4.6 Summary
The Diverse Testimonies About Jesus as the Messiah

Lesson 4 deals with the diverse testimonies about Jesus Christ as the Messiah presented in the Gospel of John. Through the testimony of John the Baptist, the first disciples, and through the encounters with Nathanael and Nicodemus, Jesus’ identity as the promised Savior and Messiah is revealed. Each of these testimonies offers deeper insight into the nature and mission of Jesus and shows how people recognize Him as God’s envoy and respond to His teachings.

John the Baptist: The Witness for the Messiah

John the Baptist played a central role as the forerunner and witness of Jesus. In John 1:19–28, John clearly understands that he is not the Messiah, but the one who is to prepare the way for the true Messiah. He testifies about Jesus as “the Lamb of God,” who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). This image refers to the Old Testament sacrificial system, where lambs were sacrificed for the sins of the people. John thus indicates that Jesus has come to serve as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity, correcting the prevalent image of a military Messiah.

By pointing out Jesus’ role as the Lamb of God, he directs attention to the spiritual dimension of salvation. Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies not through military power, but through His self-sacrifice and the sacrifice of His life. This testimony shows the central message of the Gospel of John: Jesus has come to restore the relationship between God and humans through His death.

The First Disciples: Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael

The first disciples of Jesus, including Andrew and Simon Peter, recognize Jesus based on John the Baptist’s testimony. Andrew hears John say that Jesus is the Lamb of God and follows Him immediately (John 1:35–40). Andrew then brings his brother Simon Peter to Jesus, demonstrating the immediate effect of the encounter with the Messiah. Jesus gives Simon the new name “Cephas” (Peter), indicating his future role in the church. This encounter shows how people, upon meeting Jesus, experience a profound change and enter His service.

Philip, another disciple, is equally enthusiastic and invites Nathanael to meet Jesus. In John 1:43–51, we see Philip telling Nathanael that Jesus is the one “about whom Moses and the prophets wrote.” Philip thus shows that he recognizes Jesus as the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. However, Nathanael initially meets this message with skepticism and prejudice against Nazareth, a city he considers insignificant. Instead of arguing, Philip simply invites him: “Come and see!”

This invitation is powerful because it gives Nathanael the opportunity to meet Jesus personally and overcome his doubts. When Nathanael finally meets Jesus, he is deeply moved as Jesus reveals that He has already seen him “under the fig tree.” This divine insight convinces Nathanael and leads him to confess, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel” (John 1:49). The encounter with Jesus shows Nathanael that his initial prejudices were unfounded and that Jesus truly is the promised Messiah.

Nicodemus: The Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth

Nicodemus, a respected teacher of Israel and member of the Sanhedrin, comes to Jesus in John 3:1–21 to learn more about Him. Although Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus as Rabbi and sees the signs pointing to His divine calling, he does not immediately grasp the full meaning of Jesus’ mission. Jesus confronts Nicodemus with a profound spiritual truth: “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

Nicodemus is confused, taking this statement literally. Jesus explains that this rebirth is not physical but spiritual, accomplished by the Holy Spirit, who renews a person’s heart and life from the ground up. This message shows that access to the kingdom of God is not achieved through external affiliation or knowledge but through a profound spiritual transformation. Jesus challenges Nicodemus—and thus us—to lay aside the old self and lead a new life in faith.

Nicodemus is initially hesitant, but this encounter shapes him. Later, when Jesus is crucified, Nicodemus appears as a follower of Jesus and brings expensive ointments to anoint Jesus’ body (John 19:39). His journey from intellectual curiosity to deep faith demonstrates the transformative power of a genuine encounter with Christ.

The testimonies of John the Baptist, the disciples, and Nicodemus about Jesus as the Messiah have direct relevance to our daily lives and faith. They challenge us to overcome our prejudices, doubts, and intellectual barriers and to encounter Jesus on a deeper, more personal level. Like Nathanael, we are often skeptical or blocked by preconceived opinions, but the invitation “Come and see!” shows us that the true path to faith is through personal experience with Jesus.

