John – Page 8 – Be Still…

John 18:28-40 – Trial Part 2

I had mentioned Jesus had six trials…all the same night! Again, having been a paralegal for all those years, this just seems ludicrous. If you don’t get the right verdict, I suppose you keep trying! Again, this is how it had to be. God’s plan was using humans, there was bound to be some comedy of errors going on.

Jesus appears before Caiaphas next. Then Pilate. The other three trials would be in the other gospels. Two before Pilate, one before the high council and one before Herod.
Since we’re in John, we’ll focus on the trials John gives us.

John 18:25-27 – Under Pressure

Read John 18:25-27

This is a short reading today, but let’s focus in on Peter for a bit. You will recall in Chapter 13, Jesus told Peter he would deny him. Of course, at the time, Peter couldn’t imagine doing such a thing. This predictive statement of Jesus is common to the other gospels as well. We see it come to pass in these short verses.

Peter was obviously wanting to stay close to his friend when he and the other disciple showed up at the home of Caiaphas and allowed into the courtyard. Yet, when questioned, he denied being a disciple of Jesus. Why then would he be there? Was he caving in to the pressure? Was he afraid that by association he, too, would be in danger?

John 18:12-24 – Trial Begins

Read John 18:12-24

As we read John’s account with fresh eyes, we see Jesus bound and taken away. Two of his disciples, Peter and probably John (the author of this gospel), followed him into the courtyard of the high priest. Peter wasn’t allowed in at first, but the other disciple knew the high priest. By association, Peter also was admitted.

Jesus’ trial began in the middle of the night. Certainly not protocol, I would imagine. Having been a paralegal for 30+ years, I know that trials take months to prepare for. Gathering facts, interviewing witnesses, and preparing exhibits are all time-consuming tasks. The religious leaders were pushing this through on the fast track.

There was so much going on. It’s good for us to remember the events had to happen in this way. Jesus expected it and predicted it. The Scriptures had foretold it. Jesus is our king, but his kingdom is not of this world. It was time for his reign to begin.

Jesus will actually have six trials. We see the first one today, before Annas. Once a high priest, always a high priest. However, the Roman rule had removed Annas as high priest and replaced him with his son-in-law, Caiaphas. It was Caiaphas who was now the “actual” or recognized high priest. Jesus’ trial began with Annas.

This was a short exchange, and it appears Annas was most concerned with what Jesus had been telling his disciples. After all, if they were to do away with one man, Jesus, that would leave eleven others who might take up where Jesus left off. Jesus’ response was not pleasing to the temple guard who made it clear with a slap that the answer was not appreciated or respectful to the high priest.

With that, Jesus was bound again and taken to the “actual” high priest for trial #2. These religious leaders were scrambling to put something together against Jesus. He hadn’t done a thing, yet they had to conjure up something that would lead to his death.

Meanwhile… Don’t you like that word? It sets the stage to remind us that while this is going on, elsewhere, Peter is warming himself around the fire. It’s night, it’s cool. Peter has already denied being associated with Jesus to the girl at the gate. You will recall Jesus warned him he would do this three times. We’ve seen one so far.

So what do you think about the way this story unfolds? Jesus’ trial is a bit of a joke, yet can we blame the religious leaders? They were so focused on their own gain and popularity, they were blinded by the miracle alive before their eyes. It’s one of those situations where God allows evil to infiltrate his godly people.

Peter, on the other hand, could be us. How many times in our life have we denied our faith or turned our back on Jesus for something of this world? Maybe only for a season or brief period in our lives, but we have lost our focus. Jesus knew Peter would be overtaken. He knows the same about us.

So what can we do about it? How can make sure we don’t lose our focus on God and stay true? Take some time to think about times you’ve strayed from Jesus’ loving arms. Darker days to be sure. But Jesus stands ready, with arms open wide, to welcome us back when we come to our senses. He is there no matter what waiting to have a relationship with us. We need to keep our eyes on him.

Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me for those times when I forge on ahead without you by my side. Thank you for reminding me you stand ready to accept me back. You have a vigilent watch over me and the rest of your flock. May I never wander off again. Use me and my words to shepherd and bless your children. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John 18:1-11 – It Has Begun

Read John 18:1-11

The end is drawing near. Jesus has said his time has come. It has begun. Each year as we prepare our hearts for the Easter message, I am saddened. I know the plan all along was that Jesus had to die. Why do I feel sad? I’m sad that the people just didn’t see that the I AM was right in front of them!

But isn’t that exactly how it was supposed to go. If everyone had been enthralled with Jesus and hanging on his every word every waking moment, there would be no crucifixion, there would be no resurrection. But I’m getting ahead of myself here.

John 17:20-26 – Jesus Prays Unity for Us

Read John 17:20-26

Did you know that Jesus prayed for you? Jesus’ prayer in this chapter included himself, his disciples, and us, those who are the faithful followers to come. Jesus knew we would need prayer for unity. There are so many things that separate us from him and each other. Satan does whatever he can to drive wedges between relationships, split churches, and distract us from our mission.

Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another as he has loved us. It’s hard to do this when our hearts are not unified. Our human frailty often stands in the way of us being able (or willing) to love each other. Divisions will separate, but Jesus prays for unity. In the end, we will all see him face to face. We will at long last be unified with the Father, Son, and Spirit.