Living Words
"Living Words" is a weekly podcast that explores the transformative power of scripture across a diverse range of Biblical books, guided by insightful devotionals from the author's own works. Each episode seeks to deepen faith and understanding, connecting listeners with the enduring wisdom and relevance of the Bible in their daily lives.
Living Words
In His Footsteps Week 23: The Arrest and Trial of Jesus
What can we learn from Jesus' calm and unwavering submission during his arrest and trial? This week on the Living Words Podcast, we unpack the profound events that unfolded in the Garden of Gethsemane and during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, as narrated in John 18:1-14 and John 18:28-38. Discover how Jesus’ steadfast obedience to God's will and his profound insights into the spiritual nature of his kingdom offer a powerful contrast to worldly political powers. We will reflect on key moments, such as Jesus instructing Peter to put away his sword and his impactful declaration about his kingdom to Pilate, revealing a deeper understanding of his divine mission and call for believers to live in truth.
In the second part of the episode, we come together in a heartfelt prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance to illuminate our minds and hearts with Jesus' teachings. We'll explore practical ways to discern the Spirit’s voice amid the world's distractions and gain empowerment to share the hope of the gospel with boldness and love. Emphasis is placed on living a life marked by integrity and transparency, embodying the truth of God's word in every interaction and decision. We close with an uplifting message, encouraging everyone to embrace God’s covenanted word and carry it in their hearts throughout the week. Join us for a spiritually enriching discussion that promises to inspire and guide you in your faith journey.
Get a copy of the In His Footsteps devotional here.
Good morning, happy Sabbath. I'm Charles Vance and this is Living Words Podcast. This week is week 23,. The arrest and trial of Yeshua Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. This is the 23rd week of In His Footsteps devotional 52 weeks in the Gospel of John. If you'd like a copy, there will be a link in the show notes or you can go to Amazon and just Google Charles Vance In His Footsteps 52 weeks in the Gospel of John. Now the text for the week is John 18, 1-14 and John 18, 28-38.
Speaker 1:I'm probably not going to read the whole passage this time in the front. We'll just play it by ear, see how it goes. If we need to clarify or read some from the scripture, we can and will. I'm going to open in prayer. Yeshua Jesus, I just come before you now in praise of your name. I thank you for your mercy, for your compassion, for your goodness that you've covenanted with us for life, for eternity. We thank you for that. We pray that you would open our hearts, open our eyes and ears to hear and to see, and then to perceive and understand what you have given us. I just pray that these words, these prayers, would go forth and speak to each individual listening that you would touch their heart this week and today, this Sabbath, and show them the way to know your ancient ways, to walk in your paths and to commune with you In Jesus' name amen.
Speaker 1:So John 18, 1-14 and the John 18, 28-38 detail pivotal moments in the passion narrative of Jesus Christ. These passages encompass his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane and his initial trials before Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest, and then before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. This section of Scripture is rich with theological and moral implications, illustrating the fulfillment of his mission through submission to his father's will and highlighting the contrast between worldly power and the kingdom of God. First let's deal with the arrest in the garden In Gethsemane. He faces betrayal by Judas and confronts the armed group sent by the chief priests and Pharisees. Despite the tension, his response is marked by calm sovereignty. He steps forward to meet his captors, fully aware of the events unfolding. The scene underscores his voluntary submission to the arrest, demonstrating his control over the situation and his commitment to fulfilling this mission. His willingness to drink the cup of the Father that had given him signifies his obedience and submission to the divine plan. His request to let his disciples go highlights his protective care in fulfillment of his promise to lose none that were given him.
Speaker 1:In John 18, 28-38, we see Jesus before Pilate. His trial before Pilate serves as a stark portrayal of the clash between the kingdom of God and the political powers of the world. Pilate's interrogation reveals his confusion and intrigue about the kingship of Jesus and truth, a theme central to understanding his identity and mission. He is not of this world, he dec mission. He is not of this world, he declares his kingdom is not of this world, distinguishing his divine authority and reign from earthly political structures. The nature of truth the dialogue between Pilate and Jesus culminates in the declaration that he came to testify to the truth, inviting those who are of the truth to listen to his voice.