The testimonies of John the Baptist, the disciples, and Nicodemus about Jesus as the Messiah have direct relevance to our everyday lives and our faith. They challenge us to overcome our prejudices, doubts, and intellectual barriers and to encounter Jesus on a deeper, more personal level. Like Nathanael, we are often skeptical or blocked by preconceived notions, but the invitation “Come and see!” shows us that the true path to faith is through personal experience with Jesus.

This lesson teaches us that we should not merely follow knowledge or traditions, but must seek a living relationship with Christ. The rebirth that Jesus speaks of is a call to be renewed inwardly each day by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. This renewal not only changes our perspective but also our behavior and our testimony to others.

The testimonies in this lesson remind us that faith is not static, but a journey of discovery, transformation, and growth. Whether we, like John the Baptist, courageously point to Jesus, like the disciples, tell others about Him, or like Nicodemus, seek deeper answers – we are all called to live out the testimony of Christ as the true Messiah in our daily lives.

Every day offers us the opportunity to be renewed internally through Christ and to grow in His grace.

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-witnesses-of-christ-as-the-messiah-4-6-summary-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 25, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 19

¹ Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.

² And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,

³ And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

⁴ Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.

⁵ Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

⁶ When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.

⁷ The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

⁸ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;

⁹ And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

¹⁰ Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?

¹¹ Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

¹² And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

¹³ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.

¹⁴ And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

¹⁵ But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

¹⁶ Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.

¹⁷ And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

¹⁸ Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

¹⁹ And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews.

²⁰ This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

²¹ Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.

²² Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

²³ Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

²⁴ They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

²⁵ Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

²⁶ When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

²⁷ Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

²⁸ After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

²⁹ Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

³⁰ When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

³¹ The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

³² Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.

³³ But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

³⁴ But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

³⁵ And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

³⁶ For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

³⁷ And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

³⁸ And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

³⁹ And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

⁴⁰ Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

⁴¹ Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.

⁴² There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

John Chapter 19 describes the end of Jesus’ earthly life and marks the climax of His journey of suffering. It begins with His scourging and mockery, continues with His condemnation by Pilate, and concludes with the crucifixion and His death at Golgotha. Despite the agony that Jesus endures, His sacrifice remains a profound sign of divine love and obedience. This chapter powerfully illustrates how Jesus fulfills the divine plan of redemption while those around Him act with injustice, betrayal, and fear.

Commentary:

John 19 begins with the brutal scourging of Jesus by the Roman soldiers. The crown of thorns they place on His head and the purple robe they drape over Him are clear signs of the mockery with which they ridicule Him as the “King of the Jews.” This act of derision demonstrates the deep contempt that both the Jewish leaders and the Roman soldiers held for Him. Nevertheless, Jesus remains calm and silent amid this suffering, highlighting His determination to fulfill the will of His Father. The contrast between His passive submission and the active cruelty of those around Him is striking. His silent patience, even in the face of the most severe physical and emotional abuse, speaks to Jesus’ profound inner strength and His dedication to the divine plan.

Pilate’s role in this chapter is ambivalent and tragic. Multiple times he attempts to release Jesus, finding no guilt in Him, yet he becomes increasingly pressured by the Jewish crowd and their religious leaders. It is particularly noteworthy how Pilate’s fear escalates when he hears that Jesus has declared Himself the “Son of God” (John 19:7-8). This designation awakens a deeper fear in Pilate that goes beyond the political—perhaps he senses a hint of the truth that Jesus embodies. Nevertheless, he cannot withstand the pressure. Pilate’s famous question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) from the previous chapter takes on a tragic dimension here. Although he has the truth before him, he ultimately decides to hand Jesus over to crucifixion out of political calculation and fear of a revolt.

