asking what He had done wrong for which there was no answer.  In verse 24, Annas sent him on for His official religious trial with the Jewish religious leaders which would be conducted by Caiaphas, the sitting high priest.

 

 

• Jesus was denied, John 18:15-18, 25-27.

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.

 

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.

 

Not only was Jesus detained and demeaned, but we also see that Jesus was denied.  It is almost like we have split screens as we see these two different scenes taking place at the same time. 

 

In verse 15, Peter and most likely John followed behind the soldiers as Jesus was taken to Annas’ residence. 

 

In verse 16, John had enough of a connection with the high priest that he was able to bring Peter inside.  However, Peter remained outside or at least in the doorway. 

 

In verse 17, the doorkeeper asked or accused Peter of being one of Jesus disciples, and at the end of verse 17, we have the first of three times in which Peter denied any association with Jesus.  Again, Peter decided not to come inside and remained outside and gathered around a fire with some of the Roman soldiers.

 

Now, move to verses 25-27.  Again, Peter was standing outside around the fire.  Jerusalem is approximately 2500 feet about sea level.  Therefore, it is appropriate to see the coolness of the weather in the wee hours of this spring morning. 

 

For the second time, Peter was asked or accused of being one of Jesus’ disciples.  For the second time, he denied Christ. 

 

Finally, a relative of Malchus, the man that had his ear cut off by Peter, asked or accused Peter of being a disciple of Jesus, and for the third time, Peter denied Christ. 

 

At that very moment, a prophecy was fulfilled when the rooster crowed.  By the way, that rooster crowing probably signaled 3 AM. 

 

Turn over to Luke 22:61-62.  The eyes of Peter and the eyes of Jesus met, and Peter was devastated.

 

61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 62 So Peter went out and wept bitterly.

 

 

Applications

Frist, we should get used to earthly injustice as followers of Christ.  All that took place with Jesus and Annas was not legal according to Jewish law on several levels.

 

First, it was illegal for a trial to take place in secret or at night.  Second, it was illegal for a trial to take place somewhere other than the hall of judgment, which was in the temple.  Third, the accused could not be compelled to testify against himself or asked self-incriminating questions.  Fourth, Annas provided no witnesses of Jesus’ accused crimes. Fifth, to strike the accused who had not been proven guilty was also illegal. 

 

All of this goes to show that Jesus was not treated fairly.  As a result, it is foolish on our part to think we will encounter anything but injustice in this life if we are followers of Jesus.  We should get used to the world treating us unjustly if we are going to name the name of Christ as Lord and Savior.

 

Second, we can learn from Jesus to be the same person in public as in we are in private.  Jesus told Annas that He hadn’t done anything in secret.  He was not ashamed of any of His actions or teachings.  He was the same man. 

 

As a follower of Christ, after we attend church on Sunday, are we the same Christian on Monday through Friday at work or on Saturday at the ball game or golf course or deer camp?  The church has lost much of our influence because of hypocrisy in the pulpit and in the pew. 

 

Let’s be real.  Let’s be genuine.  Let’s be authentic, and may our walk match our talk.

 

Finally, here is what I think is the main idea of this text.  We should thank God for second chances.  We are all need of second chances, and Peter was no different. 

 

We sometimes are hard on Peter for denying Christ on these three occasions, yet many of us deny Christ every day when we refuse to be obedient or refuse to speak up or out about Jesus.  Peter got a second chance and was restored in John 21, and we know that he was a primary leader and preacher in the book of Acts as Christianity spread around the world. 

 

I need second chances as a husband and father and pastor.  You need second chances in the same way.  We all should thank God for second chances.

 

Initiation

Our invitation today is for you to become a follower of Christ.  It will not be an easy life.  As a matter of fact, it will probably cause you much pain and injustice, but it will also mean forgiveness of all sins, heaven and eternal life, and peace with God.  Will you call on the name of the Lord today and be saved?

 

Our invitation is also for you, as a follower of Christ, to leave your hypocrisy.  Would you confess your sins today and repent and commit to be the same person in private that you are in public?  There needs to be no more living one way on Sunday morning and living another way the rest of the week.

 

Finally, our invitation is for you to hear the words, “I forgive you.”  Jesus forgave Peter.  Jesus can forgive you.

God the Son: Friend or Foe?

If you are a guest with us this morning, again, thank you for joining us.  On Sunday mornings for well over a year now, we have been studying the gospel of John verse by verse and chapter by chapter.  As a matter of fact, we started John in November 2021, and will finish in August 2023.  I think that is 22 months.

 

We study the Bible that way because here at Emory Baptist Church, we believe that the Bible is God’s Word, and we want to know every bit of it, and we recognize it as the authority in our life on all matters.  Today, you can turn to John 18:1.

