Dealing With a Crisis. (John 18:1-27)

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Episode Notes: Dealing with a Crisis in Life (John 18:1-27)

Introduction

• Theme: Addressing how to handle crises based on biblical principles. The arrest and trial of Jesus Christ as a case study for dealing with crises.
• Context: Jesus faces arrest and trials, marking a significant crisis for Him and His disciples.
• Main Themes: Voluntary submission, contrasting responses to crises, and preparation for life's inevitable crises.

Defining Crisis

• Crisis: An unavoidable event causing distress or trauma.
• Examples:
  • Minor crises:
  • Major crises:
• Universal Reality: Everyone faces crises at some point in life.

Response to Crisis

• Common Reactions:
  • Panic and impulsiveness.
  • Thoughtful submission to God's will.
• Key Question: How should one handle life's crises?

Examination of John 18:1-27

• The Arrest of Christ (John 18:1-11)
  • Contrast with Peter:
• The Trial Before Annas (John 18:12-23)
  • Jesus’ Composure:
• Peter’s Denial:
  • Peter denies knowing Jesus, highlighting fear and self-preservation.
  • Contrasts with Jesus' calm submission to God's plan.
• The Trial Before Caiaphas (John 18:24-27)
  • Jesus’ Continued Submission:
    • Jesus is bound and taken to Caiaphas, maintaining His resolve.
  • Peter’s Further Denial:
    • Peter denies Jesus twice more, fulfilling Jesus' prediction.
    • Highlights the difference between Jesus' strength and Peter’s vulnerability.

Lessons from Jesus’ Response

• Voluntary Submission:
  • Jesus’ acceptance of His fate demonstrates deep calmness and trust in God.
  • Even in crisis, it is possible to experience God's peace by submitting to His will.
• Contrasting Responses:
  • Jesus: Represents strength, control, and calm submission.
  • Peter: Illustrates impulsiveness and denial under pressure.
  • Key takeaway: React thoughtfully and submit to God's will rather than impulsively reacting to crises.

Practical Application

• Daily Submission:
  • Cultivating a habit of daily submission to God prepares one to handle major crises effectively.
  • Crisis reveals character: consistent submission to God builds strength and composure.
• Building a Foundation:
  • Living a life in submission to God ensures a stable foundation to lean on during crises.
  • Reacting to smaller crises with trust in God builds the ability to handle major crises later.

Conclusion

• Inevitable Crises: Everyone will face crises; preparation through daily submission to God is crucial.
• Emulating Jesus’ example leads to peace and resilience. Avoid impulsive reactions like Peter’s; instead, align with God's will for strength and support. By following Jesus' example, believers can face crises with calmness and confidence, ensuring th

Transcript

Dealing with a Crisis in Life. (John 18:1-27)

Transcript.

I'm speaking about crises today. Crises I define as them are unavoidable event that cause distress and for some even trauma.

If you are a parent, you soon learn early on that crises are inevitable. A child comes running in, screaming covered in blood. In that moment, you're unsure what’s happened. Fear, shock, and countless questions race through your mind. Will he be scarred for life? In severe cases, you might even wonder if he'll survive.

These are usually minor incidents, but as that child grows, the crises can become more serious. When at the age of 17 I traded up from a bicycle to a motorcycle, causing my parent extreme anxiety. The potential outcome of an accident become much more severe. A bike accident usually only required a Band-Aida and some sympathy. However, a motorcycle accident is often a major crisis, often far more serious.

And that's just the beginning. In later life the crisis of a serious illness can appear. I'm sure many listening today have either experienced or know someone who has gone through cancer, a heart attack, or another major illness. 

Then there's the crisis of bereavement, the loss of a loved one. Divorce is another significant crisis. In my opinion, divorce is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can go through. It hits people with forces they're unprepared for, and nobody really wins. Everyone gets hurt.

In today's world, the crisis of losing your job is becoming increasingly common. Someone recently told me that a psychologist said 80% of people who lose their jobs and remain unemployed for nine months and over 20” end up divorced. That's how traumatic and stressful a job loss can be.

The simple reality is that all of us have faced crises in the past, some might be facing one right now, and we will all face crises in the future. So when a crisis hits your home, do you panic? Do you fall apart? How do you handle life's crises?

That’s what I want to think about today in TBPDP….

Today, I want us to think about this as we look at the passage in John 18:1-27, which deals with the arrest and trial of Jesus Christ. Clearly, this was a crisis. It was certainly a crisis for Jesus, who should never have been arrested in the first place. But it was also a crisis for the disciples, who had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. When He was arrested and tried as a common criminal, it was undoubtedly a crisis for them.

Let's look at how the disciples and Jesus handled this crisis. 

Today’s passage naturally falls into three parts:

      I.        The Arrest of Christ (John 18:1-11)

     II.        The Trial Before Annas (John 18:12-23)

    III.        The Trial Before Caiaphas (John 18:24-27)

Both Annas and Caiaphas were Jewish leaders, so these are two of the Jewish trials of Christ. From the synoptic Gospels and John, we know there were six trials in total—three Jewish and three Roman. Today, we will focus on the arrest and just two of the Jewish trials.