Speaker 1:Pilate's cynical question what is truth? Echoes through the ages, highlighting the perennial human quest for ultimate meaning and reality. What is truth, jesus? Here are some lessons. His voluntary submission to God's will he demonstrates a complete obedience and submission to the Father's will, even in the face of suffering and death. His actions in gethsemane and during his arrest underscore the voluntary nature of his sacrifice. This teaches believers about the depth of his commitment to fulfilling god's redemptive plan and the importance of aligning our will with his will, even in trials, john. In John 18, 11, it said Jesus commanded Peter, put your sword away. Shall I not drink the cup that my father has given me?
Speaker 1:The distinct nature of his kingdom is in his dialogue with Pilate. Jesus clarifies that his kingdom is not of this world, distinguishing his reign from earthly political powers. This highlights the spiritual and eternal nature of his authority and governance. For believers, this underscores the call to live according to the values of the kingdom of God, which often run counter to the world's values focusing on sacrifice, love and truth. In John 18, 36, jesus said my kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place. Then we have commitment to truth. As a mark of discipleship, jesus states that he came into the world to testify to the truth and that everyone on the side of truth listens to his voice. This interaction with Pilate not only reveals the purpose of his mission, but also calls believers to a life characterized by truth that challenges Christians to discern and embrace divine truth and to live in a manner consistent with the teachings of Jesus, becoming bearers of truth in a world filled with relativism and skepticism. In John 18, 37, you are a king then, said Pilate, and Jesus answered you say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into this world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.
Speaker 1:Here's some questions for reflection and discussion. So how does the demeanor of Jesus in control during his arrest and trial impact your understanding of his mission and character? It tells me he's completely in control. He knew he was in control during his arrest and trial impact your understanding of his mission and character? Tells me he's completely in control. He knew he was in control, you know.
Speaker 1:It says it's a betrayal and Judas did betray him, but in most betrayals they've come from someone close and dear who you have no clue. It's coming Blindside you. Jesus was not blindsided. He knew Judas was going to betray him and yet he played out time anyway because he was committed to fulfilling his mission to innocent sacrifice and redemptive restoration. How do the responses of Judas and Peter to Jesus during this time, challenge or comfort you in your own faith journey. I mean we can see from Judas and Peter they were the polar opposites. Well, in that Peter did not betray Jesus in the same way, he didn't cause his arrest. His betrayal of Jesus was cowardice. Cowardice and fear that when he was faced with the idea that he might suffer the same fate as Jesus, his master, he hid, he shrunk away. He betrayed Jesus and said I don't know that man, but that was for self-preservation. And here are some suggested prayers for submission to your will that Jesus showed, knowing that in every circumstance you're working for my good and your glory. Amen.
Speaker 1:Prayer for allegiance to the kingdom. Jesus, king of kings. Lord Jesus, king of kings, teach me to live with the awareness that your kingdom is not of this world. Help me to seek first your kingdom and righteousness, aligning my values, choices and actions with the principles of your eternal reign. Strengthen me to stand firm in faith, not swayed by worldly power or influence, but rooted in the hope of your coming kingdom. May my life bear witness to your transformative rule in my heart. Amen.
Speaker 1:Here's a prayer for living in truth. Holy spirit, spirit of truth, illuminate my mind and heart with the truth of Jesus' teachings. Guide me in all truth and help me to discern your voice amidst the noise of this world. Empower me to be a witness to the truth, boldly and lovingly sharing the hope of the gospel. Let my life be marked by integrity and transparency, living out the truth of your word in every interaction and decision. Amen, I hope these words, these lessons, have been a help to you. I hope that you have a good week and a good day and that you can reach into your heart and find a place for the covenanted word of God In the name of Jesus. Amen, and I'll see you guys next time.
