2026.08.30 Standing in the Trials

John 12-14, 19-24;
Matthew 26:59-68

Every believer, every one of us, will faces times when God’s holy and perfect will confronts our desires and expectations. How many times have we prayed for God to move, but often it is our will, our desires on how we imagine He should move. We pray for God’s guidance, but we quietly hope He guides us in the direction we already prefer OR we are not willing to do follow His will in what He has shown for us in His Word.

John 18 shows us a Savior who stands faithfully in the face of injustice, rejection, and misunderstanding and it shows us a people who prayed for centuries for the Messiah yet resisted Him when He came.

As we prepare our hearts for what God desires to do in us, this passage calls us to examine where our expectations may be resisting His work. Revival in the heart begins with surrender and surrender begins with seeing Jesus clearly in His trials.

The Innocent Christ is bound, struck, and interrogated not because He is guilty, but because humanity cannot tolerate the Light that exposes its darkness.

I. The Injustice vs. the Innocent (John 18:12-14, 19-24) 

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

¹⁹ The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine. ²⁰ Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. ²¹ Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.” ²² And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?” ²³ Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?” ²⁴ Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Last week, on the cover the bulletin, there was a scene from the film the Gospel of John, showing accurately Jesus’s arrest and being bound to and from Annas’s house, even though He offered no resistance. Jesus had eluded the officials before so they took no chances, but still, John records he was bound and stayed bound. The One who could have undone the universe with a word allowed Himself to be tied like a criminal.

Annas, father-in-law to Caiaphas, was the true power behind the high priest office. He was appointed as high priest by Rome in 6 AD, which would have been about the same time that young 12 year old Jesus had stayed three days and two nights at the Temple.

The house of Annas was infamous for its greed and violence. Even though Caiaphas held the official title, Annas still held the influence. John even refers to Annas as the high priest (John 18:19, 22), and Luke 3:2 and Acts 4:6 confirm his ongoing authority.

This was not a legal hearing, Jewish laws at that time prevented court’s and proceedings for the Sanhedrin to be conducted at night. But it was not a legal hearing not only because of its timing but its predetermined outcome, disguised as a justified trial.

While still bound, the first of many blows Jesus was to receive. In my mind, I wonder if Satan was the most surprised that the Son of God allowed Himself to be tied up. Jesus could stop winds, storms, and sicknesses. Christ could stop Satan and sins biggest prize of all by raising the dead. Could mere ropes shackle the One who unshackled people from sin, sickness and death? Growing more bold, Satan motivated a guard to strike Jesus across the mouth. Jesus who taught His disciples to turn the other cheek did not resist but only questioned to show the injustice of being struck without a cause.

GracePointe #1: Jesus, the only innocent One, was condemned by an illegal court beginning with a corrupt ruler so that the guilty could stand acquitted before the throne of God. Because He stood faithful in His trial, we can stand  FORGIVEN .

II. The Irony of Israel’s Prayers and Rejection

I love the way John interweaves Peter’s failures and Christ’s trials in chapter 18. Christ stood in truth and was even struck for speaking truth. When Jesus was sent to Caiaphas, the other gospels show that false witnesses not only contradicted the Truth Incarnate, they could not even agree with themselves.

John doesn’t tell us this, but the synoptics tell us, (Do you know that Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the first three gospels, are called the synoptics?) they tell us when He brought before the council, they spit on Him, they blindfolded, beat and mocked Him. Caiaphas mockingly and ceremonially tears his robes in insincere, staged and pretentious shock, crying out that the Holiest one of all has committed blasphemy and deserves of death.

(Turn to Matthew 26 for the most inclusive part) 

⁵⁹ Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, ⁶⁰ but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward ⁶¹ and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ”  ⁶² And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” ⁶³ But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!”

At this point, the gospel of Mark records, “I AM”

⁶⁴ Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

⁶⁵ Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! ⁶⁶ What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.” ⁶⁷ Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, ⁶⁸ saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?”

 

Let’s stop there. Jesus has declared He is the Son of God. He responds with I AM, according to Mark. And then Jesus declared He was the Son of Man, sitting at the Right Hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of Heaven.

Let me just tell you, this phrase comes exactly from Daniel 7:13.