In the opening verses we see that the Lord voluntarily submitted to His arrest. This is a key point that John emphasizes. It's evident that Jesus knew what was happening and willingly went through with it. Verse 1 says...

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”

5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?”

And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”

(John 18: 1-11)

Jesus could have easily taken off, as there were at least two hours between Jesus dismissing Judas in the upper room and His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus had plenty of time to leave the city and escape to another country, but He chose not to. Instead, He went to a place He often visited.

Judas, having met with a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, stepped forward and asked them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am He." Judas, who betrayed Him, stood with them. As soon as He said to them, "I am He," they went backward and fell to the ground.

So, in these verses, we see that Judas brought soldiers to arrest Jesus. When they asked for Jesus, He identified Himself, demonstrating that He had the power to prevent His arrest. But He simply said, "I am He". The little word "he" is in italics, indicating it is not in the Greek text. What Jesus actually said was "I am," echoing God's name revealed to Moses, "I AM."

This passage shows that Jesus knew what was about to happen and had the power to escape. The band of soldiers, indicated by the use of the Greek word "Speira," suggests there were at least 200 soldiers. The moment Jesus said, "I am," so He clearly had the power to prevent His arrest, yet He chose not to.

Jesus had control over the situation. Yet Jesus stepped forward, He didn't run. Instead, He asked them again, "Who do you seek?" They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus responded, "I told you that I am He”. He was in total control and requested that His disciples be allowed to leave.

In these first nine verses, we see that Jesus, facing the main crisis of His life up to that point yet voluntarily submitted to His arrest. He knew what was coming, he had the power to stop it, and was calm and composed throughout. In verse 11, Jesus tells Peter, "The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?" He understood and accepted that it was God's will for Him to be arrested, tried, convicted, and in fact killed.

He manifested a deep calmness throughout the entire ordeal. 

I don't care what the crisis is; it is still possible to experience the peace of God provided you too drink from the cup He gives. 

The entire drama of the arrest isn't over yet. We are given two images in this one incident: one of the Lord, who, knowing what was happening and having the power to stop it, voluntarily submitted because He knew it was from His Father. 

The other image of a response to a crisis is that of the Apostle Peter.

When Jesus was arrested, Peter reacted impulsively. Look at verse 10, cutting the ear off the high Priest’s servant. Jesus says to Peter, "“Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”?" 

Peter had been repeatedly told that this was going to happen, yet he still reacted violently instead of submitting to the crisis.

Unfortunately, Peter's reaction is something many of us can relate to. When faced with a crisis, our first response is often to react impulsively. But beware of reacting without thought. The picture of Jesus' arrest here I believe in part is meant to teach us to submit to God's will calmly.

Peter's reaction serves as a warning. Reacting impulsively can lead to damage, harm, and regret.

When facing a crisis, it's crucial to submit to God's will and avoid reacting impulsively. 

Verses 12-23 will now recount the story of Peter’s denial and Jesus' trial before Annas. Let's continue.

12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was [b]expedient that one man should die for the people.

Peter Denies Jesus

15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another[c] disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?”

He said, “I am not.”

18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.

(John 18: 12-18)

Jesus Questioned by the High Priest

19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.

20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”

22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck[e] Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”

23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”

24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

In these verses, we see the trial of Jesus before Annas. 

Annas is an intriguing figure. He was high priest from 7 to 14 AD. After him, his sons and son-in-law, Caiaphas, held the position, making Annas one of the most powerful men in Jerusalem among the Jews. Even though he was no longer the high priest, Annas still held significant influence.

When Jesus was brought to Annas, it was purely a political act. Annias had no jurisdiction and no right to try Jesus. Despite this, Jesus was taken to him. The events around the venue of this questioning leads us to see Peter's first denial.

When Jesus was taken to Annas, a girl asked Peter, "Aren't you one of this man's disciples?" Remember Peter had just demonstrated his willingness to defend Jesus by striking a soldier, now denied knowing Him. 

The contrast is staggering. Moments before, Peter was ready to fight 200 soldiers, but now he was overcome by a simple question from a servant girl.

This highlights a crucial point: sometimes, when we think we are strong, we are at our most vulnerable. Peter's bravado vanished in the face of a minor challenge. Scripture reminds us when you think you stand firm, beware, for that is when you are most likely to fall.

In contrast to Peter's denial, we see Jesus standing firm before Annas. Jesus could have called upon legions of angels to rescue Him, but He chose to submit to His Father's will. Annas questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teachings. Jesus responded brilliantly, stating that He had always spoken openly in public. (See more detail in previous episodes). He challenged Annas to ask those who had heard Him, adhering to the legal procedure that required witnesses to be questioned first.

