St. John - session 9
Level 1
For this session we need to read parts of the other Gospel Books. It's possible that John was not as involved as Peter was when Jesus was taken prisoner. Mark 14: 32-42, and Luke 22:46 record the hours that Jesus spent in the Garden of Gethsemane. Matthew. also gives this account. Do read Matthew 26:31-75! I know it may seem long to some of you, but this will give you a blow by blow account that, if you can read between the lines, will constrict your heart. Jesus told them,
This very night you will all fall away . . . for it is written. (18:31)
Of course, one could say, that Jesus knew this would happen, but even so, the heart of his humanity must have been wounded. Peter denied quite strongly that he would NOT fall away. Jesus replied, "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." Notice: the cock did NOT crow three times, as is so often quoted incorrectly. In verses 69-75, Peter DOES deny even knowing Jesus THREE times. In verses 38-45, One can "hear" the passion and pathos of Jesus. Perhaps the most often quoted from these verses includes, "take this cup from me, but not my will but yours, Father, be done."
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As is so often discussed in Bible classes, it wasn't the physical pain and death that put so much pressure on Jesus. It was God's plan that the sin of all mankind would be placed on Him (the horrendous judgment on all of humanity) and that His own Father would NOT intervene, letting all of this trauma happen to His only beloved Son. The humanity of Jesus is quite evident in these verses. Some deny Jesus' divinity, and others deny His humanity. As you read these accounts let the Holy Spirit reveal to you the TRUE CHARACTER OF JESUS, the Christ, the Messiah. He was sent by God, the Father to live as a physical person among us, so we could truly understand the LOVE of God that He revealed.
In the 18th chapter of John, he recorded the account of the arrest of Jesus. I do believe that Matthew gave a more vivid account of this (Matt. 26:47-56). Perhaps very few do not know that it was Judas who "turned Him in". Judas betrayed Him with a kiss (verses 48-50). That's what I would call adding "insult to injury". Yet, Jesus seemed to know that would happen. In verse 53 the words of Jesus have been made into a hymn:
In the 18th chapter of John, he recorded the account of the arrest of Jesus. I do believe that Matthew gave a more vivid account of this (Matt. 26:47-56). Perhaps very few do not know that it was Judas who "turned Him in". Judas betrayed Him with a kiss (verses 48-50). That's what I would call adding "insult to injury". Yet, Jesus seemed to know that would happen. In verse 53 the words of Jesus have been made into a hymn:
He could have called ten thousand angels, but He died alone for you and me.
Level 2
I was privileged to visit Caiaphas' home outside of Jerusalem. It has been called the most authentic structure preserved since those days. Actually, it is the pit dug under the home that is so well preserved. it is believed that this was the holding place of prisoners of that day, which included Jesus. Our tour director, the Rev. Terry Fullam, made the written words of Scripture come alive, as we descended the steep steps. Not something easily forgotten.
This is where the Sanhedrin "were looking for false evidence against Jesus, so they could put Him to death". This is also where one interprets what Jesus said as His one public admission that the priests took as blasphemy.
This is where the Sanhedrin "were looking for false evidence against Jesus, so they could put Him to death". This is also where one interprets what Jesus said as His one public admission that the priests took as blasphemy.
Yes, it is as you have said . . . but I say to all of you, that you will see the Son of Man [the Christ] sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven. (Matthew 26:64
Then in verse 67, "Then they spit in His face and struck Him with their fists."
Later, Jesus appears before Pilate. This is well worth reading word for word in both Matthew 27:11-26 and also John 18:28-40. As a teacher, I never want to deny anyone the encouragement to read for themselves and absorb the full passion of these accounts. Just talking about them is NEVER enough! Let's all read at least one account of the crucifixion before the next session. Reading ALL FOUR of them give us a much better understanding of the full realization of what happened.
Let's think deeply about what we are reading—which is what "meditating" is all about! God bless!
Later, Jesus appears before Pilate. This is well worth reading word for word in both Matthew 27:11-26 and also John 18:28-40. As a teacher, I never want to deny anyone the encouragement to read for themselves and absorb the full passion of these accounts. Just talking about them is NEVER enough! Let's all read at least one account of the crucifixion before the next session. Reading ALL FOUR of them give us a much better understanding of the full realization of what happened.
Let's think deeply about what we are reading—which is what "meditating" is all about! God bless!