Who Is On Trial?

Jeff Gordon

John 18:4-19:16

As Jesus was handed over to be put on trial, he knew all that was going to happen to him. Because of this, Jesus was able to step out and not hide, yet respect their positions. Even though this was God's will for Jesus to be crucified, John portrays the hypocrisy within the religious system and their knowledge of Jesus' innocence. Living in a fallen world, we are called to live in a redemptive way with the knowledge that our true kingdom is not of this world. \r\n

Jesus' Crucifixion

Gary DeLashmutt

John 19:16-42

John focuses on the prophecy that was fulfilled through Jesus' crucifixion and the emotional suffering he endured. In addition to the physical pain of crucifixion detailed in Psalm 22, Jesus endured the pain of being separated from his Father so he could pay for the sins of all humanity. Jesus' purpose as the Son of God was woven throughout history and John highlights the consistency of God's plan.

Jesus Before Annas and Pilate

Gary DeLashmutt

John 18:12-19:16

In the course of Jesus' trials, he is taken before four courts. This teaching focuses on the trials before Pilate and the high priest Annas. Typical judicial practices are violated by Jesus' accusers as they desire his death on a cross above all else. Jesus went through a willing separation from his Father so that humanity could be in a relationship with God.

Jesus' Arrest

Gary DeLashmutt

John 18:1-11

Jesus is arrested and begins the process that will end with the crucifixion. When faced with this suffering Jesus endures by fixing his mind on his future glory with God. In times of adversity, believers can fix their minds on heaven to instill hope in this life.

Jesus Steps Forward to the Cross

Jeff Gordon

Matthew 26:39

Many modern people believe that Jesus was a victim of unfortunate circumstances and that his death was a mistake. John, however, writes that Jesus knew full well that he was about to die and willingly gave himself over to be killed by the authorities of his time. Jesus acted in faith in spite of his fears because he knew who he was and where he was going, and we as Christians can make the same decision when God brings suffering into our lives. Furthermore, Christians can respond positively to God's revelation just like some of the authorities in Jesus's day by not distracting themselves from the truth.

New Life in Christ

Scott Risley

1 Peter 3:17-4:6

Believers should be prepared to suffer. Noah suffered and sacrificed a great deal in his life. His rescue came at a significant cost; Christ's rescue of humanity came at an even greater cost. Christ's suffering is the supreme example for us and is also the reason why we can live different lives. Christ suffered so we can have new life.

Being Like Jesus

Dennis McCallum

Romans 6:10-11

By believing in the finished work of Christ, Peter exhorts us to prepare our minds to suffer in the same way that Christ did. Since Christ suffered in the flesh for a purpose, as believers, we will experience this as well. In preparation for suffering, Peter reflects on the days of Noah, addresses the purpose of baptism, and the authority that Christ possesses. \r\n

I Am the Light of the World

Jeff Gordon

Romans 5:6-11

Jesus claims he is the light of the world. He offers direction and protection in this life, the forgiveness of sins, friendship with God and evidence that he is who he says he is through his death and resurrection. According to the Bible, people have two options: 1) choose Jesus' death to pay for our sins or 2) die in our sins and be separated from God. Jesus demonstrated through the Pharisees accusation against the adulterous woman that no one is without sin.

It is Finished!

Jim Leffel

John 19:17-37

It is impossible to overstate the importance of the cross as far as the focus of the Bible, and the focus of the Christian life, go. By stating "It is finished," Jesus indicates that his work on Earth is done, the Scriptures predicting his death are fulfilled, and that our debt to God is paid in full. As the primary message of the Bible, the fact of the cross demands a response - either to be offended or turned off from the reality that we needed Christ's sacrifice, or to accept Christ's death as a payment for our own sins.