In the first part of Daniel 7, there is a vision of Four beasts to come, Babylon (about 605 through 539 BC, Medo-Persia (about 539 through 332), Greece (Alexander the Great, and the four horns culminating with Antiochus) and then Rome, which came to power over Judea in 63 BC).

When Jesus said He was the “Son of Man coming with the clouds,” He was claiming more than a human title. In Daniel 7, the One coming on the clouds is a heavenly, divine figure who receives everlasting dominion from the Ancient of Days.

2 Daniel spoke, saying, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other. 4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.

⁵ “And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’

⁶ “After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.

⁷ “After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. ⁸ I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.

⁹ ​​“I watched till thrones were put in place, ​​And the Ancient of Days was seated; ​​His garment was white as snow, ​​And the hair of His head was like pure wool. ​​His throne was a fiery flame, ​​Its wheels a burning fire;

…

¹³ “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.

We now know this is God the Father (“the Ancient of Days”) with the God the Son (“One like the Son of Man”).

In Jesus’s day, only God rides the clouds, only God judges the nations, BUT NOW God Himself shares His throne.

When Jesus applied that passage to Himself, He was claiming the authority, identity, and the very essence of both the Son of God and the divine Son of Man.

This wasn’t a vague messianic claim. It was a direct assertion of divine status. That is why the high priest tore his robes: Jesus was declaring Himself to be the heavenly Judge who would one day judge them.

It is the only passage that combines cloud‑coming, Son of Man imagery, heavenly glory, and judicial authority, all drawn directly from Daniel 7.

Revelation 1:7 reminds us of Daniel’s saying the Jesus will come with clouds of judgment, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds…”

Revelation 1:13, reminds us that Jesus is “…in the midst of the lampstands one like a Son of Man…”

Revelation 1:14–16 shows us the heavenly‑figure imagery that John describes as, “blazing eyes, white hair, bronze feet, a voice like many waters, and a face sining like the sun.”

Let’s finish Matthew 26

⁶⁷ Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, ⁶⁸ saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?”

Luke records that Jesus was later sent to Herod, the one responsible for the death of John the Baptist. Herod wanted a miracle show, but Jesus refused to speak to Herod at all.

Israel prayed for centuries for the Messiah; and when He came, they rejected Him because He did not fit their expectations.

This is the deep irony of the passage. God’s ways are not our ways. It is ironic that the same nation which had prayed for the coming of the Messiah would reject Him when He came.

Aren’t we the same? We pray for God’s will, but when it comes, we reject it.

Christ returned to His Original glory, as the Son of God AND the Son of Man. We now have been given access straight to the very throne of God because of the ascension of the Son of Man.

The One Israel rejected is now the One who grants us access to the throne of God. 

The One they bound now who reigns. 

The One they struck now intercedes for us. 

The One they condemned now justifies us.

Israel prayed for the Messiah; and rejected the Christ.

Let us not do the same 

 

GracePointe #2: Israel had prayed for a Messiah to come, but rejected Him when He came. The One who was bound now   REIGNS   The One they struck now intercedes for us. The One they condemned now justifies the guilty who believe. The rejected Messiah accepts us and provides us the way to God’s throne.

Let us pray

 “Dear God, help me to stand in the trials of life. Strengthen me to face down whatever comes my way. Remind me that nothing will happen to me today that You and I cannot both handle together. Thank You for standing with me. Amen.”

 

2026.08.23 The Sadness of Peter’s Denial

John 18:12–18, 25–27

Read Ps. 139:23-24 ​​Search me, O God, and know my heart; ​​Try me, and know my anxieties; ^24 ​​And see if there is any wicked way in me, ​​And lead me in the way everlasting.

About 400 years later, Jeremiah wrote in Jer. 17:9–10, ​​“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; ​​Who can know it?  ¹⁰ I, the LORD, search the heart, ​​I test the mind, ​​Even to give every man according to his ways, ​​According to the fruit of his doings.

A couple of hundred years later, 400 years before Christ was born, Socrates said the unexamined life is not worth living, not only a life unexamined and tested by others but more importantly and more specifically, a life unexamined by ourselves was thought by some to be a life not worth living. However, we are Christians and all lives are to be examined and every heart is to be searched. Scripture shows that a life examined only by ourselves is not safe.

