Sermons

Click for Audio; right click on sermon you wish to listen to.
Select "Open Link in New Tab" to Listen.
Back up one page from Audio Selections page to read Sermon Script & Study Guide here as you listen.

We're going to try something new today.
I've included the actual Sermon Script.
So you can read and listen!
Hope it gives you a greater learning experience of God's Word.

Today we honored to have Bob and Judy Kay with us.
They will be telling us about their new mission working with Spanish speaking people in Central Virginia.

THE ARRIVAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Text: Selected Scriptures from the NASB

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your display of omnipotence and wisdom in empowering us, Your children, by the Holy Spirit. We ask You afresh for the boldness and wisdom to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Thank You for sending us Your Comforter to live in our hearts, transforming us through His work of sanctification into Christlikeness. Right now, I ask You to give us a more perfect understanding of the Scriptures we will read today which reveal our Helper. May we yield ourselves to His perfect control, guidance, and transformative power. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

Introduction: The Gospels conclude with accounts of the risen Jesus appearing to many of His disciples and then being taken up into heaven. This lesson marks our transition from the Gospels and the earthly ministry of Jesus to the book of Acts. Many people refer to this book as the Acts of the Apostles. While that is true, it is also about the acts of the Holy Spirit who was the One empowering the apostles in the work they were doing. As Jesus left the earth, He promised to send the Holy Spirit.

* Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity. He is God just as much as the Father or the Son.

Acts is a historical narrative following the journeys of several of the apostles, especially Peter and Paul. This is the last of the historical narratives in the Bible. The rest of the New Testament books (except for Revelation, which is primarily eschatological prophecy) are epistles written to the early church during the time of Acts and shortly thereafter.

[READ Acts 1:1-3]

1 The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. 3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of things regarding the kingdom of God.

* Who is the author of Acts? While the book doesn’t explicitly list the name of its author, we recognize the opening as tying the book to the Gospel of Luke. Luke addressed his Gospel to Theophilus, indicating that his purpose was to compile an orderly account of Jesus’ life so that Theophilus could be certain about the things he had been taught. Luke began Acts by reminding Theophilus of the first book (i.e., the Gospel of Luke), in which he described Jesus’ earthly life up until His ascension. Luke overlapped his Gospel by recounting the ascension again, this time in more detail, and then continued, relating the events following Jesus’ ascension.

As we move from the ministry of Jesus on the earth, we are not moving into a period where God is absent, but one where God is still present on the earth and constantly at work. So, our goal today is to get a little glimpse of the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

I. THE SPIRIT IS PROMISED (Jn. 16:5-15; Acts 1:3-8)

I know I said we were going to be in the book of Acts, but we need to get our bearings by stepping back to the night of the arrest of Jesus. In John chapters 13-17, we have an intimate and detailed account of the last few hours Jesus spent with His disciples before the crucifixion. Let’s read John 16:5-15 together and look at the promise Jesus gave to His disciples
.
[READ Jn. 16:5-15]

5 “But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, grief has filled your heart. 7 But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment: 9 regarding sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and regarding righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you no longer are going to see Me; 11 and regarding judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
12 “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them at the present time. 13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take from Mine and will disclose it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine; this is why I said that He takes from Mine and will disclose it to you.

* Where was Jesus going? To be with the Father who sent Him.

* How did the disciples feel knowing this? They were filled with sorrow.

* How did Jesus try to allay their feelings of sorrow? He told them it was to their advantage that He would go.

* Why would His absence bring an advantage? When Jesus left, He would send the Helper to them.

* Would the Helper come if Jesus did not go to the Father? No.

* How is the Spirit described in 14:17, 15:26, and 16:13? He is the Spirit of truth.

* What will the Spirit do at His coming based on verse 8? He will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

* What specific sin is described in verse 9? The sin of not believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

* How does the Spirit’s presence convicting men of righteousness relate to the absence of Jesus? When Jesus was present, people were able to see righteousness personified. In His absence, the Spirit would now bring conviction of self-righteous ideas and attitudes.

* Who is “the ruler of this world” in verse 11? Satan.

* What judgment is in view in verse 11? While there is some disagreement, it is likely that this verse refers to the final judgment that is to come when Satan is to be cast into hell along with those who have not been found in Christ.

* Were these the final things Jesus wanted to teach His disciples? No. He had more to teach them.

* When would Jesus teach them more things? They would be taught more things after the Spirit had come.

* What would the Spirit do for them according to verse 13? He would guide them into all truth.

* In whose authority would He speak these truths? In the authority of the Son, which is from the Father. Here we have a clear teaching on the roles of the members of the Trinity.

* What types of things will the Holy Spirit tell of? He will reveal things that are to come. This is a reference to the prophetic words that would be recorded in Scripture in the future. We see this sprinkled through the New Testament epistles and especially in Revelation.

* How does the Spirit relate to the Son? The Spirit glorifies the Son by declaring or revealing truth about the Son as the Son has done those things given to Him to accomplish by the Father.

* When would the Holy Spirit come? This passage does not tell us, but we know it had to be after the ascension, when Jesus would go to the Father.

Now, let’s turn to Acts 1.

[READ Acts 1:3-8]

3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of things regarding the kingdom of God. 4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
6 So, when they had come together, they began asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 But He said to them, “It is not for you to know periods of time or appointed times which the Father has set by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.”

* When did this take place (v. 3)? Forty days after the resurrection.

* What instruction did Jesus give the disciples? To remain in Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Father.

* How is the baptism they were to receive described? Rather than with water as John’s baptism, they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

* How long would they have to wait? Not many days.

* What would they receive when the Holy Spirit came upon them? Power

* What was the purpose of this power? To be witnesses of Jesus as they spread His gospel across the earth.

It might strike you as a bit odd, but Jesus said that it was better for the disciples (and for us as disciples) if He went away rather than staying with them because He would send the Helper, the Holy Spirit. So, how can it be better for us that Jesus is gone? Wouldn’t it be better if Jesus were still here to answer more questions and give more instructions? We might think that is the case, but Jesus tells us otherwise. The Helper would come to guide them into truth, to empower them as witnesses of the gospel, and to live within all of those who are in Christ.

* What attribute of God is demonstrated by the fact that the Holy Spirit can indwell believers all over the earth at one time? This is a definite aspect of the omnipresent nature of God, since He is present in all these places at once. Jesus, having been raised with a glorified body, is present in heaven and not on the earth.

* Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to empower the believers. What attribute of God is displayed in the fulfillment of this promise? This demonstrates God’s faithfulness to do what He says.

In some Christian circles, the work of the Holy Spirit gets downplayed to the point that He is rarely mentioned. We need to be mindful that He IS the third person in the Trinity and that He IS indwelling each one of us who has turned from sin and trusted in Christ. The Spirit who empowered the disciples who walked with Jesus is the same Spirit who lives to empower us and guide us into all truth.

II. THE SPIRIT COMES (Acts 2:1-24)

Now that we’ve looked at the promise of the arrival of the Holy Spirit, let’s look at the fulfillment of that promise.

[READ Acts 2:1-24]

1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly a noise like a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And tongues that looked like fire appeared to them, distributing themselves, and a tongue rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out.
5 Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together and they were bewildered, because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs -- we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty deeds of God.” 12 And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others were jeering and saying, “They are full of sweet wine!”
14 But Peter, taking his stand with the other eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, know this, and pay attention to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you assume, since it is only the third hour of the day; 16 but this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:
17  ‘And it shall be in the last days,’ God says,
‘That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind;
And your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
And your young men will see visions,
And your old men will have dreams;
18  And even on My male and female servants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days,
And they will prophesy.
19  And I will display wonders in the sky above
And signs on the earth below,
Blood, fire, and vapor of smoke.
20  The sun will be turned into darkness
And the moon into blood,
Before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21  And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
22 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a Man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know -- 23 this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. 24 But God raised Him from the dead, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.

* When did this event take place? On the day of Pentecost, which is the Feast of Weeks described in Exodus 34:22-26.

* How many days after Passover was this feast? It would have been 50 days, hence the name Pentecost, as described in Leviticus 23:15-16. This would also place it nine days after the ascension, subtracting the full day Jesus was in the tomb.

* Why were there so many people dwelling in Jerusalem at this time? This was one of the three times each year that the Jewish men were to gather as a holy congregation to worship God. This was a celebration of the harvest where the firstfruits of the harvest and other sacrifices were offered (Num. 28:26-31).

* Where were the disciples? They were in a house together. We can connect this back to Acts 1:12-13 as a house with an upper room where they were gathered.

* Who was present? In 2:1, we have a pronoun identifying the group in general as “they.” Looking back in the text, 1:12-15 identifies the apostles by name, several women who were with them, and the disciples, numbering about 120 people. It seems clear that there were both men and women present, especially when we consider 2:4, which describes the Spirit filling all who were present.

* What signs accompanied the coming of the Spirit? There was a sound like the rushing of wind that filled the entire house. This may be the sound referred to in verse 6 that got the attention of those in the area who then heard the praises of God. The Spirit is often compared to the wind (see Jn. 3:8; Ezek. 37:9-10). There were tongues of fire resting on each of the believers. This is similar to the Spirit’s appearance as a dove at the baptism of Jesus.

* Who received the Spirit? All who were present in the house.

* What was the result of this filling of the Spirit? All of them began to speak in other tongues.

* Did each person pick a language of their choice? No, the Spirit “gave them utterance” as He saw fit.

* Based on the context of the passage, how could we describe these “tongues” (v. 6)? They were understood by those of different countries as their own languages, so they were known languages, not indiscernible noises.

* What were the disciples saying in other tongues (v. 11)? They were speaking of “the mighty works of God.”

* How did the people around them respond? They were both amazed and perplexed.

* Why did the people find it amazing that they spoke so many languages? They identified the group as Galileans, so to hear them speaking in so many languages was amazing.

* What did some ascribe the miracle to? They suggested they were drunk with new wine.

* Who addressed the crowd? Peter stood up with the other 11 standing around him (with Matthias replacing Judas).

* What prophecy did Peter reference to validate this as a miracle of God? He pointed the crowd to the prophecy announced in Joel 2:28-32 to show them that God’s Spirit would be poured out so that men and women, young and old, would be empowered to do certain miracles, testifying of God’s works and the coming judgment.

* Whom did Peter tell the crowd about? He spoke to them about Jesus of Nazareth.

* How did Peter point to Jesus as the Messiah? He used the works, wonders, and signs Jesus had performed as the basis. He also went on, in the portion from verses 25-36, to show other scriptural proofs.

* How did Peter relate these acts to the will of God? He clearly stated that all of this happened according to God’s definite plan.

* Whom did Peter blame for Jesus’ death? He said, “This Jesus … you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” indicating those Jews and others in the crowd were responsible.

* How did Peter connect his message to the resurrection? He told the crowd that God raised Jesus from the dead as it was not possible, in God’s plan, for Jesus to remain dead. He then went on to demonstrate this from other Old Testament passages.

* Looking ahead to verse 37, how did the crowd, in general, respond? They were convicted by the truth of Peter’s message and asked how they should respond.

Jesus had promised to send the Spirit in power, and that is exactly what happened. That power was evident as the mighty wind came, the tongues of flame danced, and the voices were raised in praise to God to be heard by all the peoples gathered in Jerusalem. And not only was this a miracle, but Peter was able to show the crowd how the coming of the Spirit connected to God’s prophecies about Messiah and future judgment.

In our modern context, Peter didn’t exactly preach a “seeker sensitive” message to the crowd. He basically stood up and explained to the crowd that they were responsible for the death of the Messiah. After Peter made his case from the Old Testament, many of the people recognized their sin, were convicted by the very Spirit that empowered the miracle and asked what they needed to do to be saved. Peter’s response was a command to repent of their sins and to be baptized in the name of Jesus with the promise of receiving forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter faithfully obeyed the command of his Lord delivered nine days prior. As we read at the end of Acts 2, the apostles taught these new disciples doctrine as they gathered at the temple and went from house to house.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM GOD’S WORD

As we think about the Holy Spirit, there is so much for us to consider. First, we must remember that He is God dwelling in us, just as Jesus promised. He is sent by the Father and the Son to work in our lives by conforming our wills to be more like Christ’s and empowering us to do all that we are commanded. And that’s been the case for all believers since the day of Pentecost when He came with power and signs for those gathered in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit testifies with our own spirits that we have been adopted by God, and He provides us with assurance of our salvation, having been sealed by Him. As we strive to live lives of holiness worthy of the calling God has given us, He empowers us to display the fruits of righteousness and overcome the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Our God is faithful to keep His promises. Jesus promised to send the Helper. The Spirit promises to seal us for the day of redemption. And the Father promises to raise us up to eternal life so that we may live with our triune God in an eternity filled with joyful worship and communion.

Prayer: Father God, how we long to experience a fresh movement of Your Spirit; to be among Your sons and daughters when the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, raises our dull, dry spirits unto fresh affections for You and Your glory. Breathe, upon us, O breath of God! Holy Spirit, fill us with Your invigorating power! Do in our hearts and lives what You alone can do!
Lord, while we know there only needed to be one Pentecost, in light of that great historical event and in keeping with the promises You have made, I plead with glad expectancy for the filling of Your Holy Spirit. Restore to us the joy of the salvation You have freely given us in Jesus. Fill our hearts and mouths with Your praises. Forgive us for being satisfied with a correct theology of the Spirit, but with little evidence of the His power and presence in our hearts and churches.
The last days began when you first sent Jesus into this world. Those days will only end when He returns to finish making all things new. Until then, Father, You call us to be sons and daughters who show and tell the gospel through the power of Your Spirit. Make us these kinds of witnesses for You. I pray, in Jesus’ powerful and loving name, Amen.

Invitation # 251: “Breathe on Me” (4 vs.)

Benediction: Beloved, in every project you undertake in the service of the Lord’s house and in obedience to His law and commandments, may you seek the Lord your God wholeheartedly. As a result of this, you will be successful in fulfilling His purposes for you. Amen. (2 Chr. 31:21)

THE ARRIVAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Answers (Lesson 154) - November 17, 2024 - Rev. Alan Cousins

Text: Selected Scriptures from the NASB
Introduction: As we move from the ministry of Jesus on the earth, we are not moving into a period where God is absent, but one where God is still present on the earth and constantly at work. So, our goal today is to get a little glimpse of the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

I. THE SPIRIT IS PROMISED (Jn. 16:5-15; Acts 1:3-8)

In John chapters 13-17, we have an intimate and detailed account of the last few hours Jesus spent with His disciples before the crucifixion. Let’s read John 16:5-15 together and look at the promise Jesus gave to His disciples.

John 16:5-15
Jesus was going to be with the Father who had sent Him into the world. The disciples were filled with sorrow upon hearing this news. Jesus encourages them by explaining that it will be to their advantage for Him to go away, for He would send the Helper to them – the Spirit of truth (see Jn. 14:17, 15:26, 16:13).

At His coming the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. According to verse 9, the sin was not believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior. When Jesus was present, people were able to see righteousness personified. In His absence, the Spirit would now bring conviction of self-righteous ideas and attitudes.

We are told in verse 11, that Satan is “the ruler of this world.” This verse is also referring to the final judgment that is to come when Satan is to be cast into hell along with those who have not been found in Christ.

Jesus had much more to teach His disciples. They would be taught more after the Holy Spirit had come, for He would guide them into all truth by the authority of the Son, which is from the Father. Here we have a clear teaching on the roles of the members of the Trinity.

The Holy Spirit will reveal things that are to come. This is a reference to the prophetic words that would be recorded in Scripture in the future. We see this sprinkled through the New Testament epistles and especially in Revelation. Also, the Spirit glorifies the Son by declaring or revealing truth about the Son as the Son has done those things given to Him to accomplish by the Father.

Although this passage does not tell us specifically when the Holy Spirit would come, we know it had to be after the ascension, when Jesus would go to the Father.

Acts 1:3-8
According to verse 3, this event took place 40 days after the resurrection. Jesus told His disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they received the Heavenly Father’s promise. Then, He explained that they would be baptized, not with water as John’s baptism, but with the Holy Spirit; and they wouldn’t have to wait long for this promise to be fulfilled.

Jesus also explained that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them – power to be Jesus’ witnesses as they spread His gospel across the earth.

The fact that the Holy Spirit can indwell believers all over the earth at the same time is a definite aspect of the omnipresent nature of God, since He is present in all these places at once. Jesus, having been raised with a glorified body, is present in heaven and not on the earth. Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit would empower believers displays God’s faithfulness to do what He says He will do.

We need to be mindful that the Holy Spirit IS the third person in the Trinity and that He IS indwelling each one of us who has turned from sin and trusted in Christ. The Spirit who empowered the disciples who walked with Jesus is the same Spirit who lives to empower us and guide us into all truth.

II. THE SPIRIT COMES (Acts 2:1-24)

Now that we’ve looked at the promise of the arrival of the Holy Spirit, let’s look at the fulfillment of that promise.

Acts 2:1-24
This event takes place on the day of Pentecost, which is the Feast of Weeks (see Ex. 34:22-26). The feast of Pentecost was held 50 days after Passover as described in Leviticus 23:15-16. This would also place it nine days after the Ascension, subtracting the full day Jesus was in the tomb.

The reason why so many people were in Jerusalem at this time is because this was one of the three times each year that the Jewish men were to gather as a holy congregation to worship God. This was a celebration of the harvest where the firstfruits of the harvest and other sacrifices were offered (see Num. 28:26-31).

The disciples were all gathered in a house together. We can connect this back to Acts 1:12-13 as a house with an upper room where they were gathered. In verse 1, there is a pronoun identifying the group in general as “they.” Looking back to 1:12-15, the apostles are identified by name, several women who were with them, and the disciples, numbering about 120 people. It seems clear that there were both men and women present, especially when we consider 2:4, which describes the Spirit filling all who were present.

These signs accompanied the coming of the Spirit: the sound of a rushing wind that filled the entire house (this may refer to the sound in verse 6 that got the attention of those in the area who afterward heard the praises of God). There were also tongues of fire resting on each of the believers. This is similar to the Spirit’s appearance as a dove at the baptism of Jesus.

The result of the filling of the Spirit was that all of them began to speak in other tongues. They didn’t choose which language they would speak in, but the Spirit “gave them utterance” as He saw fit. Based on the context of verse 6, we can understand that these “tongues” were known languages, not indiscernible noises, since those of different countries understood their own languages “the mighty works of God” (v. 11) being proclaimed by the disciples.

The people around them were both amazed and perplexed. They identified the group as mostly Galileans, so to hear them speaking in so many languages was amazing to them. There were others who ascribed the miracle to these followers of Christ being drunk with new wine.

Then Peter, surrounded by the other 11 apostles, addressed the crowd. To validate this miracle as coming from God, he pointed the crowd to the prophecy announced in Joes 2:28-32, to show them that God’s Spirit would be poured out so that men and women, young and old, would be empowered to do certain miracles, testifying of God’s works and the coming judgment. Then Peter spoke to them about Jesus of Nazareth, the promised Messiah. He used the works, wonders, and signs Jesus had performed as the basis. He also went on, in the portion from verses 25-36, to show other scriptural proofs. Peter related that all of this happened according to God’s definite plan. Then he clearly laid the blame for Jesus’ crucifixion at the feet of the Jewish leaders and others in the crowd who had called for His death.

Next, Peter connected his message to the resurrection by explaining to the crowd that God raised Jesus from the dead as it was not possible in God’s plan, for Jesus to remain dead. He then went on to demonstrate this from other Old Testament passages. Looking ahead to Acts 2:37, we find that most of the crowd were convicted by the truth of Peter’s message and asked how they should respond.

Jesus promised to send the Spirit in power, and that is exactly what happened. That power was evident as the mighty wind came, the tongues of flame danced, and the voices were raised in praise to God to be heard by all the peoples gathered in Jerusalem.

Not only was this a miracle, but Peter was able to show the crowd how the coming of the Spirit connected to God’s prophecies about Messiah and future judgment.

Peter didn’t exactly preach a “seeker sensitive” message to the crowd. He basically stood up and explained to the crowd that they were responsible for the death of the Messiah. Many of the people recognized their sin, were convicted by the very Spirit that empowered the miracle and asked what they needed to do to be saved. Peter’s response was a command to repent of their sins and to be baptized in the name of Jesus with the promise of receiving forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

As we read at the end of Acts 2, the apostles taught these new disciples doctrine as they gathered at the temple and went from house to house.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD
Peter’s response was a command to repent of their sins and to be baptized in the name of Jesus with the promise of receiving forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

As we think about the Holy Spirit, there is so much for us to consider:
• He is God dwelling in us, just as Jesus promised.
• He is sent by the Father and the Son to work in our lives by conforming our wills to be more like Christ and empowering us to do all that we are commanded.
• He testifies with our own spirits that we have been adopted by God.
• He provides us with assurance of our salvation, having been sealed by Him.
• He empowers us to display the fruits of righteousness and overcome the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Our God is faithful to keep His promises. Jesus promised to send the Helper. The Spirit promises to seal us for the day of redemption. And the Father promises to raise us up to eternal life so that we may live with our triune God in an eternity filled with joyful worship and communion.