The crucifixion itself is not only a cruel punishment but also the fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies. The description of Jesus carrying His cross and being crucified at Golgotha signifies His complete dedication and obedience to God’s will. John mentions two other individuals being crucified alongside Jesus, but the focus remains on Jesus, who hangs in the center. The fact that Pilate has the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” placed above the cross in three languages is symbolically significant. It indicates that Jesus’ work has universal importance—it is not directed only at the Jews but at all of humanity.

The division of Jesus’ garments among the soldiers fulfills another Old Testament prophecy mentioned in Psalm 22:18: “They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” This moment emphasizes the complete humiliation and degradation Jesus experiences during His crucifixion, yet He remains the sovereign King and the true Redeemer.

A particularly moving scene is when Jesus, from His cross, cares for His mother. He instructs John, “the disciple whom He loved,” to take Mary as His mother, and Mary to take John as her son (John 19:26-27). This act of care, even amidst His suffering, demonstrates Jesus’ deep compassion and concern for those close to Him. This too is a sign of His divine love, manifested not only in His sacrifice but also in the small, personal moments.

When Jesus finally dies, He cries out, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). This statement encapsulates the entire work of redemption. Jesus has completed His mission—He has paid the price for humanity’s sins and paved the way for reconciliation between God and mankind. With this death, not only does His earthly life end, but also the old covenant. Through His death, Jesus establishes a new covenant in which people have direct access to God without the mediating role of the Old Testament priesthood.

Another remarkable detail in this chapter is that the soldiers do not break Jesus’ legs because He is already dead, and one of the soldiers pierces His side with a spear, resulting in the flow of blood and water. This scene fulfills two more prophecies: “None of his bones will be broken” (from Psalm 34:20) and “They will look on the one they have pierced” (from Zechariah 12:10). Here again, the continuity between the Old and New Testaments is evident—everything that happens to Jesus is part of the divine plan.

The chapter concludes with the burial of Jesus, organized by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. These two men, who had previously kept their discipleship secret out of fear of the Jews, now bravely come forward to prepare a proper burial for Jesus. Their actions testify to the profound impact Jesus had on those who truly recognized Him.

Summary:

John 19 describes the final hours of Jesus’ life, beginning with His scourging and mockery, leading up to His crucifixion and death. Despite the brutal treatment, Jesus remains calm and fulfills the divine plan of redemption. Pilate makes several attempts to release Him but ultimately succumbs to the pressure from the Jewish leaders and the crowd, handing Jesus over to be crucified. Jesus dies at Golgotha, proclaiming, “It is finished,” which concludes His mission to save humanity. The prophecies of the Old Testament are fulfilled in these events, and Jesus is ultimately buried by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/25-10-2024-john-chapter-19-believe-his-prophets/

4.5 The Witness of Nicodemus
Nicodemus and the Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth

Read John 3:1–21. How does Nicodemus’ testimony support the theme of the Gospel of John?

Nicodemus, a respected teacher and member of the Sanhedrin, comes to Jesus at night to seek answers to his inner questions (John 3:1–21). Although he acknowledges Jesus as Rabbi and sees the signs that testify to Jesus’ divine calling, he initially does not recognize Him as the Messiah. His encounter with Jesus illustrates the central theme of the Gospel of John: the necessity of spiritual rebirth and faith to see the kingdom of God. Jesus reveals to him that even a righteous Jew needs a profound transformation. This lesson overcomes Nicodemus’ doubts and lays the foundation for his later role as a follower of Jesus, highlighting the shift from intellectual understanding to true faith.

Read John 3:3–21. What did Jesus say to Nicodemus to show that He understood him?

When Nicodemus came to Jesus, Jesus immediately recognized his inner doubts and the ignorance that lay within him despite his position as a teacher of Israel. Jesus got straight to the heart of the matter and explained to Nicodemus that he, like all people, needs to be spiritually reborn to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3–21). This statement shook Nicodemus, who thought his Jewish heritage and knowledge of the law were sufficient. Jesus made it clear that external affiliation or knowledge is not enough; a deep, personal transformation by the Spirit is required. By confronting Nicodemus’ spiritual blindness, Jesus opened his eyes to the true nature of faith and salvation. Nicodemus’ later support of Jesus shows that this confrontation ultimately led to a profound change in him.