God calls us to be shaped and corrected by others as well, and most of all, by Him.

Peter’s story reminds us that no believer falls suddenly; denial of Christ is always the end of a path we start walking long before we realize it.

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

¹⁵ And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. ¹⁶ But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. ¹⁷ Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” ¹⁸ Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.

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

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

 1. The Slippery Slope (18:15–18)

Peter’s failure did not begin suddenly but subtly on a slow, slippery slope. Peter had so many good qualities, but he also had so many subtle and not-so-subtle faults.

One of the problems Peter had was pride. He didn’t think it would happen to him. Even though Jesus warned Peter that he would fall, that he would deny Christ not once, not twice, but three times and not sometime in the far distant future but before the rooster would crow twice.

The second crowing of the rooster was not just a physical event; it was a time of day. It’s in Rabbinic and Talmudic texts as what would be for us around 3 in the morning. Many of us grew up within earshot of roosters. Our house has a rooster nearby and the crowing comes long before the first gleam of dawn. 

Before Peter denied the Lord, Simon was already in denial because of his pride. Satan will attack us in what we think are our strengths. Pride, thinking it will NEVER happen to us, is an attack in the area of what we think are our strengths.

Let God be the source of your strength. Simon did not say, “Jesus help me to be strong.” Instead, he doubled down, saying though all the other disciples would deny the Lord, He never would.

Rule #1 Don’t take pride in your strength. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord.

Secondly, in a big way, Peter slipped down that slippery slope to sin because of prayerlessness. Jesus asked all the disciples to pray so that they would not fall into temptation. Instead of praying, Peter fell into a deep sleep. Peter’s spirit was willing, but his flesh was weak.

Satan will attack us in our strengths, but he will certainly attack us where we are weak. Know your weakness. Know your strengths. The Bible says some trust in chariots, some trust in horses, but we are to remember the name of the Lord (Psalm 20:7).

Rule #2, Don’t be Prayerless in spiritual sleep. Act like it all depended on you but pray like it all depends on God. Pray, don’t sleep.

Thirdly, after Pride and Prayerlessness, Peter fell because of proximity. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record that Peter followed Jesus from a distance. Whether you are prideful; if you are prayerless; stay in close proximity to Jesus.

Before we get too hard on Peter for his denial, let us acknowledge that at least Peter was following Jesus. The other disciples, except Peter and John, fled.

 ¹⁵ And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.

¹⁶ But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in.

¹⁷ Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.”

Remember when Simon strolled on and then sank in the sea of Galilee? Jesus came to the boat, walking on the water. Bold and Impetuous Peter asked, "Bid me to come unto thee on the water.”

Jesus said, “Come” and as long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked on water. But when his eyes saw the waves, when he felt the wind hit his face, fear overtook him and Simon sank, pardon the pun, like a rock!

Look at Simon’s slippery slope to the proximity of sin and sinners. ¹⁸ Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.

The servants and the officers of the high priest stood by the fire of coals (take note, this will not be the last time John mentions a charcoal fire) but that didn’t stop Simon.

First, Peter came in the courtyard, Then, he came close to the fire. Then he came a little bit closer and stood by them. Then, the other gospels said he sat with them by the fire. Then, he talked with them and his Galilean accent betrayed him.

Rule #3 Keep your proximity close to Jesus, not to sin and sinners.

I am not saying we should not intermix with the lost. We have to be lights in the world and salt of the earth. We have to be in the world and not of it. But let us learn what Psalm 1 says.

Turn to Psalm 1. Some of you have even memorized this in King James. I did at one time. If you haven’t memorized it, consider doing so. But turn with me there.

Read Psalm 1 aloud:

¹ Blessed is the man ​​Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, ​​Nor stands in the path of sinners, ​​Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; ^{2 ​​}But his delight is in the law of the LORD, ​​And in His law he meditates day and night. ³ ​​He shall be like a tree ​​Planted by the rivers of water, ​​That brings forth its fruit in its season, ​​Whose leaf also shall not wither; ​​And whatever he does shall prosper.​ ⁴ ​​The ungodly are not so, ​​But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. ⁵ ​​Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, ​​Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.^​6 ​​For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, ​​But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Rule #4 Stick with the winners. Surround yourself with people who support good behavior, even if you are cold. Don’t warm yourself with a fire that pulls you back into old habits, hurts and hangups.