THE ASCENSION

Text: Selected Scriptures from the NASB

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for this time You've given us this morning to open your Word and discover who You are. Thank You for revealing Yourself and Your will to us through the pages of Your holy Word. Father, we need wisdom as we study Your truth. You promise us in James 1:5 that we only have to ask for wisdom to receive it. Lord, please give us Your wisdom now as we consider the Scriptures, impressing their message upon our hearts and minds by Your Spirit. Help us discern the truth of the texts we will read today. Keep us from relying on own preconceived ideas or human understanding. Thank You God for the clarity, encouragement and hope Your Word brings. May it change our lives today to make us more like Your Son Jesus, in whose name I pray, Amen.

Introduction: For the last few weeks, we have been looking at the glorious truths surrounding the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. We saw that the Bible clearly teaches that His resurrection was just as important for our salvation as was His death on the cross. As we think about and talk about the gospel, we need to remember that our redemption and justification are bound up in the perfect life, the wrath-absorbing death, and the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. All of those things are true and necessary in God’s plan of salvation.

Next week, we are going to take some time to dig into some of the apologetic aspects of the resurrection. Many people have tried to explain away the reality of Jesus rising from, the dead, so we are going to prepare our minds to respond to some of those challenges, looking to Scripture as our authority.

To those Jesus appeared to, He did so in a way that was undeniable – by many proofs (appearances), He demonstrated that He was alive. This happened at least 10 times over a period of 40 days. But Jesus didn’t just appear to prove He was alive. He also continued to teach His disciples during this time.

Today, we are going to look at the compelling final words of Jesus to the disciples before He ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father.

I. MAKE DISCIPLES (Mt. 28:18-20; Lk. 24:50-51)
[READ Mt. 28:18-20]

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Since this is a familiar passage to many of you, we need to make sure that we slow down and truly examine the text. Some of you may have heard a lot of teaching on this passage over the years. But we want to approach a familiar text like this one with as few preconceived ideas as possible to make sure that we’re listening to the text, not telling the text what we already believe.

* Whom does “them” refer to? Looking back to verse 16, it’s the 11 disciples. This is consistent with the two angels in Acts 1:10-11 referring to them as men of Galilee.

* How did Jesus appear to them? He was in bodily form after His resurrection.

* Where did this happen? The immediate context indicates it was in Galilee.

Many people believe that Matthew was describing Jesus’ final words before His ascension. But that leads to an issue we must work through to harmonize the passages. Let’s look at some parallel contexts.
[READ Lk. 24:50-51]

50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven.

[READ Acts 1:12]

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.

* Where does the Luke passage place the ascension? Near the town of Bethany.

* Where does the Acts passage place the ascension? On the Mount of Olives, where Bethany is located just 2 miles east of Jerusalem.

* What can we conclude about Matthew’s record of the timing of these events? Because we know Jesus was with them for 40 days before the ascension into heaven (Acts 1:1-3) and that the Luke and Acts passages place the ascension near Bethany on the Mount of Olives, Matthew was condensing the time, and there is a gap between verses 17 and 18. Or he was recording a separate occasion in Galilee where Jesus gave similar instructions.

* What level of authority does Jesus possess? He has all authority.

* How extensive is His authority? He has all authority in heaven and on earth. This is a figure of speech known as a merism, where the idea is to communicate everything by using the phrase “heaven and earth.”

* How did He receive this authority? It was given to Him.

* Who gave Him this authority? While this particular passage does not say so, we understand it to be given by the Father. Passages like Matthew 11:27 and John 3:35 support this.

* Why were the disciples to “go” (the “therefore” indicates a reason)? Jesus was giving them a command based on His authority as Lord.

* What three things were the disciples commanded to do? To make disciples, to baptize, and to teach new disciples all that Jesus had commanded.

* What idea is implicit in Jesus’ command to “make disciples”? In order to make disciples, these new potential followers had to be told of the message of Jesus (the gospel) and then respond to the message, becoming a follower of the teachings of Jesus. In short, the gospel had to be proclaimed so that people could respond to it. While we often point to this passage as the proof text of evangelism, Jesus never actually tells them what to do to make disciples; we must infer that from this and other passages.

* Who were to be made disciples? People of all nations.

* What doctrine is clearly communicated in the form of baptism described by Jesus? This is a clear statement of the Trinity, naming each of the Persons of the Godhead specifically and all three as One name (“in the Name”).

* What was to be taught to these new disciples? To observe all that Jesus had taught His disciples. “Commandments” in this verse has the connotation of spoken teachings rather than written laws.

* What does the word “observe” mean in this context? Rather than “to look at” something, it has the sense of obeying a command. We use this word when we speak of observing a holiday tradition.

* What promise did Jesus give the disciples? He promised them that He will be with them to the end of the age.

* What does “the end of the age” refer to? It refers to the second coming, the Consummation if you remember our 7 Cs of History.

* How could Jesus be with the disciples if He was about to ascend into heaven? This is an allusion to the coming of the Holy Spirit. Passages like Romans 8:9-11, Philippians 1:19, and Galatians 4:6 connect the Holy Spirit to Christ, and Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-18, Acts 1:4-5, and other places.

Let’s think about the words we use to describe the great commission. The basic idea of the word “commission” is to join the mission of another person. Today, we talk of a military officer being commissioned into service under the authority of the government. That is exactly what Jesus was calling these disciples to do – to come alongside His mission. What was His mission? To seek and save the lost. Jesus lived a perfect life, died upon the cross, and then rose from the dead. Now the message of that triumph over sin needed to spread. And we cannot call that anything other than a great task. They were to be witnesses to the people in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and then to the ends of the earth.

* What two attributes of God does Jesus demonstrate in describing His authority and commanding the disciples? God’s sovereignty and omnipotence are demonstrated in His absolute power and authority.

“Go!” was the command of the Lord. What could the disciples do but submit themselves to the call to go and tell everyone about the salvation Jesus had purchased for sinners who rebelled against their Creator? While it would be a few more days of waiting, the Holy Spirit would come empower them to carry out this mission, and the gospel would begin to be spread to the ends of the earth.

We typically call this activity of spreading the gospel evangelism from the Greek word euangelion, which means “good news.” The disciples were to be evangelists and spread the message of forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.

II. JESUS ASCENDS (Acts 1:1-11; Jn. 16:7-15)

After rising from the dead, Jesus remained on the earth for about 40 days, revealing Himself to His disciples and giving them final instructions. After commissioning them as missionaries and preachers, He ascended into heaven.

[READ Acts 1:1-11]

1 The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. 3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of things regarding the kingdom of God.
4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
6 So, when they had come together, they began asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 But He said to them, “It is not for you to know periods of time or appointed times which the Father has set by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.”
9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were watching, and a cloud took Him up, out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, then behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them, 11 and they said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

* What connection is made in the first verse? This book is addressed to Theophilus and refers to a previous book that dealt with what Jesus did and taught, clearly connecting Acts to the Gospel of Luke. Luke wrote Acts, picking up where he left off at the end of his Gospel account.

* How did Luke set up this account? He begins in the first few verses with a summary of what had been happening. Jesus had presented Himself alive to many during the past 40 days, teaching about the kingdom of God and giving them final commandments before being taken up to heaven.

* Last week, we saw that Jesus commanded the disciples to go to Galilee. Why did Luke say that Jesus commanded them to remain in Jerusalem? When we understand this timeline, there is no contradiction here. Jesus told the disciples to go to Galilee, where He met with the seven disciples at the Sea of Galilee and then to many disciples (likely over 500 at once as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:6). Luke picks up the account nearly a month later (i.e., near the end of the 40 days) when the disciples had returned to Jerusalem, where Jesus would ascend. Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem (after His ascension) for the promise of the Father.

* What promise were they to wait for? The Holy Spirit.

* How long would they have to wait? Not many days.

* What did the disciples expect Jesus to do in these final moments? They expected Him to restore the kingdom to Israel, apparently through some sort of military or government action.

* How did Jesus answer them? He did not answer their question, explaining that it was not their place to know. In the meantime, they had a job to do – proclaim the good news of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

* How would they be empowered to perform this task? They would be empowered by the Holy Spirit.

* What happened as He finished saying these things? He was lifted up and a cloud took Him from their sight.

* What message did the two men bring? They shook the disciples out of their wonder, reminding them that Jesus was not gone forever. He would return in the same way they had seen Him go.

It must have been an amazing sight to see Jesus ascending into heaven, being lifted up before their very eyes. The disciples had been entrusted with so many amazing things to share! They now understood all Jesus had been teaching about His death and resurrection.

Jesus had opened their minds to understand the Scriptures when He appeared to them in the locked room. But they were still unsure how things would end. In their final moments with Jesus, they asked about the consummation of all things. When would Jesus restore the kingdom? Jesus didn’t answer their question but reassured them that they would not be left alone.

Jesus had defeated death and the grave; He had accomplished what He came to earth to accomplish. Now, He must return to the Father so that the disciples could be empowered to do their job. On the night of His arrest, Jesus had told the disciples that it was advantageous to them that He leave so that the Holy Spirit could be sent. Let’s read the promise as John describes it.

[READ Jn. 16:7-15]

7 But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment: 9 regarding sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and regarding righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you no longer are going to see Me; 11 and regarding judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
12 “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them at the present time. 13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take from Mine and will disclose it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine; this is why I said that He takes from Mine and will disclose it to you.

* How is it better that we have the Holy Spirit with us rather than the presence of Jesus on earth? The Holy Spirit would not walk beside them as Jesus had done, but dwell within each believer, working in them toward sanctification.

As the writer of Hebrews explained, Jesus’ work was finished. He had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins. Having accomplished that, He sat down at the right hand of the Father, waiting for His enemies to be made His footstool. Then the Holy Spirit was sent to bear witness to us, writing the new covenant on our hearts and minds (Heb. 10:12-18). Jesus ascended to the Father because His earthly job was finished. And when He left, He sent the indwelling Holy Spirit who would comfort, help, bring to remembrance, guide, and empower the followers of Jesus. Next week, we will look more closely at the coming of the promised Holy Spirit.

III. PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL (Rom. 10:9-17; Acts 17:30-31)

As Jesus prepared to ascend, He redirected the disciples’ focus to the responsibility before them – to proclaim the gospel. We are going to examine a passage from the book of Romans to help us understand the importance of speaking the gospel. While the immediate context of this passage is Paul speaking of the Israelites, the principles he used apply to all people as the gospel is proclaimed.

[READ Rom. 10:9-17]

9 That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? 15 But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

* According to this passage, what are the aspects of receiving salvation? Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing God has raised Him from the dead brings righteousness.

* Whom is Jesus Lord over? Both the Jews and the Greeks.

* How does God respond to those who call on Him? He is rich toward them, offering salvation.

* What does this phrase “call on Him” imply? This is parallel to confessing Jesus as Lord. While the idea is not explicitly stated here, this involves repenting of sin and trusting that Jesus has paid the penalty for those sins and was raised to life again
(see Mk. 1:15; Acts 3:19, 20:21).

* What must happen before someone can call on the Lord for salvation? They must believe in Him.

* What must happen before someone can believe in the Lord? They must hear about Him.

* What must happen for someone to hear of the Lord’s salvation? A preacher must deliver the message.

* What must happen for the preacher to tell of the Lord’s salvation? He must be sent.

* How does this passage describe those who preach the gospel? They have beautiful feet.

* How is the gospel described in verse 15? The gospel is called the “good news.”

* How do people respond to the gospel? They either obey or disobey the preaching of the gospel.

* What does the fact that not all have obeyed the gospel imply about the gospel message? More than just an offer of salvation, it is a command. You cannot disobey an offer or a suggestion.

[READ Acts 17:30-31]

30 So having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now proclaiming to mankind that all people everywhere are to repent, 31 because He has set a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all people by raising Him from the dead.

* How do these verses from Acts affirm this interpretation? Paul stated clearly that God commands all men everywhere to repent or face the judgment. Remember, we must let Scripture interpret Scripture rather than allowing outside ideas to influence our interpretation.

* Back in Romans 10:17, how does faith come to unbelievers? Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ.

* What does “the word of Christ” refer to? This phrase is not a synonym for the Bible, as some assert. While the Bible is the Word of God, the Greek word for “word” here is rhema – referring to a spoken word. The immediate context of this passage indicates that here the phrase refers to the message of the gospel of Christ that Paul has just been talking about from verse 9, making “word of Christ” a preferred rendering (some versions use “word of God”). However, it is in the Bible that we find the revealed message of the gospel of Christ, so the ideas are connected.

Paul made the importance of the proclamation of the gospel very clear. Without the preaching of the gospel, no one can believe in Christ, receive salvation, or become reconciled to God. And proclamation cannot happen without someone proclaiming that truth.

In our modern context, the word “preacher” has a very specific connotation of a man standing behind a pulpit delivering a sermon. But the Greek word root used for “preach” and “preacher” is kerysso, which has the meaning of delivering a message with authority. Think of a herald – someone who is sent in the name of a king to deliver a message to his subjects. Or a more contemporary example would be a spokesperson announcing some new technological device that will change your life. From that initial proclamation, the message spreads, and those who believe in the message spread it further and then stand in a line for 18 hours to get the new device.

While translated differently, it is the same word used in Mark 7:36 where the man healed by Jesus (and those around Him) “proclaimed” what Jesus had done. They had just witnessed a miracle of healing, and they could not help but proclaim that good news to those around them.

If we have been raised from being dead in our sins to alive in Christ, (a true miracle made possible only through Christ) how could we do anything but proclaim that to everyone around us?

Not every one of us will stand before crowds on a stage. Not every one of us will stand on a park bench before a gathering of people. Not every one of us will stand behind a pulpit. Not everyone will travel to a foreign country to live among the people there. But every one of us has the distinct privilege of sharing the good news – that King Jesus offers terms of peace with those who are in rebellion against Him – declaring the same news that saved us from our just condemnation and brought us eternal life.

IV. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM GOD’S WORD

While there is no passage of Scripture that says, “Every Christian must share the gospel with 12 people each week,” the call to the disciples echoes down to us nearly 2,000 years after Jesus delivered the commission to “Go.” And not only to us, but also to all of those who have been a part of the church throughout history and around the globe. And this was also the case all through Scripture as the faithful looked for the coming of the Seed who would crush the head of the serpent and be a blessing to all nations.

Within the gospel message, there is more than just the offer of salvation to those who are dead in their sins. To those who have been raised to new life in Christ, it offers the hope of empowerment to live a life pleasing to God. The gospel isn’t just for making disciples but for disciples of Christ to live in and walk in each day. For the unbeliever, the gospel is the good news that their sins can be forgiven. For the believer, the gospel is the good news that they have been forgiven in Christ and that the Spirit now lives in them to keep them from sin and to change them into the image of Christ. The gospel is central to making disciples AND continuing in discipleship.

It is both a responsibility and a privilege to make disciples and to teach them all Jesus commanded. Further, it is a demonstration of our love for the Savior who redeemed us. But it is ultimately the opportunity to be used by God to call people to offer Him the worship and praise that He is due as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

Let’s all pray for boldness to go down the hall in our own home, to go across the street, to go to the park, to go to the staff break room, to go to another nation to proclaim the glorious good news that Jesus saves sinners from the wrath of God against their sin and then to teach them to obey the commands of their Savior.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we begin by praising You for Your power and wisdom to bring about salvation for those who rebel against You. We ask You to give us the boldness we need to open our mouths and proclaim the gospel. Thank You so much for the gift of salvation You made possible in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection; for it is in His name I pray, Amen.

Invitation # 302 & 313: “Share His Love” (3 vs.) into the chorus “Lord, Lay Some Soul Upon My Heart” (1 x)

Benediction: Beloved, may you be strong and courageous as you set out to accomplish the work God has called you to do. May you not be afraid or discouraged in any way, for the Lord God…your God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you, empowering you by His Spirit until all your work for His service is completed. Amen. (1 Chr. 28:20)

THE ASCENSION
Answers (Lesson 153) - November 10, 2024 - Rev. Alan Cousins

Text: Selected Scriptures from the NASB

Introduction: Today, we are going to look at the compelling final words of Jesus to the disciples before He ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father.

I. MAKE DISCIPLES (Mt. 28:18-20; Lk. 24:50-51)

Matthew 28:18-20
If we look back to verse 16, the word “them” is referring to the 11 disciples. This is consistent with the two angels in Acts 1:10-11 referring to them as men of Galilee. Remember, Jesus appeared to everyone in bodily form after His resurrection.

It seems from the immediate context that the events of this passage occurred in Galilee and were Jesus’ final words before His ascension. But that leads to an issue we must work through to harmonize the passages. Let’s look at some parallel contexts.

Luke 24:50-51 & Acts 1:12
Notice that Luke places the ascension near the town of Bethany. The Acts passage says the ascension took place on the Mount of Olives. This is not a contradiction because Bethany was located near the top of the Mount of Olives about 2 miles east of Jerusalem. Since we know Jesus was with His disciples for 40 days between His resurrection and ascension into heaven (Acts 1:1-3) and that the Luke and Acts passages place the ascension near Bethany on the Mount of Olives, Matthew was condensing the time, and there is a gap between verses 17 and 18. Or he was recording a separate occasion in Galilee where Jesus gave similar instructions to the disciples.

Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. This is a figure of speech known as a merism, where the idea is to communicate everything by using the phrase “heaven and earth.” While this particular passage doesn’t say so, we understand from other verses that Jesus’ authority was given to Him by the Father (see Mt. 11:27; Jn. 3:35).

Going back to Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus was giving His disciples a command based on His authority as Lord. They were to make disciples, baptize, and teach new disciples all that Jesus had commanded. To make disciples, these new potential followers had to be told of the message of Jesus (the gospel) and then respond to the message, becoming a follower of the teachings of Jesus. In short, the gospel had to be proclaimed so that people could respond to it. While we often point to this passage as the proof text of evangelism, Jesus never actually tells them what to do to make disciples; we must infer that from this and other passages. These potential disciples were people from all nations.
The doctrine of the Trinity is clearly communicated in the form of baptism described by Jesus, naming each Person of the Godhead and all three as One “name.”

These new disciples were to be taught everything Jesus had taught His disciples. “Commandments” in this verse has the connotation of spoken teachings rather than written laws. The word “observe” has the sense of obeying a command.

Jesus promised His disciples that He will be with them to the end of the age. This is referring to the second coming, or consummation. But how could Jesus be with them if He was about to ascend into heaven? He was alluding to the coming of the Holy Spirit (see Rom. 8:9-11; Phil. 1:19; Gal. 4:6; Jn. 14:15-18; Acts 1:4-5).

The basic idea of the word “commission” is to join the mission of another person. Jesus was calling these disciples to come alongside His mission, which is to seek and to save the lost.

In the way Jesus described His absolute power and authority He demonstrated God’s sovereignty and omnipotence.

“Go!” was the command of the Lord. All the disciples could do was to tell everyone about the salvation Jesus had purchased for sinners. In a few days, the Holy Spirit would empower them to carry out this mission, and the gospel would be spread to the ends of the earth.
II. JESUS ASCENDS (Acts 1:1-11; Jn. 16:7-15)

After His resurrection, Jesus remained on earth for 40 days, revealing Himself to His disciples and giving them final instructions. After commissioning them as missionaries and preachers, He ascended into heaven.

Acts 1:1-11

This book is addressed to Theophilus and refers to a previous book that dealt with what Jesus did and taught, clearly connecting Acts to the Gospel of Luke. Luke wrote Acts, picking up where he left off at the end of his Gospel account. He begins in the first few verses with a summary of what had been happening. Jesus had presented Himself alive to many during the past 40 days, teaching about the kingdom of God and giving them final commandments before being taken up to heaven. On the day of His resurrection, Jesus had sent word to the disciples to meet Him Galilee, where He met with the seven disciples at the Sea of Galilee and then to many disciples (likely over 500 at once as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:6). Luke picks up the account nearly a month later (i.e., near the end of the 40 days) when the disciples had returned to Jerusalem, where Jesus would ascend. Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem (after His ascension) for the promise of the Father – the coming of the Holy Spirit.

In the final moments before His departure, the disciples still expected Jesus would restore the kingdom to Israel, apparently through some sort of military or government action. Jesus did not answer their question, explaining that it was not their place to know. In the meantime, they had a job to do – proclaim the good news of the Gospel to the ends of the earth – which the Holy Spirit would empower them to do. When He finished saying these things, Jesus was lifted up and a cloud took Him from their sight. The two men (angels) shook the disciples out of their wonder, reminding them that Jesus was not gone forever, and that some day He would return in a similar manner.