What does it mean to be “born again,” and why does Jesus place so much emphasis on it?

To be “born again” means to experience a fundamental inner renewal and transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. This rebirth goes beyond a mere external change in behavior; it affects the deepest levels of the human heart and soul. In John 3:3–7, Jesus explains that rebirth is necessary to see the kingdom of God. This transformation does not occur through human effort but through the work of the Spirit, who renews the believer from within and grants a new life in Christ.

Jesus places so much emphasis on rebirth because it is the prerequisite for entering into a genuine relationship with God. Through this renewal, a person is enabled to recognize God’s truth, receive His love, and live a life no longer dominated by sin but by the Spirit of God. Rebirth is necessary because it sheds the old, sinful self and brings a person into a new life in Christ, which is crucial for salvation and eternal life.

Nicodemus’ testimony about the necessity of spiritual rebirth has a direct connection to our daily lives and faith. Jesus’ message to Nicodemus challenges us to go beyond mere religious knowledge or external affiliation. In our daily lives, it is easy to rely on traditions, routines, or intellectual understanding. But Jesus emphasizes that a deep, personal transformation is needed—a new heart and a renewed spirit—to truly be connected with God.

For our faith, this means that our daily relationship with God should be marked by inner change. Rebirth through the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to change our character and actions to align with God’s will. This renewal enables us to overcome sin, experience God’s love, and live our daily lives in trust in Him. Through this spiritual rebirth, we experience the true meaning of faith, which is not just intellectual assent but a living, transformative relationship with God.

True transformation begins in the heart when we allow God’s Spirit to renew us from within.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-witnesses-of-christ-as-the-messiah-4-5-the-witness-of-nicodemus-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 24, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 18

¹ When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

² And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

³ Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

⁴ Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

⁵ They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

⁶ As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

⁷ Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

⁸ Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

⁹ That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

¹⁰ Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

¹¹ Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

¹² Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,

¹³ And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

¹⁴ Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

¹⁵ And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.

¹⁶ But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

¹⁷ Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.

¹⁸ And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

¹⁹ The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

²⁰ Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

²¹ Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

²² And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

²³ Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

²⁴ Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

²⁵ And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.

²⁶ One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?

²⁷ Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

²⁸ Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

²⁹ Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?

³⁰ They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

³¹ Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:

³² That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

³³ Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

³⁴ Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

³⁵ Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

³⁶ Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

³⁷ Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

³⁸ Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

³⁹ But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

⁴⁰ Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

John Chapter 18 depicts the pivotal events leading to the arrest, interrogation, and condemnation of Jesus. The section begins with Jesus’ prayer and concludes with His handing over to the Romans. Judas’ betrayal, the reactions of the disciples—particularly Peter’s denial—and the interrogation by the high priest and Pilate highlight the drama of the final hours before Jesus’ crucifixion. The chapter illuminates Jesus’ willingness to fulfill the divine plan as He stands before His accusers and the promises of Scripture come to fruition.

Commentary:

John Chapter 18 marks a crucial turning point in the life of Jesus, as it narrates the dramatic events that lead to His crucifixion. The chapter begins with the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas, one of the twelve disciples, becomes the betrayer and leads the guards to Jesus. This moment signifies deep betrayal and simultaneously the fulfillment of the divine plan, which Jesus willingly accepts. The dynamics of the events described in this chapter open up several theological and human perspectives worthy of closer examination.

Firstly, we observe Jesus’ conscious and sovereign attitude toward the forthcoming events. Jesus knows what is coming and shows no fear or hesitation when Judas arrives with the soldiers. This scene emphasizes His determination to fulfill God’s plan. He actively confronts the soldiers, asking whom they seek, and then responds, “I am He,” which carries profound theological resonance. The response echoes God’s self-revelation to Moses in the Old Testament, where God said, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). With these words, Jesus consciously presents Himself as the Messiah and the Son of God.