Make healthy choices, not harmful habits.

Proverbs 13:20-21 He who walks with wise men will be wise, ​​But the companion of fools will be destroyed. ²¹ Evil pursues sinners, ​But to the righteous, good shall be repaid.

Another phrase says “Avoid the people, places, and things that got you into trouble.” Don’t hang around people and things that drag you down. You cannot heal if you stay where you got sick.

What triggers you to sin? Stay far away from that. Instead, do the next right thing.

Have you ever heard that phrase: “Nothing changes if nothing changes.”

The Bible teaches that “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Cor. 15:33) in fact, Paul starts out that verse with ³³ “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits. ³⁴ Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.”

“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” The NIV says, “Guard your heart.” (Prov. 4:23) 

 Let me close with this: Last week, we saw how Jesus made the soldiers fall when He simply said “I AM”. In today’s reading, Peter fell when he said, “I AM NOT” (18:17, 25, 27)

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

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

Simon’s slippery slope led him from confidence to compromise. The contrast between Jesus’s “I AM” and Peter’s “I am NOT” is that Christ’s powerful identity is stronger than our weaknesses.

 GracePointe summary: Peter’s denial shows how a slow drift of pride, prayerlessness, and distance from Jesus can lead any believer from confidence to compromise and ultimately to the collapse into a denial of Christ. 

 

“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.”

A.W. Tozer

“Sometimes God allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves.”

Joni Eareckson Tada

 

2026.08.16 In the Shadows of Betrayal

 

Strength in the Shadows of Betrayal

John 18:2-11

In the shadows of betrayal, Jesus stood sovereign and unshakeable. Jesus made his final "I AM” declaration, revealing power over all in the Father’s redemptive and foreseen plan.

Have you ever felt betrayed, double-crossed, hurt, lied about. We are living in an age of growing toxicity, isolated by social media, with access to more communication than ever before in history, but in many ways, we are entrapped in silos of echo-chambers and polarization not seen since maybe the civil war era, and in some ways even beyond that.

Routinely, one side demonizes the other side with hyperboles, exaggerations,  dehumanizing others so much that violence, explosive emotionalism, and overreactions result.

Where is God in all of this? Right where He has always been, on the throne, overseeing with His godly omnipresence every breakdown and sin. God is sovereign ruling with His holy omniscience every thought and action. With Christ at His right-hand side, the Heavenly Father is in control of all thing with His powerful omnipotence.

Scottish author, American pastor, and radio speaker Allistair Begg cites this passage as one of the most dramatic scenes of the New Testament. Would you stand as we read John 18:2–11.

·        A powerful betrayal, fulfilling a thousand year prophecy.

·        A tremendous amount of self-control and courage as the sovereign Son of God boldy confronts the soldiers.

·        A supernatural falling down of the soldiers that could have allowed for an escape.

·        A foolhardy attack by Simon Peter

·        A stern rebuke and reminder that this was why Jesus came.

Let’s first look at Judas and the Scriptural fulfillment

1. The Scriptural Fulfillment of Judas (18: 2–4)

² And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. ³ Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. ⁴ Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”

Let’s first look at Judas and the Scriptural fulfillment. It is likely between verses 3 and 4 that Judas came forward and betrayed him with a kiss, in the other gospels. Matthew records Judas calling Jesus Rabbi in Matthew 26:51. Jesus replied and called Judas friend, which brings to mind Psalm 41:9, Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me.

Jesus knew Judas would betray Him from the beginning and chose him anyway. Jesus knows the problems you are facing right now, this week, later this month or year.

What’s more, Jesus knows the problems our world is facing and He is getting ready for His return.

#1 The Bible predicts all the nations of the world will come against the Jews in Jerusalem. Zech 12:3

All nations of the earth have never come against Israel and Jerusalem. But if and when America collapses or falls to Communists, Islamic radicals, or Democratic socialists, all nations of the earth will come against it, bringing about the fulfillment of Rev. 16:14, For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Rev. 17 says, ¹² “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. ¹³ These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. ¹⁴ These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”

This may sound like I am chasing a rabbit, but this is no rabbit. If Jesus could trust the Scriptural prophecy about Judas’ betrayal, then we can trust what the Bible says about the end times.  

