Putting Away Our Sword Series

Putting Away Our Sword

Series: A Journey with Jesus (through the Gospel of John)

Brad Bailey – April 3, 2011

Intro –

Around our home I begin to see the signs of spider season. Each morning I can begin to see the webs that have been spun. As much as I don‟t care for spiders…. Thesir webs can be rather impressive. They weave that which can capture their enemies… something so elaborate. But then I go out to my car… and will find a web attached it. As I drive off I get a different perspective on the spider‟s real power. Strangely enough… the next day the spider weaves another web between the car and tree… and it‟s no match for the car. And of course you can see webs weaved across roadways and train tracks everywhere.

> I wonder if we don‟t weave lives just as foolishly and vainly when we presume life is independent of God‟s sovereignty.

We makes plans for our lives… and learn that there are turns we couldn‟t control.

We have children….. they reach teens years…. They think they are in control… parents think they are in control…. God might question both.

As we continue our weekend Journey with Jesus through the Gospel of John… we come to the moment in which the forces of this earth finally make their move to take hold of Jesus… and all which he represents. [1]

TEXT

John 18:1-12 (NIV) 1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" 5 "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me." 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" 12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him.

It may be hard to imagine all the intensity that was at hand in this moment.

Evil is taking hold of a mob… fear in the disciples…. the pain of where this is leading for Jesus. Evil has come to arrest God. It is the ultimate expression of human presumption of control… and not surprising it involves those representing religious

authority… and political authority… all drawn together to get rid of one who claims to represent the authority of God‟s love over all.

This raises an important question. As you consider this event, let me ask us:

Who thinks they are in charge? (Those who have earthly authority.)

Who tries to take charge ? (Peter)

Who is in charge? Who seems to be most in control? > Jesus / God

Consider how he remained in control….

(Below points drawn and adapted from Richard Tow)

God‘s ultimate control at hand…

1. His DECISION to go into Gethsemane (Verse 1-2). Immediately after his prayer in John 17 Jesus leads his disciples across the Kidron valley into the Garden of Gethsemane. This is particularly significant because this is where Judas would expect to find him. Jesus knows that his hour has come. He is positioning himself to be arrested. John 18:2 ―Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.‖

Judas knew the place and Jesus knew that Judas knew the place. When Judas was leading the mob to arrest Jesus he probably went first to the upper room. Not finding Jesus there he led them to the Garden.

Jesus came to reclaim all of creation… and ultimately to suffer in sacrificial love for you… and when that final facing off with evil came… he was not simply found in hiding... he rose to meet his this calling.