It must have been an amazing sight to see Jesus ascending into heaven, being lifted up before their very eyes. The disciples had been entrusted with so many amazing things to share! They now understood all Jesus had been teaching about His death and resurrection.

John 16:7-15

The Holy Spirit would not walk beside them as Jesus had done, but dwell within each believer, working in them toward sanctification. Jesus ascended to the Father because His earthly job was finished. And when He left, He sent the indwelling Holy Spirit who was sent to bear witness to us, writing the new covenant on our hearts and minds (Heb. 10:12-18). He would also comfort, help, bring to remembrance, guide, and empower Jesus’ followers.

III. PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL (Rom. 10:9-17; Acts 17:30-31)

We are going to examine a passage from the book of Romans to help us understand the importance of speaking the gospel.

Romans 10:9-17

The aspects of receiving salvation are confessing Jesus as Lord and believing God has raised Him from the dead brings righteousness. Jesus is both Lord over the Jews and Gentiles. God is rich toward all of those who call on Him offering them salvation. “Calling on Him (God)” is parallel to confessing Jesus as Lord. This involves repenting of sin and trusting that Jesus has paid the penalty for those sins and was raised to life again (see Mk. 1:15; Acts 3:19, 20:21). In verse 15, the gospel is called the “good news.” People respond to the gospel either by obeying or disobeying the preaching of the gospel. The gospel is more than just an offer of salvation, it is a command. You cannot disobey an offer or a suggestion.

Acts 17:30-31

Paul clearly states that God commands all people everywhere to repent or face judgment. Remember, we must let Scripture interpret Scripture rather than allowing outside ideas to influence our interpretation. In Romans 10:17 we’re told that faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. While the Bible is the Word of God, the Greek for “word” here is rhema – referring to a spoken word. The immediate context of this passage indicates that here the phrase refers to the message of the gospel of Christ that Paul has just been talking about from verse 9, making “word of Christ” a preferred rendering. It is in the Bible that we find the revealed message of the gospel, connecting the ideas.
Without the preaching of the gospel, no one can believe in Christ, receive salvation, or become reconciled to God. If we have been raised from being dead in our sins to alive in Christ, (a true miracle made possible only through Christ) how could we do anything but proclaim that to everyone around us? Every one of us has the distinct privilege of sharing the good news – that King Jesus offers terms of peace with those who are in rebellion against Him!

IV. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD
Within the gospel message, there is more than just the offer of salvation to those who are dead in their sins. To those who have been raised to new life in Christ, it offers the hope of empowerment to live a life pleasing to God. The gospel isn’t just for making disciples but for disciples of Christ to live in and walk in each day.

For the unbeliever, the gospel is the good news that their sins can be forgiven. For the believer, the gospel is the good news that they have been forgiven in Christ and that the Spirit now lives in them to keep them from sin and to change them into the image of Christ. The gospel is about restoration and redemption, and it is all made possible in what Jesus has done for us. Peter is a prime example of that lesson. When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). Confession brings restoration.

It is both a responsibility and a privilege to make disciples and to teach them all Jesus commanded. Further, it is a demonstration of our love for the Savior who redeemed us. But it is ultimately the opportunity to be used by God to call people to offer Him the worship and praise that He is due as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

JESUS APPEARS TO HIS DISCIPLES

Text: Selected Scriptures from the NASB

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pause with such gratitude for the gift of Your undeserved, unfailing, and unfathomable love. As we begin our study of Your Word today, may we reflect on its truth, applying it in our individual situations. We ask You to pour out Your grace upon us. May Your favor rest upon this gathering. Bless our minds to comprehend, our hearts to receive, and our lives to be transformed by Your word. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Introduction: We have now spent a couple of months just covering a single week of history. There has been so much to focus on, and we haven’t even covered every aspect of Jesus final week on earth. But we have seen how Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem as a king, betrayed by one of His closest friends, rejected by His own people, mocked and flogged by Roman soldiers, and nailed to a cross. We have seen the anguish He wrestled with in the garden of Gethsemane and the suffering leading up to the cross. We read about the wrath of God that He drank for us. And we celebrated His resurrection from the dead as He conquered death and settled our sin debt forever. I just have two questions for you as we begin today’s sermon:

* What was accomplished on the cross? Jesus, as the only sinless man and yet fully God, was sacrificed as a spotless Passover lamb to atone for our sins. He fully paid the sin debt that we could never pay.

* Why is it important to include the resurrection in the gospel message? The resurrection is central to Christianity because we serve a living Savior. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead shows that He has paid the debt of sin in full, that He would not be held by death, and that He is God, just as He said.

You will remember from last Sunday we talked about the resurrection of Jesus and how He appeared to the women as they left the empty tomb to tell the disciples the good news that Christ had risen from the dead. Today, we will look at several more of the post-resurrection appearances of Christ. You may also remember that I told you to make a mental note about the mention of one angel, now you’re about to find out why.

I. JESUS APPEARS TO MANY (Jn. 20:11-18; Lk. 24:13-35, 36-43; Jn. 20:26-31)
[READ Jn. 20:11-18]

11 But Mary was standing outside the tomb, weeping; so as she wept, she stooped to look into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they put Him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and yet she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Thinking that He was the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you put Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene came and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.

* Who was weeping by the tomb? Mary. If we look at the surrounding context, we know this was Mary Magdalene.

* When did this event take place? This must be first thing on Sunday morning, because she obviously did not yet know that Jesus was risen.

* You may remember that Mary Magdalene was one of the first women to arrive at the tomb with spices to anoint Jesus’ body. If Mary was with the other women at the tomb, why didn’t she hear the angel’s announcement? This is a tricky detail that can cause some confusion. Perhaps the best explanation is that Mary Magdalene went with the other women to the tomb. It was barely dawn, so in the darkness of early morning, Mary saw that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb (Jn. 20:1). So, she immediately ran back to Peter and John to tell them that someone had robbed the tomb or taken Jesus’ body away (Jn. 20:2). The other women went on to the tomb to look inside, and the angel spoke to them, telling them to go tell the disciples (Mt. 28:2-8). It seems that they did not go to Peter and John, but to another gathering of disciples, perhaps staying in Bethany. As the women were going to obey the angel, Mary returned to the tomb with Peter and John. The disciples went back home, but Mary stayed by the tomb, weeping.

* Whom did Mary see in the tomb? She saw two angels.

* How does this compare to the other sightings at the tomb? There is some variation in detail among the Gospel accounts, but Luke tells us that the women saw two angels standing with them.

* What did the angels ask her? They asked her why she was crying.

* How did she answer? She believed someone had taken the body of Jesus.

* Shouldn’t she have recognized Jesus? Failing to recognize Jesus is not an uncommon reaction to seeing Him after the resurrection. Some have suggested that His resurrected (glorified) body was somehow different than before, but the other women didn’t seem to have any trouble recognizing Him. Some explain that because she was crying, her vision was probably blurred, and she never really looked at the man before her; or she would have just expected the gardener to be there. Most likely, Jesus’ identity was hidden from her for the moment. We have seen before where people were blinded to spiritual truth until it was revealed to them by God.

* What caused her to finally recognize Him? He called her by name.

* What did Jesus instruct Mary to do? He told her to go and tell the disciples that He was ascending to the Father.

There is some discussion as to whom Jesus appeared first. It seems that the best understanding is that Jesus appeared to Mary first. Then, shortly after, He appeared to the other women who were still on the way to Bethany to tell the disciples what they saw at the tomb.

A question that is often asked is why did Jesus tell Mary Magdalene not to touch Him, but allowed the other women and His disciples to do so? There have been many ideas offered, however I’m not sure we will find out the actual answer to this question until Jesus answers it for us when we are in His presence one day. But I will give you what I consider to be the two best answers to this question.

John 20:17-18, is key to understanding this question. There we read, “Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene came and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her. But In both John 20:27 and Luke 24:39, Thomas and the disciples touch Jesus to verify that He rose bodily from the dead. Thomas would not believe Jesus rose bodily unless he placed his hands in the nail wounds of Jesus (Jn. 20:25). Jesus tells the disciples to touch Him to confirm that He is not a ghost: “touch Me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you plainly see that I have.” (Lk. 24:39). Matthew 28 narrates that the other women grabbed His feet in spontaneous worship. Matthew includes almost no detail about this “touching,” so we cannot really say any more. However, in John and Luke, it’s clear that touching Jesus confirmed to the skeptical disciples that Jesus rose bodily from the grave. Mary Magdalene had no such skepticism. After Jesus said her name “Mary,” she immediately saw Him and called Him “Rabboni” (Jn. 20:17). She did not need to touch Him to prove that He truly arose. Instead, she confidently tells the disciples, “I have seen the Lord” (Jn. 20:18). The point in this case is that Mary, unlike Thomas (and the others) did not need proof that Jesus bodily arose from the dead. She believed. Jesus aimed to teach Mary an alternative lesson from the others. He did not want her to cling to Him as if He was merely a resurrected man; He wanted her to cling to Him when He went to the Father—where His co-divinity would be obvious.

A second possibility is that Jesus did not want Mary Magdalene to cling to Him was because He needed to be untouched before ascending to the Father to cleanse the heavenly temple and present His atoning blood to the Father to pay our sin debt. For a brief answer, we need to understand that the first sin was committed by Satan, who was the covering cherub of the Heavenly Temple. When he fell, he brought sin into the Holy of Holies. Only the blood of Christ the Lamb could cleanse it. In the earthly temple, the High Priest would enter once a year to cleanse it. On that day, no one was allowed to touch the High Priest until he had completed that work. So here Jesus tells Mary she is not permitted to touch Him (as He is our High Priest) because He still had to ascend to the Father and complete His atoning work. Notice that Jesus tells Mary to report back to the disciples that He had ascended to the Father. Only after completing this work of cleansing the Heavenly Temple with His own physical blood, would Jesus return to make further appearances to the disciples. And in those later visits, the disciples are permitted to touch Jesus, as Thomas does eight days after Jesus’ resurrection.

We read last week about the women who saw Jesus while they were on the way to tell the disciples about the empty tomb, so let’s skip to the next encounter.

[READ Lk. 24:13-35]

13 And behold, on that very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. 14 And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. 17 And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they came to a stop, looking sad. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, “Are You possibly the only one living near Jerusalem who does not know about the things that happened here in these days?” 19 And He said to them, “What sort of things?” And they said to Him, “Those about Jesus the Nazarene, who proved to be a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 But also some women among us left us bewildered. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. 24 And so some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see.” 25 And then He said to them, “You foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to come into His glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and with all the Prophets, He explained to them the things written about Himself in all the Scriptures.
28 And they approached the village where they were going, and He gave the impression that He was going farther. 29 And so they strongly urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over.” So He went in to stay with them. 30 And it came about, when He had reclined at the table with them, that He took the bread and blessed it, and He broke it and began giving it to them. 31 And then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 They said to one another, “Were our hearts not burning within us when He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” 33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, 34 saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon!” 35 They began to relate their experiences on the road, and how He was recognized by them at the breaking of the bread.

* When did this encounter take place? “That very day,” so this is Sunday, the day of the resurrection.

* What were these disciples doing? They were traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They had likely been in Jerusalem for Passover, and now that the feast was over, they were leaving. (The Feast of Unleavened Bread would continue for another four or five days).

* Who were these disciples? Cleopas and a disciple who is not named.

* How close of disciples were these men? They must have been fairly close disciples of the Lord because they had been with one of the groups of disciples that the women came to tell about the empty tomb.

* What do we learn about the disciples’ response to the women’s report? The disciples went to the tomb to verify the women’s report but did not see Jesus.

* Why did the disciples not recognize Jesus? Their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. Like Mary, these men did not recognize Jesus until He revealed Himself to them.

* In what way did Jesus reveal Himself to the disciples? He revealed Himself to them as He dined with them. He blessed and broke the bread and gave it to them, and then they recognized Him as the risen Jesus.

* As they were walking, what did Jesus teach the disciples? He gave them a survey of how the Old Testament pointed to the Christ. The phrase “Moses and all the Prophets” refers to all the Old Testament scriptures. Jesus began at the beginning and explained how all of God’s Word taught about His redemptive plan.

* What did the disciples do once they realized they had just spent the journey with Jesus? They immediately returned the seven miles to Jerusalem and found the 11 disciples to tell of their encounter. This would have been late, because they convinced Jesus to stay in Emmaus because it was “toward evening.”

* As they shared their news with the 11, what other encounter did they learn about? Jesus had appeared to Simon Peter as well.

[READ Lk. 24:36-43]

36 Now while they were telling these things, Jesus Himself suddenly stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be to you.” 37 But they were startled and frightened, and thought that they were looking at a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why are doubts arising in your hearts? 39 See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you plainly see that I have.” 40 And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 While they still could not believe it because of their joy and astonishment, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They served Him a piece of broiled fish; 43 and He took it and ate it in front of them.

* When did this encounter take place? Luke’s account places this “as they were talking about these things.” Cleopas and the other disciple had just arrived and told of their encounter, and they were discussing the incredible events of the day. John specifically mentioned that this took place on Sunday evening, the day of the resurrection (Jn. 20:19).

Imaging being one of the disciples who had not yet seen Jesus. You may have seen the empty tomb, heard the testimonies of the women and Mary, and now of Peter and Cleopas. The room must have been charged with excitement, hope, confusion, disbelief, and fear. They had even locked the door in fear of the Jews (Jn. 20:19).

* Why might they have been afraid of the Jews? They would have already been afraid of being arrested as disciples of Jesus (e.g., Peter’s denial). And now the body of Jesus was missing. They were likely afraid the Jews would accuse them of stealing the body and come persecute them all.

* How did Jesus come to them? Just as He had instantaneously vanished from the sight of Cleopas and the other disciple, He now appeared in their midst. He appeared so suddenly – in a locked room – that they thought He was a spirit. It is often claimed that Jesus walked through the wall or doors, but there is nothing in the text to indicate that is how He entered the room.

* What evidence did Jesus give to demonstrate that He was flesh and bone? He showed them His hands and feet and invited them to touch Him. He also ate a piece of fish to demonstrate that He had risen in the flesh, not just as an apparition.

As we put these accounts together, we begin to see a distinct demonstration of the uniqueness of Jesus’ resurrected body. He had been appearing in and around Jerusalem, walking to Emmaus seven miles away, vanishing instantaneously, and appearing in the middle of a locked room. And yet, He was physically present, could be touched, and could eat physical food.

According to John’s account, Thomas was missing from this encounter, and he refused to believe the others unless he could see the Lord Himself.

[READ Jn. 20:26-31]

26 Eight days later His disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be to you.” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Place your finger here, and see My hands; and take your hand and put it into My side; and do not continue in disbelief, but be a believer.” 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you now believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”
30 So then, many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name.

* When did this encounter take place? John places this eight days later, a week after Jesus had risen.

* How is this encounter similar to the last? The disciples were gathered inside with the door locked. Jesus, again, appeared in their midst.

* What is different about this encounter? This time, Thomas was present.

Jesus spoke directly to Thomas, showing him His hands and side. Upon seeing Jesus in the flesh, Thomas believed. Thomas sometimes is portrayed as exceedingly doubtful, but we must remember that none of the other disciples took someone else’s word for it. And Jesus had already shown His hands, feet, and side to the others. But after that first week, the 11 disciples had all seen Jesus in His physically resurrected body and believed in Him as Lord and God.

We have looked at six distinct appearances of Jesus in the first week following His resurrection. He appeared first to Mary and the other women. Then He appeared to Peter, though we don’t have a detailed account of that encounter. Then He spent a walk of seven miles interpreting the Bible for Cleopas and the other disciple on the way to Emmaus. Then He appeared to the room of disciples including all of the 11 except for Thomas. A week later, He came to them again while Thomas was there.

John records another significant encounter with the resurrected Lord, which we will take a look at in a minute. You may remember that Jesus told the women to tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee. The next two encounters take place there. One was a private encounter with seven of the core disciples and the other was a public appearance to over 500 followers (1 Cor. 15:6), which many scholars believe to be when Jesus gave what we call the great commission (Mt. 28:16-20). Finally, Jesus appeared once more in Jerusalem with some final instructions before He ascended to the Father. We will look at that in more detail next week.

Jesus rose from the dead bodily and appeared physically to more than 15 individuals, as well as several gatherings. Jesus is alive. He defeated death and the grave, securing our eternal hope. As Jesus explained to Cleopas, the entire Old Testament pointed to the coming of Jesus and God’s plan to redeem mankind from the power of sin.

II. JESUS RESTORES PETER (Jn. 21:1-19; Lk. 12:8-9)

In the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, we also see forgiveness and restoration. Just before Jesus’ death, Peter rejected Jesus, denying to even know Him. Three times he declared that he did not know Jesus, even as Jesus suffered and died to pay for his sins. Peter recognized his sin and wept bitterly over his failure. But that moment of self-interested rejection did not define his relationship with Jesus. Neither was it his final interaction with Him. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (see Rom. 8:1).

[READ Jn. 21:1-19]

1 After these things Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He revealed Himself in this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas who was called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are also coming with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.
4 But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish to eat, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find the fish.” So they cast it, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great quantity of fish. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away, dragging the net full of fish.
9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already made and fish placed on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went up and hauled the net to land, full of large fish, 153; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.
12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples ventured to inquire of Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.
15 Now when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 16 He said to him again, a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was hurt because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.
18 Truly, truly I tell you, when you were younger, you used to put on your belt and walk wherever you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will put your belt on you, and bring you where you do not want to go.” 19 Now He said this, indicating by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had said this, He said to him, “Follow Me!”

* Where were these seven disciples? They were on the Sea of Tiberias, another name for the Sea of Galilee.

* What were they doing? They were fishing.

* Who had led them there? They had followed Peter.

* How long had they fished? All night.

* What did they catch? Nothing.

* Who addressed them from the shore? Jesus.

* Did they recognize Him? No.

* What did He tell them to do? He told them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat.

* What was the result? They caught more fish than they could handle.

* Who recognized Jesus first? John, who identified himself as “that disciple who Jesus loved.”

* How did Peter respond? He put on his cloak, jumped into the water, and went to Jesus.

* How is this response different from Judas’ earlier response? Judas ran away from Jesus, ending his own life in remorse, rather than run to Him.

* After they had eaten breakfast with Jesus, what did Jesus ask Peter? He asked Peter if he loved Him more than these.

* What does “these” refer to in Jesus’ question? It isn’t clear from the text, but there are two options. Jesus could be referring to the fish that had just been caught, asking Peter if he loved the ministry Jesus had called him to more than his previous profession as a fisherman, which he had returned to after the resurrection. Another possibility is that Jesus was referring to the other disciples. In light of the passage describing Peter’s denial in Mark 14:29, where Peter said he would be faithful even if all the other disciples were not, this phrase could be referring back to that instance. In either case. Jesus is asking Peter to reconsider his love for Him.

* How did Peter respond? He acknowledged that he loved Jesus, as Jesus already knew. However, Peter used the word phileo (to have affection for) rather than the word agapao (to highly regard something). Interestingly, Jesus used the Greek word agapao in His question, and Peter replied with phileo. While these words are both translated as “love” in English, agapao is a much stronger word than phileo.

* What did Peter acknowledge about Jesus in each response? He acknowledged Jesus’ omniscience by saying “You know” and “You know everything.”

* How many times did Jesus ask this question? He asked it three times, the third time using the same word, phileo, that Peter had used in his response.

* What did Jesus command Peter to do? He told Peter to feed His lambs/sheep twice and tend His sheep once.

* How did Peter respond the third time Jesus questioned him? He was grieved when Jesus asked him the third time.

* Why did the third question grieve Peter? It would seem that this reminded Peter of the three times he had denied Jesus.

* How did Jesus affirm Peter’s restoration to work as a disciple? Jesus called Peter to feed and tend His sheep.

* Who are the sheep Jesus was referring to? The sheep are the followers of Jesus. Jesus repeatedly referred to His followers as sheep (Jn. 10:1-30), and this language is present even in the Old Testament where God is specified as a Shepherd.

* There is no doubt that Peter had denied Jesus in front of other people. Do Jesus’ words in Luke 12:8-9 present a contradiction of Jesus’ restoration of Peter? Let’s see.

[READ Lk. 12:8-9]

8 “Now I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before people, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God; 9 but the one who denies Me before people will be denied before the angels of God.

While on the surface this might seem to be a contradictory statement, this passage is connected to the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. In context, this passage is about someone who denies Jesus and refuses to repent. Peter repented, acknowledging his sin and turning to God for forgiveness, and was restored.

* What prophecy did Jesus give to Peter? He told Peter that he would live to be “old” and would eventually be imprisoned and killed to the glory of God.

