My Thoughts on the Life of Christ, from His Baptism to His Ascension.
216: The Betrayal - Mt. 26:47-56; Mk. 14:43-52; Lu. 22:47-53; Jn. 18:3-13
John 18:3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and
Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
While Jesus was still admonishing and grieving over His sleeping disciples, Judas approached
along with a great number of people who were carrying swords and staves. Judas had
previously arranged that he would identify Jesus with a kiss. Jesus thought it was ironic that
the crowd would come against Him bearing swords and clubs, when He had been teaching
daily in open view of them all.
John tells us that Jesus asked the crowd who they were looking for. They said, “Jesus of
Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I AM he.” At the mention of the name which God had declared to
Moses whom be His name forever and His memorial for all generations (Exodus 3:15), the
soldiers fell backwards. They then recovered and bound Jesus and lead Him away to face the
High Priest.
217: The Healing of Malchus’ Ear - Lu. 22:50-53
While Jesus was being arrested, impetuous Peter had drawn a sword and cut off the ear of the
High Priest’s servant (John 18:10-11). Jesus told Peter to put up his sword. He was willing to
drink the cup of suffering which His Father had given Him. He then reattached the ear of the
servant whose name was Malchus.
218: Jesus before the High Priest - Mt. 26:57; Mk. 14:53; Lu. 22:54; Jn. 18:13-14
John 18:13 ¶ 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.
John tells us that Jesus was first taken to Annas who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas the
High Priest. Whatever the function or position of Annas, he simply bound Jesus over to the
High Priest. It is possible that Annas and Caiaphas lived in the same house and this is where
the elders had assembled. It is here that an ecclesiactical trial of sorts was held. The synoptic
gospels describe the trial of Jesus as being before the Caiaphas, with no mention of Annas.
These are the things for theologians to argue about. The main point is that Jesus was being
tried in a religious court which was trying to find some grounds for which to obtain a death
warrant from Pilate the governor.
219: Peter’s Denial of Jesus - Mt 26:58, 69-75; Mk. 14:54, 66-72; Lu 22:54-62; Jn.
18:19-24
220: Jesus before the Council - Mt. 26:59-68; Mk. 14:55-65; Lu. 22:66-71; Jn. 18:19-24
John 18:19 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.
As Jesus is brought before the High Priest, Peter who had been willing to fight with the sword
was now mingling with the crowd and warming his hands at the enemies fire. So much for
consistency.
The High Priest enquired of Jesus concerning His doctrine. Surely He would say something
that would give them an opening to make accusation against Him. In His reply, Jesus
effectively asked for a public trial. He asked that witnesses be called who had heard Him
teach. At this reply, one of the officers slapped and rebuked Jesus for being impertinent to
the High Priest.
As witnesses were produced who contradicted each other, a servant girl recognized Peter.
"This man was with Jesus." "No, no, I don’t know Him, Peter said with an oath." Other
witnesses came forward who falsely said that they had heard Jesus say that He would
destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days.
Twice more Peter was confronted concerning his relationship with Jesus. Peter moved from
an oath to cursing and swearing as he denied knowing Jesus. Immediately after the third time,
a rooster crowed, just as Jesus had said it would.
Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of
the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
Jesus was prodded with many questions, but He refused to answer in defense. This further
incensed the High Priest and the assembled crowd.
The High Priest then asked Jesus, "Are you the Son of God." Jesus then answered, "I AM."
At the mention of the unutterable name of God, the High Priest had His case for death:
Blasphemy . At this they began to mock and beat Him. They would take Him to Pilate in the
morning, hoping that Pilate would confirm their sentence of death.
Conclusion and Application:
Peter offers such a contrast: It is hard to believe that the same man who said, "I don’t know
Him," would in just a couple of months address a mocking crowd on the day of Pentecost.
He would later resist the same religious leaders who condemned Jesus, when he and the
others were threatened for preaching in the name of Jesus. Pentecost and the infilling of the
Spirit made all the difference (Luke 22:32, 24:49; Acts 1:8, 2:4, 5:29 ).
Peter denied the Lord, but none of the other disciples were at His side either. He bore it all
alone.
Something to think about: If the day comes that I am asked to confirm or deny my Lord at
gunpoint,what will my answer be? Yours? The fact is that without the indwelling empowering
Spirit of Christ, we’ll deny Him also. With the Spirit, we’ll do exploits (Daniel 11:32)
Jesus told Peter that those who live by the sword will die by the sword. History has certainly
proven this as some, such as the Crusaders, tried to impose Christianity by the force of arms.
The Moslems whom they slaughtered are now doing the same. It's not by power or might that
we conquer, it is by the Spirit of the living God (Zechariah 4:6; Ephesians 6:10-18).
Next Week: Jesus before Pilate and Herod.
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A young child asked a woman how old she was. She answered, "39 and holding."
The child thought for a moment, then said, "And how old would you be if you let go?"
Somebody Has Said
"Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God.
Now if it is lying on your back, you are lost; but if it is resting on Christ, you are free, and
you will be saved. Now choose what you want." - Martin Luther
Keep Looking Up!
Don and Marie Spooner
About Him! Ministries
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