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Seeing The Early Hours of THE Hour

July 9, 2017 Series: Behold the Lamb: The Gospel According to John

Scripture: John 18:1–27

One early memory of coming technology was at various theme parks – and the 360 screen.  What an experience to view a flight seeing what is ahead, to the side, and to the back.  Now the technology has made that happen in virtual experiences. 

We have before us a glimpse into the early hours of THE Hour that Jesus had been talking about throughout His public ministry.  It is for this Hour He has come, it is for this Hour He has prayed. (see 17:1-3)

I. The depravity of Judas.
(see John 13:21-30)
Moments before this scene Jesus had referred to Judas in His prayer – John 17:12

Let’s piece together the events:

         Jesus and the 11 had come to the Garden

         He instructed 8 of them to remain and pray while He went to another part

         He took Peter, James and John – expressed to them His agony of this hour

         3 times came back to them and found them asleep

         Then Judas arrives as the guide to the large contingent – identifies Jesus with a kiss

Consider this moment – here is one who gave all the appearances of being a devoted follower of Jesus, but in his heart never had a love for Christ – Judas even identifies Christ with a greeting as a friend, yet was doing so in treasonous hatred.   For meager personal gain Judas sold himself as the one who would lead the authorities to Jesus.

II. The duplicity of the Religious leaders.
Theologically, ‘the Jews’ in chs. 18–19 are presented as those who cling to the minutiae of the law while failing to understand how the law points to Jesus the Messiah. They aim to execute Jesus as a law-breaker, whereas if they understood the law aright they would become Jesus’ followers.  See John 5:39-42

III. The duty of the Soldiers/Crowd/Malchus.
The detachment of Roman soldiers was a cohort (speiran, 10th part of a legion), which here included about 600 men. They were probably commanded to pick up this insurrectionist who claimed to be some kind of king.

A crowd also gathered and followed along to see what was transpiring.  Matthew records what Jesus said to these crowds in chapter 26.   At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”

Malchus – all the Gospels record the cutting of the ear, John records the name.  And in verse 26 identifies on of the accusers of Peter as a relative of Malchus.  Think of this, how beautifully does this event speak to the compassion and care of Christ at this moment that He takes yet another opportunity to demonstrate His almighty power – restoring the severed ear of this man.

IV. The distance of John and the other 9 Disciples.
They scatter!  John follows close enough but apparently maintains his distance as well. See John 16:32-33

V. The denials of Peter.
     A. The denial of God’s plan.
     B. The denials of association with Christ.

VI. The determination of Jesus.
     A. Determined to do His Father’s will.
     B. Determined to protect His own.
     C. Determined to speak the truth.

Next Steps:
What do you see in these early hours?

  • See the depravity of our sin.
  • See the hypocrisy of religion without relationship.
  • See the weakness of our own resolve to follow Christ apart from His grace.
  • Most of all, see the glory of Christ in this hour.

Therefore,

  • Believe! John 20:31
  • Consider carefully what it means to be a follower of Jesus! Hebrews 12:3
  • Be encouraged! Acts 4:13

More in Behold the Lamb: The Gospel According to John

August 13, 2017

Christ’s Fireside Chat

August 6, 2017

I Have Seen the Lord! Part 2

July 30, 2017

I Have Seen the Lord!