* What does this reinforce about Peter’s restoration? Jesus must have intended to use Peter in the future to accomplish more work through him.

Church tradition tells us that Peter lived for several more decades and was eventually killed by the Roman Emperor Nero in AD 67. During that time, he built up the church as he traveled and wrote letters. Though he had denied his Lord, Peter was restored to service.

* What attributes of God are demonstrated in Jesus’ restoration of Peter? God’s grace, mercy, and love are all demonstrated by Jesus forgiving Peter for his denial and calling him to further faithful service.

Peter would fail again, and again, but he could always remember the calling Jesus had given him to feed and tend His sheep. He would encourage others to remember the salvation that they had in Christ (1 Pet. 1:1-12) and call them to suffer for the sake of Christ just as he had done (1 Pet. 4:1-11).

The gospel is about restoration and redemption, and it is all made possible in what Jesus has done for us. Peter is a prime example of that lesson. When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). Confession brings restoration.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM GOD’S WORD

If we stop and examine our own hearts, we will come to realize that we are much like Peter. There are times when we know and proclaim the truth about who Jesus is, and we follow Him faithfully. There are other times when we deny that Jesus is our Lord and Savior by our words, our actions, or our thoughts. While these moments might send us into a state of despair, we must always remind ourselves that we are not accepted by God because of what we have done but because of what Jesus has done for us. We are accepted and blessed in the Beloved according to God’s mercy (see Eph. 1:3-6).

Now, this should in no way lead us to minimize the sinfulness of sin because we know there is forgiveness from our gracious and merciful Savior, but it should lead us to want to please Jesus more and deny Him less. When we think about Peter’s reaction, he seems to have been caught up in the fear of being arrested, and he took his eyes off Jesus. But upon recognizing his failure, Peter was grieved by his sin and turned to Jesus for forgiveness.

But God is merciful to sinners and will forgive those who come to Him in repentance. As we seek to demonstrate our devotion to Jesus, we need to guard ourselves against thinking we are able to do so on our own. We must walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Helper whom Jesus sent to us (Jn. 14:26-27). From before the foundation of the world, God has been a faithful God. We can trust in His unchanging character to restore us when we have sinned. And remembrance of that forgiveness in our lives should stir up in us a desire to share the message of forgiveness with others, telling them of the continual restorative grace that is available to them in Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, first we want to praise You for Your power that resurrected Jesus from the dead, making Him victorious over death and the grave. We pray that you will soften the hard and disbelieving hearts of our friends and family who need to come to You through Jesus. Thank You for offering us restoration rather than condemnation. In the name of Jesus’ whom we love and adore, I pray, Amen.

Invitation # 201: “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” (vs. 1 & 4)

Benediction: Beloved, may the Lord, who has given you the shield of His salvation, uphold you with His right hand; may His gentleness make you great. Amen. (Ps. 18:35)

JESUS APPEARS TO HIS DISCIPLES

Answers (Lesson 152) - November 3, 2024 - Rev. Alan Cousins

Text: Selected Scriptures from the NASB

Introduction: Last Sunday, we talked about the resurrection of Jesus and how He appeared to the women as they left the empty tomb to tell the disciples the good news that Christ had risen from the dead. Today, we will look at several more of the post-resurrection appearances of Christ.

I. JESUS APPEARS TO MANY (Jn. 20:11-18; Lk. 24:13-35, 36-43; Jn. 20:26-31)

John 20:11-18
Here we find Mary weeping by the empty tomb. If we look at the surrounding context, we know this was Mary Magdalene. This must have taken place first thing on Sunday morning, because she obviously did not yet know that Jesus was risen. If Mary Magdalene was one of the first women to arrive at the tomb with spices to anoint Jesus’ body, why didn’t she hear the angel’s announcement? This is a tricky detail that can cause some confusion. Perhaps the best explanation is that Mary Magdalene went with the other women to the tomb. It was barely dawn, so in the darkness of early morning, Mary saw that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb (Jn. 20:1). So, she immediately ran back to Peter and John to tell them that someone had robbed the tomb or taken Jesus’ body away (Jn. 20:2). The other women went on to the tomb to look inside, and the angel spoke to them, telling them to go tell the disciples (Mt. 28:2-8). It seems that they did not go to Peter and John, but to another gathering of disciples, perhaps staying in Bethany. As the women were going to obey the angel, Mary returned to the tomb with Peter and John. The disciples went back home, but Mary stayed by the tomb, weeping.

Then Mary saw two angels in the tomb. There is some variation in detail among the Gospel accounts, but Luke tells us that the women saw two angels standing with them. The angels then asked Mary why she was crying. She explained that she believed someone had taken the body of Jesus away. Next we’re told that she saw someone else nearby. It was Jesus, but Mary didn’t recognize Him at first. This was not an uncommon reaction to seeing Him after the resurrection. Some have suggested that His resurrected (glorified) body was somehow different than before, but the other women didn’t seem to have any trouble recognizing Him. Some explain that because she was crying, her vision was probably blurred, and she never really looked at the man before her; or she would have just expected the gardener to be there. Most likely, Jesus’ identity was hidden from her for the moment. We have seen before where people were blinded to spiritual truth until it was revealed to them by God. But the moment Jesus called her by name she recognized Him. He told her to go and tell the disciples that He was ascending to the Father.

A question that is often asked is why did Jesus tell Mary Magdalene not to touch Him, but allowed the other women and His disciples to do so? There have been many ideas offered, however I’m not sure we will find out the actual answer to this question until Jesus answers it for us when we are in His presence one day. But I will give you what I consider to be the two best answers to this question.

John 20:17-18, is key to understanding this question. There we read, “Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene came and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her. But In both John 20:27 and Luke 24:39, Thomas and the disciples touch Jesus to verify that He rose bodily from the dead. Thomas would not believe Jesus rose bodily unless he placed his hands in the nail wounds of Jesus (Jn. 20:25). Jesus tells the disciples to touch Him to confirm that He is not a ghost: “touch Me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you plainly see that I have.” (Lk. 24:39). Matthew 28 narrates that the other women grabbed His feet in spontaneous worship. Matthew includes almost no detail about this “touching,” so we cannot really say any more. However, in John and Luke, it’s clear that touching Jesus confirmed to the skeptical disciples that Jesus rose bodily from the grave.
Mary Magdalene had no such skepticism. After Jesus said her name “Mary,” she immediately saw Him and called Him “Rabboni” (Jn. 20:17). She did not need to touch Him to prove that He truly arose. Instead, she confidently tells the disciples, “I have seen the Lord” (Jn. 20:18). The point in this case is that Mary, unlike Thomas (and the others) did not need proof that Jesus bodily arose from the dead. She believed. Jesus aimed to teach Mary an alternative lesson from the others. He did not want her to cling to Him as if He was merely resurrected man; He wanted her to cling to Him when He went to the Father—where His co-divinity would be obvious.

A second possibility is that Jesus did not want Mary Magdalene to cling to Him was because He needed to be untouched before ascending to the Father to cleanse the heavenly temple. For a brief answer, we need to understand that the first sin was committed by Satan, who was the covering cherub of the Heavenly Temple. When he fell, he brought sin into the Holy of Holies. Only the blood of Christ the Lamb could cleanse it. In the earthly temple, the High Priest would enter once a year to cleanse it. On that day, no one was allowed to touch the High Priest until he had completed that work. So here Jesus tells Mary she is not permitted to touch Him (as He is our High Priest) because He still had to ascend to the Father and complete His atoning work. Notice that Jesus tells Mary to report back to the disciples that He had ascended to the Father. Only after completing this work of cleansing the Heavenly Temple with His own physical blood, would Jesus return to make further appearances to the disciples. And in those later visits, the disciples are permitted to touch Jesus, as Thomas does eight days after Jesus’ resurrection.

We read last week about the women who saw Jesus while they were on the way to tell the disciples about the empty tomb, so let’s skip to the next encounter.
Luke 24:13-35

This encounter takes place on Sunday, the day of the resurrection. These two disciples were traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They had likely been in Jerusalem for Passover, and now that the feast was over, they were leaving, (the Feast of Unleavened Bread would continue for another four or five days). One of these disciples is Cleopas (Clopas) and the other is not named. They must have been fairly close disciples of the Lord because they had been with one of the groups of disciples that the women came to tell about the empty tomb. In this passage we learn that upon hearing the report from the women, the disciples went to the tomb to verify it, but they did not see Jesus as the women had.

These two men did not recognize Jesus because their eyes were kept from recognizing Him until Jesus revealed Himself to them, which He did as He dined with them. He blessed and broke the bread and gave it to them, and then they recognized Him as the risen Jesus. As they were walking to Emmaus, Jesus gave them a survey of how the Old Testament pointed to the Christ. The phrase “Moses and all the Prophets” refers to all the Old Testament scriptures. Jesus began at the beginning and explained how all of God’s Word taught about His redemptive plan. After Jesus makes Himself known to them, they immediately returned the seven miles to Jerusalem and found the 11 disciples reporting their encounter. This would have been late in the day, because they convinced Jesus to stay in Emmaus since it was “toward evening.” Then they learned that Jesus had appeared to Peter as well.

Luke 24:36-43

Luke’s account places this “as they were talking about these things.” Cleopas and the other disciple had just arrived and told of their encounter, and they were discussing the incredible events of the day. John specifically mentioned that this took place on Sunday evening, the day of the resurrection (Jn. 20:19).

The disciples would have already been afraid of being arrested as followers of Jesus (e.g., Peter’s denial). And now the body of Jesus was missing. They were likely afraid the Jews would accuse them of stealing the body and come persecute them all. Then, Just as He had instantaneously vanished from the sight of Cleopas and the other disciple, Jesus now appeared in their midst. He appeared so suddenly – in a locked room – that they thought He was a spirit. It is often claimed that Jesus walked through the wall or doors, but there is nothing in the text to indicate that is how He entered the room. Jesus showed His disciples His hands and feet and invited them to touch Him. He also ate a piece of fish to demonstrate that He had risen in the flesh, not just as an apparition.

John 20:26-31

John places this encounter eight days later, or a week after Jesus had risen. Once again, the disciples were gathered inside with the door locked. Jesus simple appeared in their midst. This time, Thomas was present. Jesus spoke directly to Thomas, showing him His hands and side. Upon seeing Jesus in the flesh, Thomas believed. After that first week, the 11 disciples had all seen Jesus in His physically resurrected body and believed in Him as Lord and God.

You may remember that Jesus told the women to tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee. The next two encounters take place there. Finally, Jesus appeared once more in Jerusalem with some final instructions before He ascended to the Father.

Jesus rose from the dead bodily and appeared physically to more than 15 individuals, as well as several gatherings. Jesus is alive. He defeated death and the grave, securing our eternal hope. As Jesus explained to Cleopas, the entire Old Testament pointed to the coming of Jesus and God’s plan to redeem mankind from the power of sin.

II. JESUS RESTORES PETER (Jn. 21:1-19; Lk. 12:8-9)

In the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, we also see forgiveness and restoration.
John 21:1-19

These seven disciples were on the Sea of Galilee fishing at Peter’s suggestion. They had fished all night and caught nothing. From the shore Jesus calls out to them and tells them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, but they didn’t recognize Him. Nevertheless, they did as He said and ended up catching more fish than they could handle. As a result of this, John is the first to recognize Jesus. Upon hearing this, Peter put on his cloak, jumped into the water, and went to Jesus on the shore, followed a few minutes later by the other disciples. After they had eaten a delicious breakfast prepared by Jesus Himself, He takes Peter aside and asks him if he loved Him “more than these.” The meaning of “these” isn’t clear from the text, but there are two options. Jesus could be referring to the fish that had just been caught, asking Peter if he loved the ministry Jesus had called him to more than his previous profession as a fisherman, which he had returned to after the resurrection. Another possibility is that Jesus was referring to the other disciples. In light of the passage describing Peter’s denial in Mark 14:29, where Peter said he would be faithful even if all the other disciples were not. This phrase could be referring back to that instance. In either case. Jesus is asking Peter to reconsider his love for Him.

Peter acknowledged that he loved Jesus, as Jesus already knew. However, Peter used the word phileo (to have affection for) rather than the word agapao (to highly regard something). Interestingly, Jesus used the Greek word agapao in His question, and Peter replied with phileo. While these words are both translated as “love” in English, agapao is a much stronger word than phileo. Peter also recognized Jesus’ omniscience by saying “You know” and “You know everything.”

Jesus asked Peter this question three times, the third time using the same word, phileo, that Peter had used in his response. He told Peter to feed His lambs/sheep twice and tend His sheep once. Peter was grieved when Jesus question-ed him a third time, probably because it reminded him of the three times he had denied Jesus. Jesus affirmed Peter’s restoration by calling him to feed and tend His sheep. The sheep refers to the followers of Jesus. Jesus often spoke of His followers as sheep (Jn. 10:1-30), and this language is present even in the Old Testament where God is specified as a Shepherd.

Luke 12:8-9

In context, this passage is about someone who denies Jesus and refuses to repent. Peter repented, acknowledging his sin and turning to God for forgiveness, and was restored. Judas was not repentant, though he acknowledged he had sinned, and was damned (Mt. 27:3-5).
Jesus told Peter that he would live to be “old” and would eventually be imprisoned and killed to the glory of God. Jesus intended to use Peter in the future to accomplish more work through him. Peter would fail again, and again, but he could always remember the calling Jesus had given him to feed and tend His sheep. He would encourage others to remember the salvation that they had in Christ (1 Pet. 1:1-12) and call them to suffer for the sake of Christ just as he had done (1 Pet. 4:1-11).
The gospel is about restoration and redemption, and it is all made possible in what Jesus has done for us. Peter is a prime example of that lesson. When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). Confession brings restoration.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD
Knowing there is forgiveness from our Savior should lead us to want to please Jesus more and deny Him less.

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

Text: Selected Scriptures from the NASB

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the victory and power found only in Your name. Thank You for holding the keys of death and hell in Your firm grip. Thank You that by Your might, Jesus was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to have new life with You. Thank You having a plan in place before the creation of the world. We praise You for Your mighty strength, we praise You for Your lavish love. We praise You that You are the Conqueror, Victor, Redeemer, and Friend. We praise You that You are the Deliverer, Worthy One, Everlasting Father, Great and Awesome God. Once again, we confess our need for You. We ask You to renew our hearts, minds, and lives for the days ahead. We pray for the refreshing and filling of Your Holy Spirit. Keep Your words of truth planted firmly within us; help us to keep focused on what is pure and right; and give us the power to be obedient to Your Word. When the enemy reminds us where we’ve been, hissing his lies and attacks our way, we know that Your voice speaks louder and stronger, reminding us we are safe with You and that Your purposes and plans will not fail. We ask You to be our defense and rear guard, keeping our way clear, removing obstacles, and covering the pitfalls. May Your light shine in us, through us, and over us. Help us to make a difference in this world for Your glory and honor. May we reflect Your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs Your presence and healing. I ask for these things through Jesus, in whose name I pray, Amen.

Introduction: Last Sunday we talked about the darkest day in history – the day Jesus was crucified. Today we’re going to move ahead a few days to His victorious resurrection. As we think about the message of the gospel, we cannot divorce these two truths – Jesus died for our sins on the cross and was raised to life that we may have eternal life.

As we concluded last week’s study on Wednesday, we pointed to the work of redemption that was finished on the cross. Jesus paid for sins once and for all. So why was the resurrection necessary? That is the overall question we are asking today as we look to God’s Word to provide us with the answer.

I. THE EMPTY TOMB (Mt. 27:57-66, 28:1-10)

As we set the context for our study today, we need to remember the events of the previous days. Jesus had His final meal with the disciples where He instituted the Lord’s Supper. He went to the garden of Gethsemane where He was eventually arrested and tried. The next day Jesus faced trials before Herod and Pilate, was scourged, and then was hung to die on a Roman cross. After His death on Friday afternoon, His body was taken off the cross and placed in a tomb belonging to Joseph, a disciple from Arimathea.

[READ Mt. 27:57-66]

57 Now when it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea came, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.
62 Now on the next day, that is, the day which is after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, 63 and they said, “Sir, we remember that when that deceiver was still alive, He said, ‘After three days I am rising.’ 64 Therefore, give orders for the tomb to be made secure until the third day; otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” 66 And they went and made the tomb secure with the guard, sealing the stone.

[READ Mt. 28:1-10]

1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. 2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it. 3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 The guards shook from fear of him and became like dead men. 5 And the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”
8 And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to report to His disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Rejoice!” And they came up and took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go, bring word to My brothers to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

* Which day is the Sabbath referring to? In the Jewish calendar, the Sabbath was the last day of the week, that is, Saturday. This is the day God rested after His six-day creative work and the day the Jews were commanded to rest (Ex. 20:8-11).

* When did the women go to the tomb and at what time? They went on Sunday, the first day of the week, at dawn.

* How long had passed between the death of Jesus and the time the ladies went to the tomb? His death was at 3 p.m. on Friday, the burial was that same day before sunset, and the visit to the tomb was near sunrise on Sunday for a total of about 35 to 40 hours.

* What prophetic words of Jesus does this timing reflect? Jesus gave the Jewish leaders and His disciples the sign of Jonah, meaning that He would be in the earth three days and nights (Mt. 12:39-41, 16:4). He also told them that He would raise up the temple of His body in three days (Jn. 2:19-22).

* What apparent contradiction does this present based on the timing of events? It would seem, that Jesus was only in the grave about 36 hours, not three full days and full nights. In Jewish reckoning, the phrase “on the third day” could be part of one day, a full day, and part of the next day. The timing of the resurrection is a common objection raised by skeptics about the truthfulness of Scripture, but the Bible’s timetable is consistent with the Hebrew reckoning of time. Assuming a burial around 5 p.m. on Friday and sunrise around 6 a.m. on Sunday, Jesus was in the earth for a portion of three separate days, fulfilling His own prophecy about His burial and resurrection. An example of this use of language is found in Esther 4:16. Let’s turn there …
[READ Esth. 4:16]

16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants also will fast in the same way. And then I will go in to the king, which is not in accordance with the law; and if I perish, I perish.”

Here we find Esther exhorting Mordecai to persuade the Jews to fast. This was clearly in preparation for her highly risky attempt to see the king. Yet just two verses later, in Esther 5:1, we read: “On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace.” If three days and nights were counted in the same way as we count them today, then Esther could not have seen the king until the fourth day. This is completely analogous to the situation with Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Additionally, it is unhelpful to use phrases like “three days later, Jesus rose from the dead,” as that reinforces an unbiblical perspective.

* Who had gone to the tomb? Mary Magdalene, who was one of the disciples, and another Mary went to the tomb. This second Mary was likely the mother of James mentioned in Matthew 27:56 and 61.

* What did they see as they arrived at the tomb? There had been an earthquake, and an angel had descended from heaven.

* What did the angel do? He moved the stone away from the tomb entrance and then sat upon it.

* How did the angel look? His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow.

* What are these figures of speech intended to convey? These two similes describe a radiance and brilliance that surrounded the angel, taken together, they indicate purity.

* How did the guards respond to these events? They shook in fear and fell as dead men. This is quite striking for members of an elite army to become so frightened. To say they became as dead men seems to indicate that they were unconscious for a time.

* Why were there guards at the tomb? The Jews had asked for Pilate to set a guard at the tomb so that the disciples could not steal the body and claim Jesus had risen from the dead as He had prophesied (Mt. 27:62-66).

* What was the first thing the angel said to the women? Do not be afraid.

* What did the angel know about the women’s thoughts? He knew they were looking for Jesus.

* Why was Jesus not in the tomb? The angel said, “He has risen, as He said.”

* What did the angel invite the women to do? He offered for them to look in the empty tomb where Jesus had been placed.

* What did the angel command the women to do? He told them to go quickly to tell the disciples that Jesus was risen from the dead.

* Where would the disciples find Jesus? They would find Him in Galilee.

* Did the ladies obey the angel’s command? Yes. They departed quickly, running to the disciples.

* How were they feeling as they went? They went with fear and great joy.

* Whom did they run into? Jesus.

* How did they respond to seeing Him? They fell at His feet, holding them, and worshiped Him.

* Was this an appropriate response? Since Jesus is God, it is appropriate to worship Him as God. If He had been a mere man or an angel, this type of worship would be inappropriate since our worship is to be directed to God alone. Jesus received worship from people, confirming His claim to deity.

* What does the fact that they “took hold of His feet” tell us about Jesus after the resurrection? Because they were able to touch Him, He must have had a physical body. This is also confirmed in His later appearances.

* What command did Jesus give the women? He told them again to tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee.

Despite the attempts of the Jewish leaders and the Roman soldiers to prevent the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy, it happened just as He had said. With the mighty power demonstrated in the earthquake, the sending of the divine messenger, and the absolute overpowering of a host of Roman soldiers, God’s authority and control over the situation was clearly demonstrated. As the women watched and listened, they understood this to be true.
They were filled with fear and joy – fear in the awesome demonstration of God’s power, and joy in the knowledge that their Savior had risen from the dead as He had said He would.