#2 The Bible predicts that in the end times there will be a strong delusion. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,

Well that’s not very nice is it? Why would God send a strong delusion? Verse 11 tells us “for this reason” which is found in verse. 9 and 10. ⁹ The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, ¹⁰ and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ¹¹ And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, ¹² that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

It is theologically called “Judicial hardening”, meaning God will give you up and give you over to sinful mind-set (“debased mind”, (1:28), sinful emotions (“vile passions,1:26), and sinful will actions (unclean desires of the heart”, 1:24). Romans 1:24-32.

Okay, that was not a rabbit and it wasn’t a squirrel. GracePointe #1 If Jesus could trust God in the Scriptural fulfillment of the betrayal of Judas, then we can trust God to fulfill Scriptural promises even as  _the end times_ come to pass.

2. The Sovereign Final I AM (5–9)

⁵ They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. ⁶ Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. ⁷ Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” ⁸ Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” ⁹ that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”

I AM Personal in Relations. (John 4:26)

I AM Perfect in Love. (John 6:20)

I AM Preeminent in Judgment. (John 8:24)

I AM Provider of Salvation. (John 8:28)

I AM Perpetual in Existence. (John 8:58)

I AM Prophecy Fulfilled. (John 13:19)

I AM Power over All. (John 18:5)

The final “I AM” declarative statement shows that Jesus is more powerful than man’s armies or soldiers, more powerful than betrayal and that through it all, the great “I AM” can cast any opposition onto their backs. God is sovereign, and no one can oppose Him.

You can picture the scene. Soldiers approaching, bearing torches, lanterns, and clubs. The disciples huddle around Jesus, instinctively protecting the one who needed no protection. Judas emerges, shocking them all, only now dawning on them that he was the betrayer whom Jesus predicted.

Judas weaves through his once friends, finding Jesus.

Psalm 109:8 says, “May his days be few; may another take his office.” A verse which Peter explicitly applies this verse to Judas in Acts 1:20.

He could have called more than twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:53). At the mere utterance of His statement “I AM”, the soldiers fell backwards.

GracePointe #2 One day, just as Judas and the soldiers fell, every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess He is Let’s say it all together) Lord.

3. The Sword of the Foolish (18:10)

¹⁰ Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

Now isn’t it interesting that John gives the servant’s name, but not that Jesus healed him? I know you may be asking for some profound theological reason why that would be included, but to be honest with you I got nothing.

Well, I have something but I guess you thought that. Later on, twice we will see that John was personally known to the High Priest (18:15-16). What’s more, John is the only one who notices it was his right ear. Again, I think if nothing else, this is a tell-tale sign of the gospel’s authenticity and that John was truly there.

Secondly, why does only one gospel explain that Jesus healed the servant’s ear? Well, since Luke was a physician, he likely thought it was relevant, for sure. And while it is interesting, John’s point is Jesus’s protection of the disciples, not the restoration of a servant.

But the main reason that every gospel includes this event is that it shows that while we may have the best of intentions, it is foolish to fight the spiritual battle with fleshly weapons. Peter didn’t think. He acted rashly. What’s more, Simon could have been killed.

2 Cor. 10:4 says, ³ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. ⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ⁵ casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, ⁶ and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

In Eph. 6,  Paul said, ¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

In other words, don’t bring a sword to a spiritual fight. I love the song Nobody by Casting Crowns where Moses had stage fright; When David brought a rock to a sword fight; You picked twelve outsiders nobody would have chosen; And You changed the world

GracePointe #3: Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight. Don’t bring a sword to a spiritual fight. The armor of God is not optional, so get on your knees and fight like a godly man and a godly woman.

4. The Strength of the Foreseen Plan (18:11)

¹¹ So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”

Jesus had just been praying about the cup, although this is the as much as John mentions his Gethsemane prayer. Not only was Peter’s action foolish, impulsive and was not thought through

Matthew adds a detail missed by the others but implied by John. He asks Peter did not he think that Jesus could call 12 legions of angels to rescue him.