When Jesus responded this way, one of the high priest's servants struck Him. Jesus calmly replied, "If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness to the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike me?" This exchange shows Jesus' majesty and meekness. He had the power to defend Himself but chose to submit to the abuse, fulfilling His Father's will.

In this passage, we see a clear contrast between Peter's denial and Jesus' submission. Jesus, in His majesty and meekness, stands firm, fully aware of His power yet choosing to endure suffering. This reminds us that in times of crisis, we should seek to align ourselves with God's will, maintaining our composure and faith, rather than reacting impulsively or out of fear.

The Contrast of Majesty and Meekness (John 18:25-27)

Peter Denies Twice More

25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore, they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?”

He denied it and said, “I am not!”

26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.

(John 18: 25-27)

Many have observed that throughout Jesus' life, you can see the striking contrast between His majesty and His meekness. For instance, He was born a helpless baby in a manger, yet angels heralded His birth. 

·         He appeared in the most modest of places, but a star led wise men from afar to bring Him myrrh, frankincense, and gold. 

·         He submitted to the baptism of repentance, but the heavens opened, and a voice proclaimed, "This is my beloved Son." 

·         He sat, weary and thirsty, beside a well, asking a peasant woman for water, yet He gave her the water of life. 

·         He slept from exhaustion in a small fishing boat, yet He commanded the storm to be still. 

·         He wept beside a grave, yet He called the dead back to life. 

·         He sweated blood in the agony of the garden, yet an angel from heaven strengthened Him.

·         He stood as a prisoner before human judges, yet He condemned His judges. 

·         He died in apparent defeat, yet that hour of defeat was His greatest triumph, glorifying both man and God.

This juxtaposition of majesty and meekness always strikes me deeply because it shows that submission is not a sign of weakness. As I have explained several times before, the Greek word for meekness means "strength under control." The Father gave Jesus the cup to drink, and He submitted to it, but with immense strength and grace.

So Annas sent Jesus bound to Caiaphas the high priest and while Jesus stood trial, Peter was outside trying to warm himself by a fire. 

It was there that someone asked him, "Are you not one of His disciples?" Peter denied it, saying, "I am not." One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you in the garden with Him?" Peter denied it again, and immediately the rooster crowed, fulfilling Jesus' prediction that Peter would deny Him three times.

Here we see another stark contrast: Jesus, bound and on trial before Caiaphas, submitting to God's will, and Peter, denying his association with Jesus out of fear. The Lord stood firm, while Peter faltered.

Three times in this passage, we see Jesus on trial, voluntarily submitting to the will of God. In contrast, Peter swings from impulsive daring to complete emphatic denial. Both are in a crisis, but their responses are worlds apart. 

Jesus responded properly to the will of God, while Peter reacted out of fear and self-preservation.

What we need to learn from this trial is clear. We should let Jesus be our example, not Peter. When crises come, we need to recognize them as cups the Father has given us to drink. By following Jesus' example as our response we lease our Heavenly Father and can experience peace even in the midst of turmoil. If we follow Peter's example, we risk damaging ourselves and others. Peter's reputation was tarnished, and his conscience was burdened by his denials.

Therefore, it is imperative that in a crisis, we submit to the will of God. By doing so, we can be a blessing and be blessed, benefiting others even in the midst of a crisis instead of lashing out and harming those around us. Submission in a crisis is not just beneficial but essential for our spiritual well-being.

You might be thinking, that’ not an easy thing to do, how do you submit to God's will in the midst of a crisis?" It's a valid question. I personally believe that the ability to submit to God's will in a crisis is not something that can be produced on the spot. It come about as a result of a life lived in submission to God. 

In other words, if you have been cultivating a life of submission to God's will, it will show up for you in a crisis.

Crises are revealing, because crisis reveal character. What you are in a crisis is what you have been becoming in you wider life.

If you have been submitting to the will of God, on a daily basis, you will be growing, you will be strengthened, and you will be strong in the Lord. Meaning when you face a crisis, you will have the experience and ability to do what you have habitually done for years, submit to the will of God. If, throughout your life, you have reacted to little crises by trusting in the Lord, you will do the same when the major crisis comes.

I believe the ultimate answer to how you respond in a crisis lies in how you have been responding throughout your life. 

There is a crisis coming in your life. We don't like to think about it; we prefer to focus on something else. But let me tell you, a great test is inevitable and if it comes and you aare not secured by the sure foundations of living the Godly life. You will fall in the direction you have been leaning. 

If you have been submitting yourself to the will of God and submitting to Him daily, when the crisis comes, you will fall upon Him. If you haven't been doing that, then like the Apostle Peter, you will fall away.

This passage teaches us that if we do not prepare by submitting to the Lord in our daily lives, we will cause damage to ourselves and others. But if we respond properly, we will be blessed and be a benefit to others.

The lesson here is clear: be about the business of submitting to the living God. When crises come, and they will, you will be prepared if you have built your life on the foundation of daily submission to Him. Doing so will not only bring peace and blessing to your own life but also enable you to be a source of strength and support to others in their times of need.