* What two attributes of God are demonstrated in the resurrection of Jesus? God’s sovereignty and omnipotence – demonstrating control and absolute power over the entire situation.

On top of this, Jesus demonstrated that He holds the divine attribute of eternality, having risen from the dead to ascend to the Father and continue living with Him forevermore.

II. A LIVING HOPE (1 Pet. 1:3-9; Jn. 11:25-26, 14:1-4, 19; 1 Cor. 15:20-26; Dan. 12:1-2)

So, what does the resurrection mean to us? Let’s see how the Apostle Peter described its meaning.

[READ 1 Pet. 1:3-9]

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

* What type of writing is 1 Peter? It is an epistle – a letter written to give instruction, correction, and encouragement.

* Whom was it written to? It is addressed to the believers who had been scattered to the areas listed in verse 1, as a result of persecution.

* What teaching of Jesus did Peter allude to in verse 3? Peter wrote of being born again, alluding to Jesus’ explanation to Nicodemus in John 3:5.

* What has God caused us to be born to? He has caused us to be born again to a living hope.

* Why did He do this? He did it according to His great mercy towards us.

* What did He accomplish this hope through? Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

* What word does verse 4 use to describe our hope? It is an inheritance.

* How is this inheritance described? It is imperishable, undefiled, unfading, and kept in heaven.

* What do all of these ideas put together communicate? Collectively, these descriptors reinforce the perfect nature of the hope we have in Christ’s resurrection and our eternal inheritance that is secured by God alone apart from anything we could do.

* What is another way of expressing this inheritance that we will receive in the end? We often think in terms of receiving eternal life (Lk. 18:18; Heb. 9:15).

* Whom is the phrase “who by God’s power are being guarded” in verse 5 referring to? Peter is referring to the “us” in verse 3, which is referring to the elect exiles / pilgrims (believers) in the introduction to the epistle.

* How is our inheritance kept safe? It is kept safe by the power of God through faith.

* When will this inheritance be revealed to us? It will be revealed “in the last time.”

* What is this phrase referring to? It refers to the final judgment as confirmed in verse 7, which refers to the revelation of Jesus Christ at His second coming.

* What should this hope cause us to do? Rejoice.

* What did Peter anticipate might hinder their joy? They were facing trials in the world.

* What was the purpose of these trials? To test their faith and prove that it is imperishable so that God may be praised.

Now, we’re going to look at some cross-references for more information.

[READ Jn. 11:25-26]

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.

* What did Jesus tell Martha about the nature of the resurrection? Jesus identified Himself directly with resurrection and life, offering eternal life to everyone who believes in Him.

[READ Jn. 14:1-4]

1 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be. 4 And you know the way where I am going.”

* What did Jesus promise His disciples in John 14? He told them that He would come to receive them to Himself and take them to the place He had prepared for them.

[READ Jn. 14:19]

19 After a little while, the world no longer is going to see Me, but you are going to see Me; because I live, you also will live.

* On the night of His betrayal, what did Jesus tell the disciples about the future? Jesus told them that He would not be seen (His death) but that He would live and that they would live also. This is a reference to the future eternal life they would have with Him.

[READ 1 Cor. 15:20-26]

20 But the fact is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21 For since by a man death came, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, 24 then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to our God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death.

* What is the connection between Christ’s resurrection and our own resurrection?
Jesus is the first to be raised from the dead to eternal life, and we will surely follow Him in our future resurrection at the consummation of all things.

[READ Dan. 12:1-2]

1 “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.

* Who will be resurrected, and what is their fate? There will be a resurrection of all who have died – some to everlasting life and some to everlasting contempt. All those found written in the book of life (see Rev. 20:12) will be delivered from judgment.

We could spend days digging into all the implications of the resurrection, but we have seen clearly that the resurrection is the sure sign that God has conquered sin and death in Christ and that we have a sure hope of eternal life with Him. As we face trials in this life and our faith in God is tested and proven sure, we can know that it’s all pointing us forward to the day when our full salvation will be realized. We will be with countless others, worshiping around the throne and enjoying the inheritance of eternal life in Christ that was secured through His resurrection.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM GOD’S WORD

As we think about the resurrection, we must agree with Scripture that Jesus died on the cross, was buried in a tomb, and was raised in a physical body on the third day. The bodily resurrection of Jesus is a central component of our faith. It demonstrates God’s ultimate power over death and validates the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Sin was completely atoned for, and the resurrection shows that the Father accepted the sacrifice of His Son to pay for sin. If Christ is not raised from the dead, we are following a false god and have no hope of salvation.

Another glorious truth we find in the resurrection is the fact that we have a sure hope of receiving eternal life. One day, we will be resurrected to receive new bodies, just as Jesus was. He is the first fruits of those who will inherit eternal life with Him since He has conquered death. This physical world is not the end of our existence, but we look forward to an eternal existence where the perfection of the original creation will be restored; there will be no more suffering or death or disease. And on top of this, there will be no more opportunity or desire to sin since we will be free from our sinful flesh. While we await His return, we can know that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us as we seek to fight against sin and proclaim the hope of the gospel.

Paul writes: “[I] … make mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come” (Eph. 1:16-21).

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a glorious truth that should cause us to look to God in awe and thankfulness. His perfect sacrifice was accepted by the Father. Having died for our sins, He was also raised for our justification, giving us full assurance of His power over death and sin and our future with Him. Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father, awaiting the end and leading His church until then.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with such gratitude for the gift of Your undeserved, unfailing, and unfathomable love. Thank you for sending Your Son, who walked around on this broken, dusty, and trouble-ridden planet for 33 years, so that we might believe in Him and have eternal life. Thank You for communicating Your love for us in a way that is so personal, so extravagant, and so gracious. Thank You for Jesus dying and then rising from the dead so we could have hope. Thank You for proving that You are real, You are powerful, and that only You can give us the power to live our lives well through Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection. Thank You for washing away our sins by offering Yourself as the perfect and blameless sacrifice in our place. Lord, thank You for all You have done for us. We offer our lives as a living sacrifice to You in gratitude for Your amazing grace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Invitation # 213: “Because He Lives” (vs. 1 & 3)

Benediction: Beloved, when others dismiss your story as an idle tale, who will you be? Resurrection people with eternal hope in your hearts. When the world seems to be crumbling around you, remember who you are: Resurrection people with eternal hope in your hearts. When despair would seem to squelch all of your joy, believe in who you have become: Resurrection people with eternal hope in your hearts. When it is hard to persevere against all odds, trust in God who names you: Resurrection people with eternal hope in your hearts. As we follow Christ into the world, may God help us remember who we are -- Resurrection people with eternal hope in our hearts. Amen.

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS
Answers (Lesson 151) - October 27, 2024 - Rev. Alan Cousins

Text: Selected Scriptures from the NASB

Introduction: Today we’re going to move ahead a few days to His victorious resurrection. As we think about the message of the gospel, we cannot divorce these two truths – Jesus died for our sins on the cross and was raised to life that we may have eternal life.

Why was the resurrection necessary? That’s the overall question we are asking today as we look to God’s Word to provide us with the answer.

I. THE EMPTY TOMB (Mt. 27:57-66, 28:1-10; Esth. 4:16)

After Jesus’ death on Friday afternoon, His body was taken off the cross and placed in a tomb belonging to Joseph, a disciple from Arimathea.

Matthew 27:57-66 & 28:1-10
In the Jewish calendar, the Sabbath was the last day of the week, that is, Saturday. This is the day God rested after His six-day creative work and the day the Jews were commanded to rest (Ex. 20:8-11). Therefore, the women couldn’t go to the tomb until Sunday, the first day of the week, at dawn.

How long had Jesus been in the tomb? Well, His death was at 3 p.m. on Friday, the burial was that same day before sunset, and the visit to the tomb was near sunrise on Sunday for a total of about 35 to 40 hours. Now, Jesus gave the Jewish leaders and His disciples the sign of Jonah, meaning that He would be in the earth three days and nights (Mt. 12:39-41, 16:4). He also told them that He would raise up the temple of His body in three days (Jn. 2:19-22). Is this a contradiction? It would seem, that Jesus was only in the grave about 36 hours, not three full days and full nights. But remember In Jewish reckoning, the phrase “on the third day” could be part of one day, a full day, and part of the next day. The timing of the resurrection is a common objection raised by skeptics about the truthfulness of Scripture, but the Bible’s timetable is consistent with the Hebrew reckoning off time. Assuming a burial around 5 p.m. on Friday and sunrise around 6 a.m. on Sunday, Jesus was in the earth for a portion of three separate days, fulfilling His own prophecy about His burial and resurrection.

Esther 4:16
Here we find Esther exhorting Mordecai to persuade the Jews to fast. This was clearly in preparation for her highly risky attempt to see the king. Yet just two verses later, in Esther 5:1, we read: “On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace.” If three days and nights were counted in the same way as we count them today, then Esther could not have seen the king until the fourth day. This is completely analogous to the situation with Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Additionally, it is unhelpful to use phrases like “three days later, Jesus rose from the dead,” as that reinforces an unbiblical perspective.

The first to arrive at the tomb were Mary Magdalene, who was one of the disciples, and another Mary. This second Mary was likely the mother of James mentioned in Matthew 27:53 and 61. alluding to Daniel 7:13-14. When they arrived, they saw there had been an earthquake, and an angel had descended from heaven. The angel moved the stone away from the tomb entrance and then sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow. These two similes describe a radiance and brilliance that surrounded the angel, taken together, they indicate purity.

The Roman guards shook in fear and fell as dead men in response to all of this. It’s quite striking for members of an elite army to become so frightened. To say they became as dead men seems to indicate that they were unconscious for a time. Remember, the guards were there because the Jewish priests had asked for Pilate to set a guard at the tomb so that the disciples could not steal the body and claim Jesus had risen from the dead as He had prophesied (Mt. 27:62-66).

The first thing the angel told the women was, “Do not be afraid.” He knew that they were looking for Jesus. So, he explained, “He is not here. He has risen, as He said.” He offered for them to investigate the empty tomb and see the place where they had placed Jesus a few days before. Then he commanded them to go and tell the disciples that Jesus was risen from the dead, and that they would see Him in Galilee. The women departed quickly with feelings of fear and great joy, as they ran to find the disciples. On the way, they ran into Jesus. Upon seeing Him they fell at His feet and worshiped Him.

This was certainly an appropriate response. Since Jesus is God, it is correct to worship Him as God. If He had been a mere man or an angel, this type of worship would be inappropriate since our worship is to be directed to God alone. Jesus received worship from people, confirming His claim to deity. Because they were able to touch His feet, Jesus must have had a physical body. This is also confirmed in His later appearances. Jesus told the women again to go tell the disciples that He was alive and would meet Him in Galilee. Once more the women were filled with fear and joy – fear in the awesome demonstration of God’s power, and joy in the knowledge that their Savior had risen from the dead as He had told them He would.

In the resurrection of Jesus, God’s sovereignty and omnipotence (demonstrating control and absolute power over the entire situation) is seen. Jesus also demonstrated that He holds the divine attribute of eternality, having risen from the dead to ascend to the Father and continue living with Him forevermore.

II. A LIVING HOPE (1 Pet. 1:3-9; Jn. 11:25-26, 14:1-4, 19; 1 Cor. 15:20-26; Dan. 12:1-2)

So, what does the resurrection mean to us? Let’s see how the Apostle Peter described its meaning.
1 Peter 1:3-9

First Peter is an epistle (letter) written to give instruction, correction, and encouragement. It is addressed to the believers who had been scattered to the areas listed in verse 1, the result of persecution against the followers of Christ. Peter writes about being born again, alluding to Jesus’ explanation of salvation to Nicodemus (Jn. 3:5).

God has caused us to be born again to a living hope, according to His great mercy towards us. He accomplished this hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. In verse 4, Peter uses the word “inheritance” to describe this hope, which is imperishable, undefiled, unfading, and kept in heaven. Collectively, these descriptors reinforce the perfect nature of the hope we have in Christ’s resurrection and our eternal inheritance that is secured by God alone part from anything we could do. We often refer to this inheritance as receiving eternal life (see Lk. 18:18; Heb. 9:15). Our inheritance is kept safe by the power of God through faith until it is revealed “in the last time.” This is a reference to the final judgment as confirmed in verse 7, speaking of the revelation of Jesus Christ at His second coming. This hope should cause us to rejoice!

Peter anticipated that the joy of his hearers might be hindered by the trials they were facing in the world. The purpose of these trials was to test their faith and prove that it is imperishable so that God may be praised.

Next, we’re going to look at some cross-references to gain more information concerning our hope.

John 11:25-26

In this passage, Jesus tells Martha about the nature of the resurrection by identifying Himself as the resurrection and the life who offers eternal life to everyone who believes in Him.

John 14:1-4

Here Jesus promises His disciples that He would come to receive them to Himself and take them to the place He had prepared for them.

John 14:19
On the night of His betrayal, Jesus told His disciples that He would not be seen (His death) but that He would live and that they would live also. This is a reference to the future eternal life they would have with Him.

1 Corinthians 15:20-26

In these verses we find the connection between Jesus’ resurrection and our own resurrection. Jesus is the first to be raised from the dead to eternal life, and we will surely follow Him in our future resurrection at the consummation of all things.

Daniel 12:1-2

These verses explain that there will be a resurrection of all who have died – some to everlasting life and some to everlasting contempt. All those found written in the book of life (see Rev. 20:12) will be delivered from judgment.

We could spend days digging into all the implications of the resurrection, but we have seen clearly that the resurrection is the sure sign that God has conquered sin and death in Christ and that we have a sure hope of eternal life with Him.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD
The bodily resurrection of Jesus is a central component of our faith. It demonstrates God’s ultimate power over death and validates the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Sin was completely atoned for, and the resurrection shows that the Father accepted the sacrifice of His Son to pay for sin. If Christ is not raised from the dead, we are following a false god and have no hope of salvation.

Another glorious truth we find in the resurrection is the fact that we have a sure hope of receiving eternal life. One day, we will be resurrected to receive new bodies, just as Jesus was. He is the first fruits of those who will inherit eternal life with Him since He has conquered death.

This physical world is not the end of our existence, but we look forward to an eternal existence where the perfection of the original creation will be restored; there will be no more suffering or death or disease.

On top of this, there will be no more opportunity or desire to sin since we will be free from our sinful flesh. While we await His return, we can know that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us as we seek to fight against sin and proclaim the hope of the gospel (see Eph. 1:16-21).

JESUS IS CRUCIFIED

Text: Selected Scriptures from the NASB

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning to once again contemplate the meaning of the Cross on which Your precious Lamb, Jesus Christ, laid down His life for all mankind. Enable us to discern, by the help of Your Holy Spirit, all that was accomplished that fateful day as Jesus hung between heaven and earth paying our sin debt and satisfying Your just wrath against sin. O God, thank You for the great humiliation and degradation He was willing to suffer so that we might be lifted up, adopted as Your children, and share in Your inheritance. Father, we pray that many around the world will believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and by believing find life in His name. Precious Lamb of God, as we meditate on Your great sacrifice for all mankind, we pray that many around the world will believe that You are the Son of God, and through believing, have life in Your Name. Father, we are undone when we think of how Jesus voluntarily surrendered Himself to pay for all the sins of all people in the world for all time. What amazing love! It is a love that excels all others! Lord, may we love You even as You love us! All glory, honor, and praise be Yours through Jesus, in whose name I pray, Amen.

Introduction: All that we’ve been studying over the past two and a half years is about to reach its climax. The sin that corrupted the originally perfect creation is about to be paid for, and the resolution to the problems it created is about to become certain. While there is much more to securing our salvation than what Jesus did on the cross, all of those things would fall into place over just a few short days at this crucial moment in history.

Last week, we saw how Jesus was arrested and betrayed by two of His closest friends. We worked through a big picture view of the trials of Jesus. Today, we will look more closely at the conviction and crucifixion of Jesus. While our lesson deals with a dark day in history, it is also the day on which the seed of hope for eternal life was planted.

I. JESUS BEFORE CAIAPHAS (Mt. 26:57-68; Mk. 14:55-59; see also Dan. 7:13-14; Lev. 24:16; Lk. 22:66-71; Jn. 14:29-31)

Now that we have the general timeline of the trials in our minds from Wednesday’s study, let’s read Matthew 26:57-68 together more closely and look for the reason why the Jewish leaders condemned Jesus.

[READ Mt. 26:57-68]

57 Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 58 But Peter was following Him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and he came inside and sat down with the officers to see the outcome.
59 Now the chief priests and the entire Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61 and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You offer no answer for what these men are testifying against You?” 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I place You under oath by the living God, to tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? See, you have now heard the blasphemy; 66 what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!”
67 Then they spit in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?”

* Who delivered Jesus to Caiaphas? The soldiers who had arrested Him.

* Who else was gathered there? The scribes and the elders were also gathered there. Based on a comparison of the four Gospels, this was likely only a portion of the council, but the whole council had assembled by dawn.

* Who else had followed Jesus to the trial? Peter, along with another disciple, likely John (Jn. 11:53).

* What were the Jewish leaders seeking? They were seeking witnesses to testify falsely against Jesus so they might put Him to death. They had been plotting this in earnest ever since Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead (Jn. 11:53).

* How many witnesses came forward? Many.

[READ Mk. 14:55-59]

55 Now the chief priests and the entire Council were trying to obtain testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, and they were not finding any. 56 For many people were giving false testimony against Him, and so their testimonies were not consistent. 57 And then some stood up and began giving false testimony against Him, saying, 58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that was made by hands, and in three days I will build another, made without hands.’” 59 And not even in this respect was their testimony consistent.

* How many witnesses failed? All of the witnesses were inconsistent with one another except two, and even these didn’t align perfectly.

* Why was it necessary to seek so many witnesses? As we’ve just seen, Mark 14 describes the testimony more fully. The testimonies against Jesus did not agree. In Deuteronomy 17:6, God demands that two or three witnesses must give the same testimony in order for a death sentence to be carried out. They were violating the commandment from Exodus 20:16 to not bear false witness against Jesus.

* What accusation finally had two witnesses in agreement? Jesus was accused of saying He could destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days.

* How did Jesus respond to the accusations from the witnesses? He kept silent.

* Was this accusation enough to put Him to death? Since Caiaphas moved on to another accusation and strategy, it seems that this charge would not be seen as worthy of death. They needed a stronger charge, so they kept fishing.

* How did Caiaphas try to pressure Jesus to answer? He put Him under oath before God and asked Him a question.

* How did Jesus respond? He agreed that He was the Christ.

* What did Jesus add to this acknowledgement? He said that He would be seated at God’s right hand (“the right hand of Power”) and come on the clouds of heaven the next timethey saw Him.

* What was Jesus alluding to in verse 64? Jesus was clearly referring to Daniel 7:13-14 which says, “I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a son of man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. 14 And to Him was given dominion, Honor, and a kingdom, So that all the peoples, nations, and populations of all languages Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.” Jesus identified Himself as the Messiah / Son of Man.

* How did Caiaphas respond to this claim by Jesus? He tore his clothes in response to what he perceived as blasphemy.

* What punishment did the Jews prescribe? “He deserves death.” This is consistent with the punishment prescribed in Leviticus 24:16.

* How did they treat Jesus as a result of their judgment? They spat in His face, beat Him, and mocked Him by asking Him to prophesy who had hit Him.

* What three names identify Jesus in this passage? The Son of God, the Son of Man, and the Christ.

In an ironic twist, the very men who had been entrusted with the oracles of God and were the teachers and elders of Israel sought to bring charges of blasphemy against the Messiah they had been waiting for. They were more afraid of losing their political power than they were of facing the judgment of God. They treated Jesus in inhumane ways and brought in witnesses who were willing to lie against Him.

And all of this was conducted at night, which was against the law. They did finally have a hearing after dawn before the whole Sanhedrin (Lk. 22:66-71), but the verdict had already been established. This was probably nothing more than a formal step for these men to appease their consciences and make it look above board in the eyes of the people.

* What attribute of God was Jesus demonstrating as He faced these false charges and the abuse from His fellow Jews while remaining silent? God’s longsuffering patience; Jesus knew that all of this had to take place, so He exercised patience in enduring the falsehoods and the abuse.

To the same point, we can also think of Jesus as being faithful to what the Father had called Him to do. He had prayed in the garden for the cup of suffering to be removed, if possible, but He was willing to be faithful to His Father in carrying out the plan decreed before the foundation of the world.