A remarkable reaction follows Jesus’ statement: the soldiers and servants “stepped back and fell to the ground” (John 18:6). This gesture illustrates that even at the moment of His impending arrest, Jesus’ divine authority remains unbroken. The power and majesty of Jesus are so overwhelming that those who come to arrest Him fall down involuntarily. It indicates that the worldly power exercised here is ultimately subject to the power of God.

Peter’s role in this scene is also highly significant. In his impulsive manner, he attempts to defend Jesus by cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Malchus. Peter demonstrates his zeal and loyalty, but his action is stopped by Jesus. Jesus urges Peter to put away his sword and reminds him that He must drink the “cup” the Father has given Him (John 18:11). This underscores that Jesus’ suffering and death are not accidents or the result of human decisions but part of the divine plan for humanity’s redemption. In this moment, Jesus shows complete submission to the Father’s will, ready to bear the suffering that lies ahead.

Another important theme in John 18 is Jesus’ interrogation and Peter’s denial. As Jesus is taken and brought before Annas and Caiaphas, the Jewish religious leaders, Peter follows from a distance. Here, we witness the human weakness and fear within Peter’s character. When questioned by the servants if he is a disciple of Jesus, he denies it three times, just as Jesus had previously foretold (John 13:38). Peter, who had been so courageous before, fails in this moment, highlighting the tension between human courage and fear. His denial is a symbolic moment that shows how even the most faithful followers of Jesus can falter in moments of weakness.

Peter’s denial starkly contrasts with Jesus’ demeanor during His interrogation. While Peter denies out of fear, Jesus responds calmly and directly to the high priest’s questions. He emphasizes that He has always taught openly and done nothing in secret. Even when struck by a servant, He does not react aggressively but calmly questions why He is being struck if He has done nothing wrong (John 18:23). This demonstrates Jesus’ integrity and composure in the face of injustice and violence.

The scene with Pilate adds another dimension to the story. Pilate, the Roman governor, finds himself in a difficult position between the demands of the Jewish leaders and his own assessment that Jesus is innocent. The interaction between Jesus and Pilate is profound. When Pilate asks if Jesus is the “King of the Jews,” Jesus responds with an explanation that goes beyond the purely political. He states that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), indicating that Jesus’ kingship is a spiritual reality not comparable to earthly kingdoms. Jesus explains that He has come to testify to the truth, and everyone who is of the truth hears His voice (John 18:37). This statement underscores Jesus’ mission as a witness to divine truth and challenges listeners to decide whether to heed this truth.

Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38), is particularly significant. It reflects the skepticism and perhaps confusion of a man caught between political pragmatism and the profound, spiritual truth embodied by Jesus. Although Pilate recognizes that Jesus is innocent, he succumbs to the pressure of the crowd and condemns Jesus to crucifixion. This decision reflects the weakness of worldly power, which often does not serve justice but bends to external circumstances.

At the end of the chapter, we see the crowd demanding the release of the criminal Barabbas instead of Jesus. Barabbas, a murderer and insurrectionist, is favored, while the innocent Jesus is sentenced to execution. This exchange of Barabbas for Jesus can be understood as a symbol of the greater work of redemption: the innocent Jesus takes the place of the guilty to save humanity.

Summary:

In John Chapter 18, Jesus is arrested after being betrayed by Judas and brought before the Jewish high priest and the Roman governor Pilate. Despite the accusations against Him, Jesus remains calm and explains that His kingdom is not of this world. Peter, who follows Him, denies knowing Him three times, fulfilling Jesus’ prediction. Pilate, finding no fault in Jesus, yields to the crowd’s demands to release the criminal Barabbas and condemns the innocent Jesus to be crucified.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/24-10-2024-john-chapter-18-believe-his-prophets/