GracePointe summation – “Who delivered up Jesus to die? Not Judas, for money; not Pilate, for fear; not the Jews, for envy; but the Father, for love!” and but Christ, for submission.
                                                                 --Octavius Winslow, Baptist minister (1808-1878)

2026.08.09 The Crushing of the Christ

Jesus in Gethsemane

The Crushing of the Christ

John tells us that Jesus “went forth” with His disciples across the Kidron Valley into a garden. Luke places it at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Matthew and Mark give us its name: Gethsemane — the oil press. The place where olives were crushed under weight, UNDER PRESSURE until oil flowed.

Stand with me as we read our focal passage.

John 18:1–2 ¹ When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. ² And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.

Father, bless the reading of Your Word. Lead us into the places where You press us, even crush us, as You did Your Son. Teach us to respond in prayer, in surrender, and in obedience. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

1. The Place of Crushing (John 18:1–2)

Jesus chose Gethsemane deliberately. He wasn’t hiding. He wasn’t running. He intentionally and willingly went to the place where the Father’s will would press Him.

The olive press crushed olives under enormous weight until oil flowed. In the same way, the weight of divine wrath pressed upon Christ until His blood flowed, first in Gethsemane and then on the cross, where He would experience the judgment that our sins deserved.

Gethsemane is not punishment. Gethsemane is preparation. It is where God crushed Jesus’s self‑will so that His will might ultimately flow through us.

Just days earlier, Jesus walked down the road beside the Mount of Olives to shouts of “Hosanna” and “Blessed be the Name of the Lord”

On this evening, He walked up the same mount, through Gehenna, a 24-hour a day burning pit of trash and refuse, reminding Him of the reality of Hell that would be experienced by those if Jesus succumbed to His own will of letting this cup pass.

The ancient olive press had three pressings: The first produced pure oil VIRGIN OIL for anointing, reserved and used only for Priestly Service.

The second pressing produced oil for food and daily use.

The third was the hardest pressing, getting the last bit of oil, but also the most impure of oils, which was really on good for soaps, or for cleansing, and also for burning in lamps, or used for light.

Jesus prayed three times. And on the third, He sweat great drops of blood. Three pressings — holiness, sacrifice, cleansing, and light for the world.

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Christ went to Gethsemane, the place where the Father pressed Him. Where is your Gethsemane? Where is God pressing you to fall on your face, surrender your will, and obey Him?

Is it forgiveness? Purity? Pride? Greed? Fear? A relationship? A habit? A calling? A sin you’ve excused?

GracePointe #1 — Gethsemane teaches us that in God’s hands, the place that crushes us releases our transformation. The Place of the Crushing does not make us useless, it’s where God converts us to become useful.”

Maybe it is an obedience you’ve delayed and that leads us to point #2

2. The Purpose of Obedience Matthew 26:36–46

Gethsemane reveals the purpose of obedience: to bring our will into submission to God’s will.

Three times, Jesus prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” THIS second Prayer is the hinge of redemption.

The One crushed in the garden would conquer in the tomb. The garden of pressing empowered the endurance of the cross. Only the garden of Gethsemane could lead to the garden of resurrection.

The first pressing was the beginning of the Priestly service, His initial surrender, the second prayer and the second pressing was the food of obedience. Your remember in John 4:34 Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”

GracePointe # 2 — Obedience is not the death of our will; it brings our will into alignment with God’s will. The path may be hard, even humanly impossible, it is the path that leads to true joy in Him.

Our will bows to God’s will.”

 3. The Prayer of Submission

Luke 22:41–44

Matthew says Jesus was sorrowful and distressed. Mark says He was troubled unto death. But only Luke says He was in agony.

Only Luke records the medical reality of hematidrosis blood vessels bursting under extreme stress, mixing blood with sweat.

Only Luke records the angel who strengthened Him — just as angels ministered to Him after His forty days in the wilderness.

Jesus asked His disciples to pray. But they slept.

This is third and final prayer was one of submission and ultimate surrender. Like the third pressing was the heaviest in weight, squeezing out the last ounce of oil from the olives, This is the prayer of submission was the prayer that made Calvary possible.