The fact that this was all part of God’s plan is also evident in the words of Jesus recorded in John 14:29-31 as Jesus led His disciples from the upper room to the garden: “And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe. I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in regard to Me, but so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father commanded Me. Get up, let’s go from here.” With these words, Jesus intentionally went to where He knew Judas would bring the guards to arrest Him. He could do nothing else because that is what His Father intended for Him. He was obeying the Father’s commands completely.

II. JESUS BEFORE PILATE (Jn. 18:28 – 19:16; Lk. 23:1-2, 6-12; see also Rom. 13:1; Acts 2:23)

Let’s read from John 18:28 – 19:16. Since we are covering a large passage, I’m going to focus our questions on understanding why Pilate agreed to crucify Jesus and how such a terrible thing could happen to the Son of God.

[READ Jn. 18:28 -- 19:16]

28 Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetorium, and it was early; and they themselves did not enter the Praetorium, so that they would not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. 29 Therefore Pilate came out to them and said, “What accusation are you bringing against this Man?” 30 They answered and said to him, “If this Man were not a criminal, we would not have handed Him over to you.” 31 So Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.” The Jews said to him, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 32 This happened so that the word of Jesus which He said, indicating what kind of death He was going to die, would be fulfilled.
33 Therefore Pilate entered the Praetorium again, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “You are the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you about Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed You over to me; what have You done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” 37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this purpose I have been born, and for this I have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” 38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?”
And after saying this, he came out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no grounds at all for charges in His case. 39 However, you have a custom that I release one prisoner for you at the Passover; therefore do you wish that I release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 So they shouted again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a rebel.
19:1 So Pilate then took Jesus and had Him flogged. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and placed it on His head, and put a purple cloak on Him; 3 and they repeatedly came up to Him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapped Him in the face again and again. 4 And then Pilate came out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing Him out to you so that you will know that I find no grounds at all for charges in His case.” 5 Jesus then came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold, the Man!” 6 So when the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they shouted, saying, “Crucify, crucify!” Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him; for I find no grounds for charges in His case!” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die, because He made Himself out to be the Son of God!”
8 Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; 9 and he entered the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to Him, “Are you not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over Me at all, if it had not been given to you from above; for this reason the one who handed Me over to you has the greater sin.” 12 As a result of this, Pilate made efforts to release Him; but the Jews shouted, saying, “If you release this Man, you are not a friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar!”
13 Therefore when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement -- but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Look, your King!” 15 So they shouted, “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king except Caesar.”
16 So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified.

* Initially, the Jews asked Pilate to condemn Jesus because He was an evildoer. What additional accusations do they make in Luke 23:1-2? They told Pilate that Jesus was misleading the nation, telling people not to pay taxes, and claiming to be a king. Based on Pilate’s words in John 18:33, Pilate must have received these accusations even though John does not record them. Other than being a king, none of these matched the accusations in the previous trials before the Jews and are contrary to Jesus’ actions and words.

* How did Jesus respond when Pilate asked Him if He was the king of the Jews? Jesus eventually told Pilate that He is a king, but that His kingdom was not of this world, lest His servants would be fighting in earthly ways.

* How did Jesus identify His purpose in 18:37? He said that He had come to bear witness to the truth and that those who are of the truth would listen to His voice, following and obeying Him.

* How did Pilate regard truth? By his question Pilate denied that there is any truth.

* How did the Jews respond when Pilate wanted to release Jesus? They wanted Pilate to release Barabbas, a robber, to them rather than Jesus.

John skips over the trial before Herod, which would have taken place between verses 38 and 39. That trial is recorded in Luke 23:6-12, which we looked at in Wednesday’s study. Though Herod was anxious to hear from Jesus, Jesus remained silent. So Herod and his soldiers treated Him contemptuously and sent Him back to Pilate.

* Picking up the account back in John’s Gospel, what did Pilate repeat after having Jesus flogged? He repeated that he found no guilt in Jesus.

* What was Jesus wearing as He appeared before the crowd of Jews after His scourging? He was wearing a purple robe and a crown of thorns. Both of these items were used to mock His claim of being a king, as a king would wear a crown and a majestic robe. When the Jews saw Jesus in His “kingly” garb, they called out for Him to be crucified. For the third time, Pilate said that he found no guilt in Jesus that He should be crucified.

* What reason did the Jews give Pilate for crucifying Jesus in John 19:7? They presented the charge of blasphemy (because Jesus claimed to the Son of God) rather than the original charges they had mentioned, such as forbidding the Jews from paying taxes. When Pilate heard this, he was more afraid and questioned Jesus again.

* When Jesus did not reply to Pilate’s question, how did Pilate try to intimidate Him? He told Jesus that he had the power to crucify or release Him. Jesus’ answer revealed the true source of Pilate’s power. Any power that an earthly ruler has comes from God. The source of authority and power is reinforced by Paul in Romans 13:1 and many other places in Scripture. When Pilate tried once more to release Jesus, again the Jews cried out for His crucifixion.

* Whom did the Jews claim as their king? They declared that Caesar was their king rather than the Messiah. By saying this, they were denying that God was their King.

* What does Acts 2:23 remind us about all that happened through these trials? It all happened according to the plan and foreknowledge of God, so that redemption might be secured for sinners.

In just a few short hours, Jesus had been arrested, tried six times, beaten and mocked repeatedly, and then scourged at the hands of the Romans. Despite Pilate’s various efforts to convince the Jews to release Jesus, they continued to cry, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Just like the Jewish leaders, Pilate feared losing his power. If he let Jesus go, he feared a riot that would demonstrate his ineffectiveness as a governor and his inevitable replacement. If he crucified Jesus, he would be guilty of the blood of an innocent man. Even though the Jews cried out that they would accept the consequences on themselves and their children (Mt. 27:25), Pilate still announced that he was innocent of Jesus’ blood as he sent Jesus to His death. He caved to their demands despite his reservations, ordering the crucifixion of the Son of God who was King of the Jews.

But really, it was the blood of Jesus that was required to cover the sins of people like Pilate and the Jews in the crowd – all sinners in need of redemption. Pilate could wash his hands all he wanted, but he was still a sinner in need of the Savior’s sacrifice.

III. JESUS IS CRUCIFIED (Jn. 19:17-37; see also Mt. 27:31-32, 37, 44; Lk. 23:33; Heb. 13:12; Lev. 4:12; Mk. 15:25-26; Ps. 22:15, 18, 34:20)

As we read the account of the crucifixion from John’s Gospel now, remember that there are many more details included in the other Gospel accounts, and we will refer to a few of these cross-references.

[READ Jn. 19:17-37]

17 They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, carrying His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which in Hebrew is called, Golgotha. 18 There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. 19 Now Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written: “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 20 Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’; rather, write that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts: a part to each soldier, and the tunic also; but the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. 24 So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be.” This happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: “They divided My garments among themselves, and they cast lots for My clothing.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.
25 Now beside the cross of Jesus stood His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 So when Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own household.
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture would be fulfilled, said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. 30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
31 Now then, since it was the day of preparation, to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews requested of Pilate that their legs be broken, and the bodies be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man, and of the other who was crucified with Him; 33 but after they came to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 Yet one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: “Not a bone of Him shall be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look at Him whom they pierced.”

* What did Jesus carry? He was carrying His cross. It was likely just the cross beam, called the patibulum, that He carried. We learn from Matthew 27:31-32 that a man named Simon helped carry the cross part of the way.

* Where was He led? He was led to “The Place of a Skull,” also called Golgotha. In Luke 23:33, it is referred to as “The Skull.” Interestingly, one of the more common names for this location is Calvary, which is derived from the Latin word calvarium, which was used in Jerome’s Vulgate to translate “The Skull.” This place was near the city, but outside of the gates and walls of Jerusalem. This fact is also pointed out in Hebrews 13:12 where the connection is made to the sacrifices offered in the Old Testament being burned outside of the camp (Lev. 4:12).

* At what time did the crucifixion take place? John does not include specific times here, but Mark 15:25 indicates it was at the third hour, or what we would refer to as 9 a.m.

* How many others were crucified at the same time? There were two others, one on His right and one on His left. We learn from Matthew 27:44 that these two were robbers.

* What was written on the sign attached to the cross? Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. Note: the abbreviation INRI often seen on crucifixes is shorthand for the Latin inscription, “Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum,” which Pilate had written as the accusation against Jesus. In Greek, it would be INBI, “Iesus ho Nazoraeos ho basileus ton Iudaeon.” Pilate’s sign was written in three languages: Aramaic (Hebrew), Greek, and Latin.

This was the official accusation against Jesus that was displayed so that those who saw Him on the cross would know why He was hanging there. Both Matthew 27:37 and Mark 15:26 identify this as a charge against Him. It was likely hung around his neck as He walked from the governor’s residence to Golgotha and then nailed to the cross.

* How did the Jewish priests respond to the written accusation? They asked Pilate to change the title to say Jesus had claimed to be the King of the Jews. Pilate denied their request. Some suggest Pilate was doing this to spite the Jews for their coercion to crucify Jesus.

* Verses 18 and 23 refer to the soldiers crucifying Jesus. What did this process involve? As Thomas alluded to in John 20:25, there were nails driven through the hands and feet of the person who was fixed to a cross. It was likely that the hands were nailed to the cross beam, the beam was hoisted into place, and then the feet were nailed to the upright section.

* How did the soldiers treat the garments of Jesus? They divided them among themselves and then cast lots for His tunic. This was a fulfillment of a prophecy in Psalm 22:18.

* Whom did Jesus see from the cross? His mother, aunt, and two other Marys, along with John who refers to himself as the disciple Jesus loved.

* What role did Jesus give to John? He told John to take care of His mother, Mary.

* What happened between noon and 3 p.m. (the sixth through ninth hours)? Mark 15:33 records that there was darkness over the whole land.

* What did Jesus say when He recognized that He had accomplished His task? “I thirst.” This phrase fulfills Psalm 22:15.

* What were Jesus’ final words? “It is finished.” Based on Mark’s timeline, Jesus was on the cross for six hours – from the third hour (Mk. 15:25) to the ninth hour (Mk. 15:34). John describes Jesus’ death by saying that Jesus “gave up His spirit.”

* Why did the Jews ask for the legs of those on the crosses to be broken? They did not want the bodies there on the Sabbath. Death on a cross typically came by asphyxiation. The victims would need to raise their bodies up to take a breath. With their legs broken, they could not raise their bodies and would die more quickly. Jesus’ legs were not broken for the soldiers determined that He was already dead, so there was no need to break His legs. Also, they were not broken to fulfill the prophecy of Psalm 34:20 described in verse 36. The soldiers ensured that Jesus was dead by sticking a spear into His side.

* How did John verify Jesus’ death? John records that blood and water flowed out of the spear wound. This spear thrust was likely directed at the heart where clear fluid in the chest cavity would have been accumulating and flowed out along with the blood if the heart were pierced. John includes a personal testimony that he witnessed these things to affirm that Jesus had truly died on the cross.

Verses 36 and 37 reveal God’s plan for these events. These verses refer to passages that were written hundreds of years before the crucifixion. So, these things were all part of God’s plan for the crucifixion long before it happened.

IV. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM GOD’S WORD

Jesus struggled toward Golgotha, the flesh on His back peeled open from the flogging. Once on the hill outside the city, he was stripped naked and laid with His raw back against the crossbeam as nails were driven through His hands. Secured there, the beam was lifted into place and fastened to the upright post to which His feet were then nailed. From that position, every breath was taken in agony as He lifted His body to be able to fill His lungs, His raw flesh scraping the beam with each gasp.

During the six hours that Jesus hung there, He was mocked by those hung with Him and by the Jews who demanded He prove He was the Messiah by freeing Himself. But they didn’t get it. Had he come down from the cross, He would have failed in His mission. He knew that this was the redemptive plan that the Father had prepared before the foundation of the world. Included in that plan were the prophetic words that had to be fulfilled to the letter.

In all of this suffering, Jesus was demonstrating His love for sinners by dying in their place. He had come to seek and save the lost and to die as a ransom for many. Knowing that He had accomplished that goal, He was able to cry out, “Tetelestai!” “It is finished!” He committed His spirit to His Father and gave up His spirit. Jesus chose to die. In His death we find the hope of redemption.

In proclaiming His work was finished, Jesus was acknowledging that His Father was satisfied. In other ancient documents, the word tetelestai was used to mark bills for taxes that had been paid in full. And that is exactly what happened on the cross – the debt of sin had been paid in full once and for all time! Hallelujah!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Word has reminded us of the pain and suffering of the cross, and all that Jesus was willing to endure, so we could be set free. He paid the price, such a great sacrifice, to offer us the gift of eternal life!

May we never take for granted His huge gift of love on our behalf. May we often be reminded of the cost of it all. Forgive us for being too busy, or distracted by other things, to not fully recognize what You have given and done for us.

Thank You, Lord, that by the wounds of Christ we are healed. Thank You that because of Your huge sacrifice we can live free. Thank You that sin and death have been conquered and that your Power is everlasting.
Help us to always proclaim the message of the cross to a world that is lost and dying. Help us to proclaim Christ crucified, the power and wisdom of God, to those who are perishing in their sin. We praise You forever, Lord Jesus, for You are our righteousness, our holiness, and our redemption. In Your name I pray these things, Amen.

Invitation # 186: “The Old Rugged Cross” (4 vs.)

Benediction: Beloved, grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come …. Jesus Christ … who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us a kingdom of priests to His God and Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Rev. 1:4-6)

JESUS IS CRUCIFIED

Answers (Lesson 150) - October 20, 2024 - Rev. Alan Cousins

Text: Selected Scriptures from the NASB

Introduction: Today, we will look more closely at the conviction and crucifixion of Jesus. While our lesson deals with a dark day in history, it is also the day on which the seed of hope for eternal life was planted.

I. JESUS BEFORE CAIAPHAS (Mt. 26:57-68; Mk. 14:55-59; see also Dan. 7:13-14; Lev. 24:16; Lk. 22:66-71; Jn. 14:29-31)

Let’s look more closely for the reason why the Jewish leaders condemned Jesus.

Matthew 26:57-68
The soldiers who arrested Jesus in the Garden delivered Him to Caiaphas. The scribes and the elders were also gathered there. Based on a comparison of the four Gospels, this was likely only a portion of the council, but the whole council had assembled by dawn. Peter, along with another disciple, likely John (Jn. 11:53).
The Jewish leaders seeking witnesses to testify falsely against Jesus so they might put Him to death. They had been plotting this in earnest ever since Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead (Jn. 11:53). Many witnesses came forward.

Mark 14:55-59
All of the witnesses were inconsistent with one another except two, and even these didn’t align perfectly. As we’ve just seen, Mark 14 describes the testimony more fully. The testimonies against Jesus did not agree. In Deuteronomy 17:6, God demands that two or three witnesses must give the same testimony for a death sentence to be carried out. They were violating the commandment from Exodus 20:16 to not bear false witness against Jesus. Finally, they found two witnesses in agreement. They both accused Jesus of saying He could destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. Since Caiaphas moved on to another accusation and strategy, it seems that this charge would not be seen as worthy of death. They needed a stronger charge, so they kept fishing.

Caiaphas tried to pressure Jesus to answer by putting Him under oath before God and asking Him a question. Jesus agreed that He was the Christ. Further, He said that He would be seated at God’s right hand and come on the clouds of heaven the next time they saw Him. Jesus was clearly alluding to Daniel 7:13-14. Jesus identified Himself as the Messiah / Son of Man.

Upon hearing this, Caiaphas tore his clothes in response to what he perceived as blasphemy. The religious leaders agreed that Jesus was worthy of death for this blasphemy. It was consistent with the punishment prescribed in Leviticus 24:16 for the same. As a result of their judgment, they spat in His face, beat Him, and mocked Him by asking Him to prophesy who had hit Him.

The three names that identify Jesus in this passage are the Son of God, the Son of Man, and the Christ.

As He faced these false charges and the abuse from His fellow Jews while remaining silent? God’s longsuffering patience: Jesus knew that all of this had to take place, so He exercised patience in enduring the falsehoods and the abuse.

II. JESUS BEFORE PILATE (Jn. 18:28 – 19:16; Lk. 23:1-2, 6-12; see also Rom. 13:1; Acts 2:23)

In our next section, let’s focus our questions on understanding why Pilate agreed to crucify Jesus and how such a terrible thing could happen to the Son of God.
John 18:28 – 19:16

Initially, the Jews asked Pilate to condemn Jesus because He was an evildoer. However, according to Luke 23:1-2, they told Pilate that Jesus was misleading the nation, telling people not to pay taxes, and claiming to be a king. Based on Pilate’s words in John 18:33, he must have received these accusations even though John does not record them. Other than being a king, none of these matched the accusations in the previous trials before the Jews and are contrary to Jesus’ actions and words. When Pilate asked Him if He was the king of the Jews, Jesus eventually told him that He is a king, but that His kingdom was not of this world, otherwise His servants would be fighting in earthly ways.

According to John 18:37, Jesus stated that His purpose was to bear witness to the truth and that those who are of the truth would listen to His voice, following and obeying Him. By his follow-up question Pilate denied that there is any truth. When Pilate tried again to release Jesus, the Jews opposed this action and said they wanted Pilate to release Barabbas, and infamous criminal to them. After having Jesus flogged, Pilate repeated that he found no fault in Jesus.

When Jesus was brought back before the crowd of Jews after His scourging, He was wearing a purple robe and a crown of thorns. Both of these items were used to mock His claim of being a king, as a king would wear a crown and a majestic robe. When the Jews saw Jesus in His “kingly” garb, they called out for Him to be crucified. For the third time, Pilate said that he found no guilt in Jesus that He should be crucified.

In John 19:7, the Jews gave the reason why they thought Pilate should crucify Jesus. They presented the charge of blasphemy (because Jesus claimed to the Son of God) rather than the original charges they had mentioned, such as forbidding the Jews from paying taxes. When Pilate heard this, he was more afraid and questioned Jesus again. When Jesus did not immediately answer his question, Pilate tried to intimidate Him. He told Jesus that he had the power to crucify or release Him. Jesus’ answer revealed the true source of Pilate’s power. Any power that an earthly ruler has comes from God. The source of authority and power is reinforced by Paul in Romans 13:1 and many other places in Scripture. When Pilate tried once more to release Jesus, again the Jews cried out for His crucifixion. They declared that Caesar was their king rather than the Messiah. By saying this, they were denying that God was their King.

Acts 2:23 reminds us that all these things happened according to the plan and foreknowledge of God, so that redemption might be secured for sinners.
In just a few short hours, Jesus had been arrested, tried six times, beaten and mocked repeatedly, and then scourged at the hands of the Romans. Despite Pilate’s various efforts to convince the Jews to release Jesus, they continued to cry, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate still announced that he was innocent of Jesus’ blood as he sent Jesus to His death. He caved to their demands despite his reservations, ordering the crucifixion of the Son of God who was King of the Jews. It was the blood of Jesus that was required to cover the sins of people like Pilate and the Jews in the crowd – all sinners in need of redemption. Pilate could wash his hands all he wanted, but he was still a sinner in need of the Savior’s sacrifice.

III. JESUS IS CRUCIFIED (Jn. 19:17-37; see also Mt. 27:31-32, 37, 44; Lk. 23:33; Heb. 13:12; Lev. 4:12; Mk. 15:25-26; Ps. 22:15, 18, 34:20)

As we read the account of the crucifixion from John’s Gospel now, remember that there are many more details included in the other Gospel account, and we will refer to a few of these cross-references.

John 19:17-37

Jesus was led out of Jerusalem carrying His cross. It was likely just the cross beam, called the patibulum, that He carried. We learn from Matthew 27:31-32 that a man named Simon helped carry the cross part of the way.

Jesus was led to “The Place of a Skull,” also called Golgotha. In Luke 23:33, it is referred to as “The Skull.” Interestingly, one of the more common names for this location is Calvary, which is derived from the Latin word calvarium, which was used in Jerome’s Vulgate to translate “The Skull.” This place was near the city, but outside of the gates and walls of Jerusalem. This fact is also pointed out in Hebrews 13:12 where the connection is made to the sacrifices offered in the Old Testament being burned outside of the camp (Lev. 4:12).

John does not include a specific time for the crucifixion, but Mark 15:25 indicates it was at the third hour, or what we would refer to as 9 a.m. There were two others crucified with Jesus -- one on His right and one on His left. We learn from Matthew 27:44 that these two were robbers. The sign above the cross read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”
Note: the abbreviation INRI often seen on crucifixes is shorthand for the Latin inscription, “Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum,” which Pilate had written as the accusation against Jesus. In Greek, it would be INBI, “Iesus ho Nazoraeos ho basileus ton Iudaeon.” Pilate’s sign was written in three languages: Aramaic (Hebrew), Greek, and Latin. This was the official accusation against Jesus that was displayed so that those who saw Hiim on the cross would know why He was hanging there. Both Matthew 27:37 and Mark 15:26 identify this as a charge against Him. It was likely hung around his neck as He walked from the governor’s residence to Golgotha and then nailed to the cross.