 

In this account of Jesus’ life on earth, we have to the week of His life when He died on the cross.  In today’s text, it is very, very late on Thursday night or very, very early on Friday morning, and we have seen Jesus in the upper room with His disciples. 

 

I had told you previously that Jesus’ high-priestly prayer in John 17 probably took place as they were walking.  However, the beginning of chapter 18 could make the case for He and His disciples not leaving the upper room until now.  I’ll let you come to your own conclusions.

 

 

Exposition 18:1-3

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

 

John 18:1-11 has three primary characters: Jesus, Judas, and Peter.  In verse 1, Jesus and His disciples headed east outside of Jerusalem’s city walls.  They went through the Kidron valley up to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. 

 

In verse 2, we see Judas.  Judas was the one that betrayed Jesus.  Never is Judas mentioned in the Bible without connecting him with his betrayal.  Even at the beginning of the gospels, when the disciples are listed, Judas is listed last and as the betrayer.  Remember that Jesus predicted this, and Judas fulfilled it for thirty pieces of silver.

 

Verse 2 also tells us that Jesus often took His disciples to Gethsemane.  In verse 3, Judas was leading the way to Jesus along with a Roman cohort. 

 

We know this to be approximately 600 men, and they were carrying lanterns and torches because it was the middle of the night.  They were also carrying weapons because they heard that Jesus had disciples, and they were expecting a fight. 

 

Judas was clearly a foe of Jesus.  Foe means an opponent or an adversary. 

 

 

Exposition 18:4-9

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.” 

 

In verse 4, we see the deity of Jesus and His omniscience as He was fully aware of all that was happening and about to happen.  In other words, Jesus was all-knowing. 

 

Jesus wasn’t just any man, but He was God the Son.  Notice that Jesus didn’t hide or try to run.  He boldly presented Himself and asked who they were looking for.  They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.” 

 

What was Jesus’ response? Jesus answered, “I AM.” The word He is not in the original language, and that is significant.  Jesus declared Himself to be God.  He called Himself the God of the OT as named in Exodus 3:14. 

 

14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

 

At the end of verse 6, John noted their response.  Why did they fall back and gasp?  Again, because Jesus declared Himself not to be just any man, but the God Man. 

 

In verse 7, Jesus asked again who they were seeking.  Again, they answered Jesus. 

 

In verse 8, now for the second time, Jesus said, “I AM.”  Don’t let anyone ever lead you astray in thinking that Jesus never thought He was God.  He knew He was God, and He declared Himself to be God.

 

In verse 8, you see Jesus calling for the release of His disciples.  In verse 9, Jesus fulfilled a promise that He had made in the upper room by protecting all of His disciples and delivering them from death.  See John 17:12. 

 

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.

 

Judas was the son of perdition, and he was lost because He was never saved.

 

Jesus knew and cleared declared with His actions and His words that He was God the Son.

 

Exposition 18:10-11

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?”

 

In verse 10, we see Peter doing what Peter did.  He acted abruptly, and in an attempt to defend Jesus, He drew a large knife and cut off the ear of Malchus.  He was certainly aiming for his head, but missed. 

 

To some degree, Peter still didn’t get it.  He would eventually as he would later receive the Holy Spirit permanently and preach and see thousands saved.

 

Regardless, Peter was a friend of Jesus.  He was ready to go to battle with Jesus. 

 

 

Conclusions

So what lessons can we take away from this narrative?  There are a few that are secondary and one that is primary. 

 

First, following God’s will is not always nice and neat and comfortable.  Jesus knew full well what God’s will was.  It was for Him to be betrayed, arrested, beaten, and murdered. 

 

Did He refuse?  Did He throw a pity party?  Did He complain?  No, He submitted. 

 

Second, Jesus died for you and me so that we wouldn’t have to die.  Look back at verse 8.  We see that truth foreshadowed here.  Every person in this room will die physically unless Jesus returns first, and every person in this room will die spiritually if you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. 

 

Third, for everyone that calls on the Lord to save them, you are secure for eternity.  Verse 9 says that Jesus will not lose you.  If you are saved or when you are saved, you saved for eternity and safe and secure from all alarm.

 

However, here is the main point of today’s text.  Jesus is the God the Son.  Will you treat Him as a foe like Judas or a friend like Peter?

 

A foe says I don’t like Jesus or believe in Jesus or want to have anything to do with Jesus. 

 

However, a friend says, I am sinner.  Therefore, I need Jesus as my only Savior.  I will call on Him to save me from my sins.

 

Foes of Jesus will spend an eternity in hell with Judas.  Friends of Jesus who have called on Him to save them will spend an eternity in heaven with Peter but more importantly with Jesus, God the Son.

 

How will you respond to Jesus this morning?