And now the question comes to us: Are your prayers simply asking God to change your circumstances? Or are they asking God to change you? Or are you praying at all? Are you sleeping?

Gethsemane teaches us to pray until our will bends. Until our desires yield. Until our hearts say, “Father, Your will be done.”

Prayer is not trying to change God. Prayer is surrendering to let God change us.

 Before we step out of the garden this morning, I want to tell you that since this is likely the last time I will ever preach on the prayer of Gethsemane, what you’re about to hear comes from my devotional book. It’s a reflection born out of sitting with John’s words slowly letting the story breathe, letting the weight of Gethsemane settle on my own heart.

Gethsemane was not an accident. It was the place where the Father allowed the weight of the world to squeeze the Son until His obedience flowed like blood.

After months and even years of reflecting of the Gethsemane’s Place, Gethsemane’s Purpose, and Gethsemane’s Prayer, I wondered when Simon saw when The Savior as The Son of God was crushed into obediently surrendering to become The Sacrifice of the Son of Man.

 Peter pulled his outer garment tight against the cool spring wind as they walked beneath the brilliant Passover moon. Its silver glow washed the path in quiet light, the kind of night where everything feels still—except the heart of Jesus. His steps were slower, heavier, as though each one carried the weight of heaven.

Gethsemane rose ahead like a dark silhouette. The disciples followed, unsure of the destination but certain of the Leader. Peter had proclaimed Him the Messiah months earlier, yet tonight the Rabbi felt like an enigma wrapped in sorrow.

Jesus stopped. Eight disciples sat. Peter, James, and John followed Him deeper into the grove. Miracles often happened when the four of them were together, but tonight felt different—charged, trembling, holy.

Jesus lifted His hand. “Wait here… while I go and pray.” He stepped into a small clearing, knelt, and then collapsed to the ground. The Son of God—face in the dirt.

Peter tried to pray, but exhaustion pressed him like a weight. The Master’s voice drifted through the trees, strained and trembling: “Abba… Father… take this cup from Me… yet not My will, but Yours.”

The moon broke through the clouds and lit Jesus’ face. Peter had never seen such agony—eyes lifted, jaw clenched, body shaking under invisible pressure. It was as if the whole world was squeezing Him.

Peter whispered the same prayer, but his eyelids betrayed him. Sleep stole over him like a thief.

A voice thundered near him. “Simon… are you sleeping?” Not Peter. Simon.

The name cut deeper than any rebuke. Jesus’ eyes were not angry—only sorrowful. “Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you fall into temptation. The spirit is willing… but the flesh is weak.”

Jesus returned to the clearing. Peter sank to his knees, then to his belly, trying to pray, trying to stay awake, trying to be the Rock Jesus said he was. But memories flooded him—his calling, his failures, his bold promises at supper, his insistence that he would never deny the Lord. Never.

He pressed his face into the cold earth. “Is this my crushing?” he wondered.

Suddenly Jesus’ form blurred in the darkness. Something—someone—stood beside Him. A figure not human. An angel. Strengthening Him. And still Jesus writhed, trembling under a burden no man had ever carried.

Then Peter saw it—dark drops falling to the ground. Not sweat. Blood. The crushing had begun.

The weight of the world pressed the Son of God until His pores burst with agony. The sin of humanity squeezed Him like olives beneath a press, and the oil that flowed was blood.

Peter tried to move closer, but terror froze him. He felt swallowed by the night—fear, sorrow, wine, exhaustion, prophecy, failure—all swirling like a storm inside him.

Then a command shattered the darkness. “Get up.”

Jesus stood, resolute now, strengthened by surrender. The disciples gathered around Him—except one.

Judas approached. With soldiers.

And the crushing of the Christ moved from the garden to the cross.

GracePointe # 3 — Gethsemane and the prayer of submission teaches us to push past physical weariness and spiritual sleepiness to pray until resistance surrenders to submission.

“Heavenly Father, I confess to You that my prayer life needs to be more passionate and even agonizing as Jesus’s was. I also lay my requests before You, knowing that the greatest desire is that Your will and not mine be done. In Jesus’s Name. Amen.”