The Jewish priests responded to the written accusation by asking Pilate to change the title to say Jesus had claimed to be the King of the Jews. Pilate denied their request. Some suggest Pilate was doing this to spite the Jews for their coercion to crucify Jesus.

Verses 18 and 23 refer to the soldiers crucifying Jesus. This was a horrible and excruciatingly painful process. As Thomas alludes to in John 20:25, there were nails driven through Jesus’ hands and feet as He was fixed to the cross. It was likely that His hands were nailed to the cross beam, the beam was hoisted into place, and then His feet were nailed to the upright section. Then the soldiers divided Jesus’ clothes among themselves and then cast lots for His tunic. This was a fulfillment of a prophecy in Psalm 22:18.

Watching all of this take place were Jesus’ mother, aunt, and two other Marys, along with John. Jesus told John to take care of His mother Mary.

Mark 15:33 records that there was darkness over the whole land from noon until 3:00 p.m. (the 6th and 9th hours).

Recognizing that He had fulfilled His task, Jesus said, “I thirst.” This phrase fulfills Psalm 22:15. Jesus’ final words from the cross were “It is finished!” Based on Mark’s timeline, Jesus was on the cross for six hours – from the third hour (Mk. 15:25 to the ninth hour (Mk. 15:34). John describes Jesus’ death by saying that Jesus “gave up His spirit.”

Then the Jews asked for the legs of those on the crosses to be broken. They did not want the bodies there on the Sabbath. Death on a cross typically came by asphyxiation. The victims would need to raise their bodies up to take a breath. With their legs broken, they could not raise their bodies and would die more quickly. Jesus’ legs were not broken for the soldiers determined that He was already dead, so there was no need to break His legs. Also, they were not broken to fulfill the prophecy of Psalm 34:20 described in verse 36. The soldiers ensured that Jesus was dead by sticking a spear into His side. John records that blood and water flowed out of the spear wound. This spear thrust was likely directed at the heart where clear fluid in the chest cavity would have been accumulating and flowed out along with the blood if the heart were pierced. John includes a personal testimony that he witnessed these things to affirm that Jesus had truly died on the cross.

IV. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD
During the six hours that Jesus hung on the cross, He was mocked by those hung with Him and by the Jews who demanded He prove He was the Messiah by freeing Himself. But they didn’t get it. Had he come down from the cross, He would have failed in His mission. He knew that this was the redemptive plan that the Father had prepared before the foundation of the world. Included in that plan were the prophetic words that had to be fulfilled to the letter.

In all of this suffering, Jesus was demonstrating His love for sinners by dying in their place. He had come to seek and save the lost and to die as a ransom for many. Knowing that He had accomplished that goal, He was able to cry out, “Tetelestai!” “It is finished!” He committed His spirit to His Father and gave up His spirit. Jesus chose to die. In His death we find the hope of redemption.

JESUS IS ARRESTED

Text: Selected Scriptures from the NASB

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we will learn in Your Word today through Peter’s denial, when You speak to our hearts to correct our paths You are doing so out of love for us. You want us to be whole and complete in Your grace, truth, and love. Oh God, may we clearly hear what You may expose as a negative direction in our lives that You desire to change. Then prepare our hearts so the Holy Spirit can lead us through it. Thank You for always showing us the way and illuminating opportunities for growth in Christlikeness. And may we always trust that what You show us is for our own good. Father, we also thank You for Jesus’ life here on this earth. Truly, we are all beneficiaries of His ministry. In Jesus’ matchless name I pray, Amen.

Introduction: For the last couple of weeks, we’ve been talking in detail about the final night of Jesus’ earthly life. He celebrated the Passover with His disciples, foretelling His crucifixion and preparing them for what was to come. Of course, they didn’t yet fully understand what He was giving them in the bread and cup, but as we’ve seen before, it would all make sense after Jesus was resurrected from the dead.

One of the last things Jesus did before His arrest was to pray to the Father, interceding for His followers. He prayed that God would protect them, that they would be one, and that through them the world would know that Jesus is Messiah. Then Jesus poured out His soul to the Father, feeling the anguish of His coming sacrifice.

Today’s lesson begins walking us through the events that caused Jesus so much sorrow, beginning with His arrest.

I. JUDAS BETRAYS JESUS (Mt. 26:14-16; Jn. 13:21-30, 18:1-11)

As we’ve been studying, we have touched on the fact that Jesus was betrayed by Judas. Let’s step back in our timeline for a moment to look again at Judas’ intentions.

[READ Mt. 26:14-16]

14 Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from then on he looked for a good opportunity to betray Jesus.

* What event did Matthew record just before this passage? He described the anointing of Jesus at Bethany.

* Although the exact timing of the anointing is disputed, all four Gospels point to a connection between the anointing and Judas’ betrayal. Why might that be significant? We are given a hint in Jn. 12:4-6, where John tells us that Judas was in charge of the moneybag and that he was a thief, skimming money for himself. He was upset that the perfume was being wasted because if they had sold it, he could have taken part of the profit. Jesus rebuked Judas for his objection. It seems that the Gospel writers point to this event as spurring Judas to conspire with the chief priests.

* What connection do you see in Mt. 26:15, knowing that John called Judas a thief? Judas was greedy, and he was willing to betray Jesus for a price – 30 pieces of silver.

[READ Jn. 13:21-30]

21 When Jesus had said these things, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” 22 The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. 23 Lying back on Jesus’ chest was one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 So Simon Peter nodded to this disciple and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” 25 He then simply leaned back on Jesus’ chest and said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus then answered, “That man is the one for whom I shall dip the piece of bread and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the piece of bread, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After this, Satan then entered him. Therefore Jesus said to him, “What you are doing, do it quickly.” 28 Now none of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him. 29 For some were assuming, since Judas kept the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the things we need for the feast”; or else, that he was to give something to the poor. 30 So after receiving the piece of bread, he left immediately; and it was night.

* Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray Him; it was all part of the plan. Did the disciples realize Judas was going to betray Jesus? It does not seem so. Although Jesus identified Judas directly, the disciples apparently missed the connection because they thought he was just going to buy supplies.

At Jesus’ command, Judas left to make the final arrangements for his betrayal. That night would present the opportunity he needed.

Now, let’s turn to John 18:1-11 and read how Judas accomplished his plan.

[READ Jn. 18:1-11]

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went away with His disciples across the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden which He entered with His disciples. 2 Now Judas, who was betraying Him, also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. 3 So Judas, having obtained the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, came out into the open and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He said to them, “I am He.” And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them. 6 Now then, when He said to them, “I AM He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 He then asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so if you are seeking Me, let these men go on their way.” 9 This took place so that the word which He spoke would be fulfilled: “Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one.” 10 Then Simon Peter, since he had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, am I not to drink it?”

* John begins with a transition. Where in the timeline does this take place? John places this after Jesus prayed for His followers. As we saw last week, that prayer likely would have occurred on the way to the Mount of Olives. Although this is five chapters after Judas left the others, only a short time (a few hours at most) had passed.

* Where did Jesus and the disciples go after the prayer? They went across the brook Kidron (on the east side of Jerusalem) to a garden.

* Who was with Jesus? He was with the 11 disciples since Judas had left earlier.

* By what name do we know this garden? This is the garden of Gethsemane according to Mt. 26:36.

* What other notable event did John skip over? He skipped the description of the prayers Jesus offered while in the garden and the disciples falling asleep (Mt. 26:36-46). We looked at that account briefly last Sunday.

* How did Judas know where to find Jesus? He had been to that place often with Jesus, so he knew where to find Jesus and the other disciples.

* Who accompanied Judas? He brought a band of soldiers and some officers with him.

* Under what authority were these men sent to arrest Jesus? The chief priests had made the arrangements to arrest Jesus, and the officers were the armed temple guards. The soldiers were likely Roman soldiers who would have been in Jerusalem to keep peace during the Passover festival. Since they took Jesus directly to Annas (18:13), the Jewish priests were the authorities behind the arrest, and they took custody of Jesus, but the Romans were cooperating with them.

* What were the soldiers carrying? They had lanterns, torches, and weapons (swords and clubs according to Mk. 14:43).

* What does this indicate about their expectations of resistance? They must have thought there was a chance of resistance.

* How did Jesus react to the approaching soldiers? He went to them and asked them whom they were seeking.

* How many times did He ask them who they were seeking? He asked them at least twice.

* Why did Jesus ask twice? Some commentators suggest that Jesus was ensuring that He alone would be arrested and that the disciples would be left free. This is supported by the explanation of the fulfilled prophecy in verse 9. He alone was arrested, and His sheep were scattered (Mk. 14:27).

* How did Jesus respond when they said they were seeking Jesus of Nazareth? He said, “I Am He.” As discussed in a previous lesson, the “He” is not in the text, but added as a clarifier in English. “He” will be in italics in many Bibles, or sometimes a footnote is included. Jesus is God and identified Himself to the soldiers as “I AM.”

* What happened upon this announcement? The soldiers drew back and fell to the ground.

* Why did they respond this way? Though the text is not explicit, Jesus used I Am to identify Himself. He may have spoken it in such a way to demonstrate His power and authority, causing the men to fall back at His words.

* What additional truth about the nature of His arrest did Jesus reveal in Mark 14:48-49? He acknowledged that all of these things had to happen to fulfill what was foretold in the Scriptures.

* If these things were already prophesied in the Scriptures, what does that reveal about how the arrest came to pass? It must have been part of God’s plan from the beginning since it was prophesied. God’s prophecies are fulfilled according to His plans for and knowledge of the future, not lucky guesses about what might happen.

* What did Peter proclaim about Jesus’ arrest in Acts 2:22-23? He stated that Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” to be crucified.

* In the garden, how did Peter try to interrupt God’s plan? He drew a sword to stop the arrest, cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant (Malchus).

* How did Jesus respond toward Malchus (Lk. 22:51)? Jesus healed his ear.

* How did Jesus respond toward Peter? He told Peter to put his sword away for He must drink the cup given to Him by His Father.

* What was the “cup” Jesus referred to? Just as He had prayed in the garden to have the cup removed from Him if it were possible, He mentioned a cup here. This is a metaphor for the suffering that He would have to “drink” upon the cross. This metaphor is used often in the Old Testament. Psalm 75:8 gives an example of drinking the cup of God’s wrath, as does Job 21:20.

As the guards led Jesus off to the series of trials that would follow, He went willingly. Jesus knew what physical horrors faced Him, but His real dread was the wrath of His Father that would be poured out on Him to make atonement for the sins of the world. This was no surprise to Jesus because He knew that God had decreed before time began to send Jesus, God the Son, to be the sacrifice that would provide redemption from mankind from its rebellion (Eph. 1:3-6). This was the plan the Trinity had agreed to carry out to accomplish the redemption of sinners.

Just as God had foretold, the Messiah was betrayed by a friend for 30 pieces of silver (Jn. 13:18; Ps. 41:9), He was handed over to lawless men (Mt. 20:18; Acts 2:23), and His followers were scattered as He was led off to be tried (Mt. 26:31; Zech. 13:7). But none of this was a mistake or an accident. Jesus Himself acknowledged that this all had to take place to fulfill all that the prophets had written in the Scriptures.

* What attribute of God is demonstrated in bringing about these fulfilled prophecies? He must be sovereign over all of history in order to bring about these events with such specificity. He directed these plans to the end that He intended.

* What are some of the significant things we need to remember about the betrayal by Judas and what it led to? Ultimately, it was done so that God’s plan could be fulfilled. The event was prophesied, and Satan was directly involved. Further, Jesus knew of the plan and sent Judas to carry it out while He made plans to be in the garden where the arrest would take place. God was in control every step of the way.

II. PETER DENIES JESUS (Mk. 14:26-31, 53-54, 66-72; Zech. 13:7; Lk. 22:60-62; 2 Cor. 7:10)

Judas actively betrayed Jesus, arranging to deliver Him to the chief priests. But there were really two betrayals that evening. In all of the horrible treatment Jesus received from the arrest through the trials, there were elements of both physical abuse and emotional, or mental, abuse being hurled at Him. Perhaps one of the most painful was the betrayal from the lips of Peter.

[READ Mk. 14:26-31]

26 And after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, because it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 29 But Peter said to Him, “Even if they all fall away, yet I will not!” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.” 31 But Peter repeatedly said insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all were saying the same thing as well.

* When did this passage occur in the timeline we’ve been studying? This exchange took place during the night of the Passover, after they had completed the meal in the upper room. They were most likely in transition, moving from the upper room to the Mount of Olives.

* How many of the disciples were going to fall away? Jesus said that they all would fall away.

* Why did they all have to fall away? It had been prophesied:

[READ Zech. 13:7]

7 “Awake, sword, against My Shepherd,
And against the Man, My Associate,”
Declares the Lord of armies.
“Strike the Shepherd and the sheep will be scattered;
And I will turn My hand against the little ones.

Since it was prophesied, it was a sure thing. This is just another example of God’s knowledge of these events and His direction in them coming to pass.

* What event did Jesus refer to in verse 28? His resurrection.

* How did Peter respond to Jesus’ statement? He proclaimed that he would not fall away even if all the others did.

* What might this response indicate about Peter’s character? He was overly confident to the point that he would deny the very words of Jesus.

* How did Jesus’ response back to Peter provide more detail about the falling away? He assured Peter that he would fall away. In fact, that very night.

* How many times did Jesus say Peter would deny Him? Three times.

* What sign did Jesus give to assure His prediction? He used the rooster crowing twice as a sign to Peter.

* How did Peter respond to Jesus’ second statement about denying Him? Peter responded more vehemently, denying that Jesus was speaking the truth and declaring that he would not deny Him.

* Was Peter the only one who claimed he would not fall away? No, all of the disciples responded saying they would not deny Jesus.

Now let’s look at verses 53 and 54, keeping in mind that verse 50 tells us that all of the disciples had forsaken Christ and fled as He was being led away after His arrest.

[READ Mk. 14:53-54]

53 They led Jesus away to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes gathered together. 54 And Peter had followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers and warming himself at the fire.

* What did Peter do as Jesus was being led away? He followed the group at a distance.

* Where did Peter find himself? He was in the courtyard of the high priest’s residence, sitting by a fire. John revealed that he was also there, and Peter’s access was granted at John’s request (Jn. 18:15-17).

* Whom was Peter with? He was sitting with the guards, but we know from verse 66 that servants of the high priest were also present.
Now let’s move on to verses 66-72, skipping over the description of Jesus’ treatment before the high priest.

[READ Mk. 14:66-72]

66 And while Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the slave women of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You were with Jesus the Nazarene as well.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” And he went out onto the porch. 69 The slave woman saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them!” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, “You really are one of them, for you are a Galilean as well.” 71 But he began to curse himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak!” 72 And immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he hurried on and began to weep.

* How did Peter respond to the servant girl who claimed he had been with Jesus? He denied he had been with Jesus and went to another area of the residence.

* What else happened as he went out into the gateway? A rooster crowed.

* Who accused Peter the second time? The same servant girl accused him in front of others in the gateway.

* How did Peter respond? He denied the accusation again.

* How much time passed between the second and third denials? Just a “little while” passed between them.

* What characteristic did they identify to connect Peter to Jesus in the third accusation? They recognized he was a Galilean.

* How did Peter respond this time? He not only denied a connection to Jesus, but he did so with cursing and swearing.

* How did Peter respond to the second crowing of the rooster? He remembered the words Jesus spoke a few hours earlier, acknowledged his failure, and wept.

* What additional detail does Luke 22:60-62 reveal?

[READ Lk. 22:60-62]

60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” And immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 And then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

Jesus looked at Peter, presumably across some distance, as the rooster crowed, and Peter remembered the words of Jesus. This passage also adds that Peter wept bitterly.

While most of us are probably familiar with Peter’s denial of Jesus, there is a lot to glean from this account. If we were to examine all four of the Gospels, we could draw out even more truth from those details. But a few things are very evident. First, Jesus was clear about what would happen, but Peter was not willing to listen to Him. Peter had never seen the words of Jesus fail, but he was too confident in his own ability to avoid temptation. Second, Peter was a man who, though he had good intentions, succumbed to that temptation and denied even knowing the person he had openly acknowledged was the Christ, the Son of the living God.

* We know that Peter wept bitterly after the second crowing of the rooster. Was Peter’s sorrow a godly grief or a worldly grief in light of 2 Corinthians 7:10?

[READ 2 Cor. 7:10]

10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Because we know that Peter was sorrowful to the point of repentance, it was a godly grief that led to eternal life and restoration.

* Although we didn’t read about Judas’ reaction, how did the sorrow Judas felt for denying Jesus compare to Peter’s sorrow? Judas’ sorrow did not lead him to look back to the Lord for forgiveness, but he was in despair because of the consequences he faced. This is apparent in the fact that he tried to undo his actions by returning the money and then hanged himself in his regret.

* If we were to compare each of the Gospels’ accounts regarding Peter’s denial of Jesus, we would notice that there are some differences. Some people have suggested that these differences show that we cannot trust the Gospel accounts. In Mark’s account, Jesus told Peter that the rooster would crow twice, but in John 13:38, Jesus said “the rooster shall not crow” before the denials would come. Do these two statements present a contradiction?

While there may seem to be a contradiction on the surface, Mark’s account says that they had already left the supper room to go to the Mount of Olives (Mk. 14:30) when Jesus said “before the rooster crows twice” while John’s account has them still in the upper room after supper. Further, this could be a general phrase for “morning” that means “before sunrise when the roosters crow.” In either case, there is no contradiction in the texts.

If we were to stop here, we might be discouraged – thinking that the great Apostle Peter is no model for us to follow. If he, who had lived with Jesus for several years, was willing to deny Him, how much more prone would you and I be to deny Jesus as our Lord? That, however, was not the end. Peter’s grief was godly in nature and led to his repentance. And there was more that Jesus had for Peter to do. In a few weeks, we will see how that moment of repentance played out. On Wednesday, we will be looking the six different trials Jesus faced over the next 12 hours.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM GOD’S WORD
As we consider the wisdom of God in arranging all of these events that came to pass in just a few hours, it should humble us and cause our hearts to rise in praise for His mercy and grace given to us in Christ. He endured the emotional distress of being betrayed by a man whom He had nurtured for years and the scattering of those who were His closest friends on earth as they fled to avoid arrest. He was mocked, beaten, and rejected by the ones He had come to save. He suffered great humiliation, as well as physical beatings, as He was forced to stand before the leaders of three different jurisdictions, none of which could produce a legitimate charge against Him. And yet, He knew there would be no vindication or acquittal. He would do what was necessary to provide atonement, to redeem His children and reconcile them to God. He would complete His mission so that He might extend forgiveness.

We can also look at the disciples and find warning and encouragement. May we be as broken over our sin as Peter was when he realized he had vehemently denied his Lord and Savior. Both Judas and Peter betrayed Jesus, though in different ways. Every one of us has failed to follow Jesus perfectly, but praise God, He offers forgiveness and mercy! May we respond with godly sorrow that leads to repentance.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we both marvel and praise Your name for how You accomplished Your sovereign will in the events surrounding Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. Lord, we ask You to give us the faith, humility, and submissive spirit we each need to obey Your commands and to seek Your forgiveness when we transgress. Thank You for Your abundant mercy and grace toward sinners. In the name of Jesus’ who washed us from our sins, I pray, Amen.

Invitation # 340: “I Lay My Sins on Jesus” (3 vs.)

Benediction: Beloved, when you return and cry out to the Lord, may He hear you from heaven and may He deliver you many times according to His mercies. Amen. (Neh. 9:28)

JESUS IS ARRESTED

Answers (Lesson 149) - October 13, 2024 - Rev. Alan Cousins

Text: Selected Scriptures from the NASB
Introduction: Today’s lesson begins walking us through the events that caused Jesus so much sorrow, beginning with His arrest.

I. JUDAS BETRAYS JESUS (Mt. 26:14-16; Jn. 13:21-30, 18:1-11)

As we’ve been studying, we have touched on the fact that Jesus was betrayed by Judas. Let’s step back in our timeline for a moment to look again at Judas’ intentions.

Matthew 26:14-16

Just before this passage, Matthew records the instance of Jesus’ anointing in Bethany. All four Gospels point to a connection between Judas’ betrayal and this anointing. We are given a hint in Jn. 12:4-6, where John tells us that Judas was in charge of the moneybag and that he was a thief, skimming money for himself. He was upset that the perfume was being wasted because if they had sold it, he could have taken part of the profit. Jesus rebuked Judas for his objection. It seems that the Gospel writers point to this event as spurring Judas to conspire with the chief priests. Judas was greedy, and he was willing to betray Jesus for a price – 30 pieces of silver.

John 13:21-30

Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray Him; it was all part of the plan. However, it doesn’t seem that the disciples realized this. Although Jesus identified Judas directly, the disciples apparently missed the connection because they thought he was just going to buy supplies. At Jesus’ command, Judas left to make the final arrangements for his betrayal. That night would present the opportunity he needed. Now, let’s turn to John 18:1-11 and read how Judas accomplished his plan.

John 18:1-11

John places the arrest after Jesus prayed for His followers. As we saw last week, that prayer likely would have occurred on the way to the Mount of Olives. Although this is five chapters after Judas left the others, only a short time (a few hours at most) had passed.

Jesus and the remaining 11 disciples went across the brook Kidron (on the east side of Jerusalem) to a garden known as Gethsemane (Mt. 26:36). John also skipped the description of the prayers Jesus offered while in the garden and the incident of the disciples falling asleep (Mt. 26:36-46). We looked at that account briefly last Sunday.

Judas knew exactly where to find Jesus because, no doubt, he had often been with Jesus in Gethsemane. Judas brought a band of soldiers and some officers with him. These men were under the authority of the chief priests. They had made the arrangements to arrest Jesus, and the officers were the armed temple guards. The soldiers were likely Roman soldiers who would have been in Jerusalem to keep peace during the Passover festival. Since they took Jesu directly to Annas (18:13), the Jewish priests were the authorities behind the arrest, and they took custody of Jesus, but the Romans were cooperating with them. The soldiers were carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons (see Mk. 14:43). So, they must have thought there was a chance of some resistance. Jesus went to the approaching soldiers and asked them whom they were seeking at least twice. Some commentators suggest that Jesus was ensuring that He alone would be arrested and that the disciples would be left free. This is supported by the explanation of the fulfilled prophecy in verse 9. Jesus alone was arrested, and His sheep were scattered (Mk. 14:27).

When they answered they were seeking Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus responded, “I Am He.” At this announcement, the soldiers and guards drew back and fell to the ground. Though the text is not explicit, Jesus used I Am to identify Himself. He may have spoken it in a way that demonstrated His authority and power, causing the men to be overcome and fall back at His words. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus acknowledged that all of these things had to happen to fulfill what was foretold in the Scriptures (Mk. 14:48-49). The arrest happening the way that it did must have been part of God’s plan from the beginning since it was prophesied. God’s prophecies are fulfilled according to His plans for and knowledge of the future, not lucky guesses about what might happen. In Acts 2:22-23, Peter stated that Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” to be crucified.

Peter tried to interrupt God’s plan by drawing his sword to defend Jesus and stop His arrest, cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant in the process. Jesus miraculously healed the young man’s ear. Then He told Peter to put his sword away for He must drink the cup given to Him by His Father. The “cup” Jesus was referring to was a metaphor for the suffering that He would have to “drink” upon the cross (see Ps. 75:8; Job 21:20). Jesus knew what physical horrors faced Him, but His real dread was the wrath of His Father being poured out on Him to make atonement for the sins of the world.
Just as God had foretold, the Messiah was betrayed by a friend for 30 pieces of silver (Jn. 13:18; Ps. 41:9), He was handed over to lawless men (Mt. 20:18; Acts 2:23), and His followers were scattered as He was led off to be tried (Mt. 26:31; Zech. 13:7).

In these passages, we see that God must be sovereign over all history in order to bring about these events with such specificity. He directed these plans to the end that He intended. Ultimately, all of this was done so that God’s plan could be fulfilled. The event was prophesied, and Satan was directly involved. Further, Jesus knew of the plan and sent Judas to carry it out while He made plans to be in the garden where the arrest would take place. God was in control every step of the way.

II. PETER DENIES JESUS (Mk. 14:26-31, 53-54, 66-72; Zech. 13:7; Lk. 22:60-62; 2 Cor. 7:10)

There were really two betrayals that evening. In all of the horrible treatment Jesus received from the arrest through the trials, there were elements of both physical abuse and emotional, or mental, abuse being hurled at Him. Perhaps one of the most painful was the betrayal from the lips of Peter.

Mark 14:26-31

This exchange took place during the night of the Passover, after they had completed the meal in the upper room. They were most likely in transition, moving from the upper room to the Mount of Olives. Jesus said that all of the disciples would fall away because it had been prophesied.
Zechariah 13:7

Since it was prophesied, it was a sure thing. This is just another example of God’s knowledge of these events and His direction in them coming to pass. In verse 28, Jesus refers to His resurrection.

Peter proclaimed that he would not fall away even if all the others did. This indicates that Peter was overly confident to the point that he would deny the very words of Jesus. But Jesus assured Peter that he would fall away, in fact, that very night. Jesus said that Peter would deny Him three times. He used the sign of a rooster crowing twice. At this second statement, Peter responded more vehemently, denying that Jesus was speaking the truth and declaring that he would not deny Him. But Peter wasn’t the only one claiming this. So were all the rest of the disciples. Keep in mind though, that verse 50 tells us that all of the disciples had forsaken Christ and fled as He was being led away after His arrest.

Mark 14:53-54

As Jesus was led away, Peter followed at a distance. Shortly, he found himself in the courtyard of the high priest’s residence, sitting by a fire. John revealed that he was also there (Jn. 18:15-17). Peter was sitting with the guards, but we know from verse 66 that servants of the high priest were also present.

Mark 14:66-72

When a servant girl accused Peter of being with Jesus, he denied he had been with him and went to another area of the residence. As he went out of the gateway, a rooster crowd. The same servant girl pointed Peter out to others in front of the gateway and Peter denied the accusation again. Just a short amount of time passed between the second and third denials.

On the third occasion, they recognized that Peter was a Galilean by his speech and accent. This time Peter not only denied a connection to Jesus, but did so with cursing and swearing. The the rooster crowed a second time, and he remembered the words Jesus spoke to him just a few hours earlier, acknowledged his failure, and wept.

Luke 22:60-62

Jesus looked at Peter, presumably across some distance, as the rooster crowed, and Peter remembered the words of Jesus. This passage also adds that Peter wept bitterly. If we examined all four Gospels, we could draw out even more truth from these details. But a few things are very evident: (1) Jesus was clear about what would happen, but Peter was not willing to listen to Him. (2) Peter was a man who, though he had good intentions, succumbed to temptation and denied even knowing the person he had openly acknowledged was the Christ, the Son of the living God.

2 Corinthians 7:10

Because Peter was sorrowful to the point of repentance, his was a godly grief that led to eternal life and restoration. Judas’ sorrow did not lead him to look back to the Lord for forgiveness, but he despaired because of the consequences he faced.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD
As we consider the wisdom of God in arranging all of these events that came to pass in just a few hours, it should humble us and cause our hearts to rise in praise for His mercy and grace given to us in Christ. We each have failed to follow Jesus perfectly, but praise God, He offers forgiveness and mercy! May we respond with godly sorrow that leads to repentance.

JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS OWN

Text: Selected Scriptures from the NASB

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for strength, health, and the ability to gather in worship of You today. Please use the message we are about to hear to challenge as well as encourage our hearts. May these words bring You glory and bless Your holy name. I pray that we will hear the good news from Your Word with open hearts, then live lives that glorify You more and more each day. For it is in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Introduction: Last week we observed the institution of the Lord’s Supper as Jesus and His disciples celebrated the final Passover. Jesus knew that very night He would be given over as the spotless Passover Lamb who would provide atonement once and for all. During the meal, Jesus identified Judas as His betrayer, and Judas left to make his final arrangements.

Jesus continued teaching the disciples as they sat in the upper room. At some point, they finished their feast, sang a hymn, and went out to the Mount of Olives (Mt. 26:30). On the way, Jesus continued to teach a few final lessons. In today’s study we will pick up as Jesus finished His teaching. As we read about these next events, keep in mind the weight and significance of all we have learned so far and all we know is coming in the next few hours.

I. JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS OWN (Jn. 17:1-5, 12:27-28, 17:6-19, 17:20-26)

Let’s begin with John 17:1-5.

[READ Jn. 17:1-5]

1 Jesus spoke these things; and raising His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, so that the Son may glorify You, 2 just as You gave Him authority over all mankind, so that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I glorified You on the earth by accomplishing the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now You, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world existed.

* What type of literature are we reading in this section? This is a historical narrative recording one of the prayers of Jesus.

* When did this prayer take place? This was Thursday night, after the Passover meal but before Jesus was arrested. It is hard to tell, but it seems that they may have left the upper room in John 14:31, so the rest of Jesus’ teaching likely happened on the way to the Mount of Olives.

* To whom was Jesus praying? He was praying to the Father.

* What did Jesus ask of the Father? He asked that the Father glorify Him.

* Why do you think Jesus wanted the Father to glorify Him? So that He might in turn glorify the Father.

* What authority was given to Jesus? He was given authority over all flesh.

* What does the Son desire to give to people? He desires to give them eternal life.

* Who will be given this eternal life? All those that believe the Father has given the Son.

* How is eternal life defined in this passage? Eternal life is to know the Father and the Son.

* What two descriptors did Jesus give for the work He had done on earth? He had glorified the Father and completed the work He was given to do.

* What is the “work” that Jesus was referring to? Since the work is already finished, it is definitely referring to His obedience to the law and the will of the Father, as discussed previously and identified in John 4:34. But it is likely referring to the cross, as well, since His arrest will take place in a matter of hours. Jesus had been repeatedly telling the disciples that His crucifixion was imminent. It was as good as done, though it had not yet been accomplished in time.

* What later event is foreshadowed in speaking about the work being finished? Jesus used the words “it is finished” on the cross (Jn. 19:30).

* What request did Jesus repeat in verse 5? He again asked for the Father to glorify Him as the Father glorified Himself.

* What does the closing phrase in verse 5 tell us about how long Jesus has existed? He had the same glory as the Father before the world began, so He must also be eternal even as the Father is eternal.

[READ Jn. 12:27-28]

27 “Now My soul has become troubled; and what am I to say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came out of heaven: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.”

* How does the prayer in John 17 relate to this prayer in John 12? Jesus prayed in a similar manner, asking God to glorify His name through what was about to happen on the cross. This was spoken just a couple of days before the prayer offered in John 17.

* What is the “hour” that Jesus was referring to? His impending trial and crucifixion.

* How did the Father respond to this prayer? He spoke from heaven, affirming that He had and would glorify His name. This is one of three times an audible voice from the Father affirmed the ministry of Jesus (Jesus’ baptism and the transfiguration are the other two).

[READ Jn. 17:6-19]

6 “I have revealed Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have followed Your word. 7 Now they have come to know that everything which You have given Me is from You; 8 for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. 9 I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but on the behalf of those whom You have given Me, because they are Yours; 10 and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11 I am no longer going to be in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, so that they may be one just as We are. 12 While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name, which You have given Me; and I guarded them, and not one of them perished except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.

13 But now I am coming to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I am not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them away from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.  18 Just as You sent Me into the world, I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, so that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.

* What did Jesus claim to have accomplished? He said He had manifested the Father to His followers. He is the image of the invisible God (Col. 1:15; 2 Cor. 4:4), and whoever has seen the Son has seen the Father (Jn. 14:9). Part of Jesus’ mission was to reveal God the Father to the people in a way that had not yet been seen (Jn. 1:18).

* Did everyone recognize Jesus as the image of God? No. Jesus said He manifested the name of God to those the Father gave Him, meaning His followers.

* Whom was Jesus speaking about in this passage? In the immediate context, He was speaking about His disciples. This most likely includes more than just the core apostles, but the larger group of devoted followers with Him throughout His ministry.

* What did Jesus say was true of those who the Father had given Him? They kept God’s Word; they received the words of God through Jesus; and they believed that Jesus was sent from God.

* To whom did Jesus believe the disciples belonged? They were His because they were the Father’s. We see a unity in the two persons of the Godhead as Jesus claimed, “All mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine” (v. 10) and “We are One” (v. 11).

* Whom did Jesus pray for? He did not pray for the world, but for those He had been given, the children of God (v. 9).

* What did Jesus pray for His disciples? He prayed for God the Father to keep them, that they would be one as the Father and the Son are One (v. 11), and that His joy might be fulfilled in them (v. 13).

* Jesus said that He had guarded them and lost none (v. 12), and now He was praying for God to guard them. Why did they need guarding? Jesus had been with them, but He was leaving the world in a few short weeks and they would be left in a world that hated them because they believed in Him (vv. 14-15).

* What does it mean to “sanctify them in the truth” (v. 17)? Sanctify means to set apart for holy service. So, Jesus was asking for His disciples to be set apart as holy. To sanctify them in truth suggests that it is truth that sets them apart and that they are set apart for truth. Since Jesus clarified that God’s Word is truth, we can draw the connection that they were set apart for the ministry of teaching the word and that devoting themselves to the word Jesus had given them (v. 14) was what set them apart.

As Jesus prayed for His disciples, He did not ask for them to have an easy life or to be delivered from this world altogether. He asked that God protect them in the midst of a world that hated them. In a sense, Jesus even made it harder for them, asking God to sanctify them – set them apart for holy service – and then sending them into the world. But He was not asking them to do anything He would not endure to a much greater extent. It is for their sake that He set Himself apart for the work of the cross. It’s quite interesting to see how Jesus prayed for His followers as He knew His hour was drawing near. As we read the remainder of the prayer, notice the interesting transition that takes place.

[READ Jn. 17:20-26]

20 “I am not asking on behalf of these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word, 21 that they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22 The glory which You have given Me I also have given to them, so that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and You loved them, just as You loved Me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
25 “Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; 26 and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

* What is interesting about verse 20? Jesus transitioned from praying for His disciples who already followed Him to praying for those who would believe in Him through the testimony of the disciples. Two thousand twenty years ago, Jesus prayed directly for you and me as believers.

* What did He pray for His disciples and future believers? He prayed that they would be unified, that they would be one.

* Why did Jesus want the believers to be unified? He wanted them to reflect the unity of God the Father and the Son so that they would abide in God and be a witness to the world.

* How did Jesus expect all the believers, present and future, to be one? He provided His glory to His followers; we are one because we all have the glory of Christ.

* What did Jesus ask for His followers? He desired that they be with Him and to behold His glory as He had it in the beginning.

* As Jesus ended His prayer, what two things did He say would abide in His followers? The love with which the Father loves the Son, and the Son Himself.

How amazing it is to realize that as Jesus faced death, His concern was for the followers He was leaving behind. Most of the time we think of the Bible as something written in the past that teaches truths that can be generalized to us in the present for purposes of application. But here is an example of where we can find ourselves in the very pages of Scripture. Jesus prayed not only for those who were standing before Him, but for all of those who would later believe in Him.

As He faced death, His prayer was not that His disciples be delivered from this broken world or that they receive bountiful earthly blessings. He prayed that God would be with them in hardships and protect them from the power of the evil one. He asked the Father to sanctify those who were His. He prayed that all believers would be one, as the Father and the Son are One. In the midst of these prayers for His followers, Jesus prayed that the world would be reached with the truth of God’s words.

II. JESUS PRAYS IN THE GARDEN (Mt. 26:36-46)

After Jesus finished praying for His disciples, He and His disciples crossed the brook Kidron and entered the garden (Jn. 18:1). Matthew recorded a very different tone of prayer that occurred there.

[READ Mt. 26:36-46]

36 Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with Him, and He began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”
39 Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”
40 Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done.”
43 When He came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So He left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45 Then He returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes My betrayer!”

* How can we harmonize Matthew’s account with John’s? Although John did not record the interaction of praying in the garden in his account, he did explain that after Jesus prayed for His followers, He crossed to a garden. Matthew also recorded that the group moved from the upper room to the Mount of Olives and finally to a garden. There is no difficulty in the timing of these passages.

* What was the garden called according to Matthew? The garden was called Gethsemane.

* Who was present during this time? Jesus and the 11 disciples (Judas had left to arrange his betrayal of Jesus).

* Whom did Jesus tell to “sit here”? He told eight of the disciples to stay, but took Peter, James, and John with Him.

* Did the three core disciples stay with Him? They went part of the way with Him, but it appears that Jesus went a little farther on His own.

* How much of Jesus’ distress did the three disciples witness? Although they may not have heard His prayer, it is clear they recognized Jesus was sorrowful and troubled. In fact, He told them so (v. 38).

* Whom was Jesus praying for? He was praying for Himself.

* What did He ask for? He asked, if possible, for the cup to be taken away from Him.

* What did He mean by “if it be possible”? This does not demonstrate doubt or lack of knowledge. As Mark recorded, Jesus obviously knew that all things were possible for God (Mk. 14:36). Luke (22:42) recorded Jesus’ words as “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me.” Rather than expressing doubt in the Father’s capabilities, Jesus was simply expressing His anguish as He implored God to make another way, knowing that there was no other way -- and that He would willingly submit to God’s plan.
There is no contradiction here. Each Gospel writer was likely condensing the prayer into a summary statement. If Jesus had only prayed one sentence, it is unlikely the disciples would have had time to fall asleep. Further, Jesus asked them if they could not remain awake for one hour (Mt. 26:40), suggesting He was alone praying for about an hour the first time. Although the Gospel writers used slightly different phrases to capture what Jesus was saying, each account gives the same perception of the nature of Jesus’ prayer.

* What cup was He referring to? This was a reference to His suffering and crucifixion. He was asking for the cup of God’s wrath to not be given to Him to drink.

* How would you describe His attitude as He brought His petition to God? Although He was troubled and did not wish to bear the wrath of His Father, He prayed humbly, deferring to the Father’s will. He did not demand that God deliver Him, nor did He refuse to sacrifice Himself. He placed Himself obediently under the Father’s command.

* When Jesus returned from praying, what did He find? The disciples had fallen asleep.

* How did Jesus’ response compare to His initial instructions? In verse 38, He told the disciples to watch with Him. In verse 41, He again charged them to watch, but He added that they should pray.

* Why do you think Jesus told them to watch and pray? So they wouldn’t give in to temptation.

* What did Jesus indicate about the disciples’ struggle? He recognized that they wanted to obey Him fully, but they struggled in their flesh to maintain that level of obedience. This is reminiscent of Jesus’ discussion with Peter when Jesus explained that Peter would deny Him three times though Peter swore that he wouldn’t (Mt. 26:30-35).

* When Jesus left the disciples the second time to pray, how did His prayer differ from the first? Instead of praying for the cup to pass from Him if possible, He said, in essence, “If this is the only way to satisfy Your wrath, I’ll do it.”

* When Jesus returned from praying, once more He found the disciples asleep.

* Why did He rouse them from their sleep? He woke them because the hour of His betrayal had come.

There was a marked difference between Jesus’ intercessory prayer and His prayer of petition in the garden of Gethsemane. His prayer in the garden was brought privately before His Father as He poured out His anguish and sorrow, expressing His desire to find another way to accomplish God’s plan. But ultimately, He submitted to the will of the Father, understanding that there was no other way to satisfy the wrath of God while offering mercy to sinners.

Even as He felt the weight of what was coming, His desire was to please the Father and to do what was necessary to provide redemption. In His intercessory prayer, Jesus said, “For their sake I consecrate Myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth” (Jn. 17:19). All that Jesus suffered was done for the purpose of reconciling us to the Father. As we recognize the depth of His suffering, we can praise God, thanking Him for His mercy and grace shown through the loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM GOD’S WORD

The longest recorded prayer of Jesus was given just hours before His death and was delivered on behalf of His followers. Jesus recognized that His hour had come and that His disciples would be left in this world that hated them. He asked God to guard them, keep them from the evil one, and sanctify them. But He didn’t only pray for His core disciples, or even for all His followers at that time. He prayed for all followers, even those who had not yet believed, but would come to believe through the words of His disciples.

One of the main things Jesus prayed for His followers is that they would be one. He prayed this for His disciples (Jn. 17:11) and again for all His followers (Jn. 17:23). Those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God sent into the world to die for sin are unified in Christ. And the unified body has the same goal: to bring glory to God and to share the gospel with the world.

As Jesus prayed in the garden, He kept this mission in mind. He felt the weight of sorrow and trouble as He looked at the hours to come and the cup of God’s wrath He would drink. And yet,  He obediently submitted to the will of the Father, recognizing that this was the only way that God’s justice could meet with His mercy. The only way for Jesus to guard and to keep those He had been given was to satisfy the wrath of God that they deserved. And so, He consecrated Himself for the work of the cross for the sake of His followers.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise You for sending Jesus to be our sin-bearer, dying in our place so that we could be reconciled to You. We also praise You for Your sovereign protection over us as Your children, and for Jesus’ ongoing ministry of intercession for us before Your throne of grace. We ask You to answer His prayer and ours for unity within the body of Christ. In Jesus’ holy name, I pray, Amen.

Invitation # 506: “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” (4 vs.)

Benediction: Beloved, the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away His face from you, if you return unto Him. May the good Lord provide atonement for everyone who prepares his heart to seek God. Amen. (2 Chr. 30:9, 18)