Jesus prepares for his trial

It is appropriate for this holy season, that we leave 1 Kings for the rest of this week, so that we can have the opportunity to study the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is very difficult to summarize these parts of the Bible because much of it is the actual word of Jesus Christ. I apologize if today's lesson seems disjointed.

John Chapters 13, 14, 18

Before Passover, Jesus knew his hour had come to leave this world and return to his father and he got up from the table and began to wash the disciples' feet. Peter protested, but Jesus assured him it was necessary. After washing their feet, Jesus sat down and explained that since he had washed the feet, they now knew to wash each other's feet. ". . . How true it is that a servant is not greater than the master. . .", he said.

Later Jesus was in great anguish as he exclaimed that one of the disciples would betray him. Simon Peter asked Jesus to identify the betrayer, but Jesus would only say, "It is the one to whom I give the bread dipped in sauce." Satan had entered Judas as soon as he ate, now as treasurer of the disciples, he took the money and left. Then Jesus told the disciples his time was coming near and he would join God in his glory soon. He urge them to love each other as he had loved them. As he left Simon Peter wanted to go along, and said he would die for Jesus. Jesus said, "Die for me? No, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny me three times that you even know me."

Jesus told them of many rooms in his father's house and he would prepare a place for them. The disciples objected that they had no idea where Jesus was going. He replied,, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the father except through me. If you had known who I am, then you would have known who my Father is." Jesus promised the disciples could ask for anything in his name and he promised the Holy Spirit would come and guide them. Then Jesus prayed for himself, his disciples and for future believers.

After all these prayers, Jesus crossed into the Kidron Valley with his disciples and entered a grove of olive trees. He stepped up to meet a battalion of armed Roman soldiers and Temple guards, and identified himself. Simon Peter slashed the right ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant, but Jesus told Peter to put his weapon away. Jesus was arrested and taken to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest.

Simon Peter followed Jesus, but when they entered the courtyard, a woman asked if he was one of Jesus' disciples and he answered "No." Inside Jesus was questioned and struck in the face, bound and taken to Caiaphas. While Peter stayed behind, someone again asked him if he was one of the disciples and he replied, "No, I am not." But one of the household servants, whose relative had seen him cut off the ear, said, "Didn't I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?" Again Peter denied it and the rooster crowed.

In the morning hours, Jesus trial before Caiaphas ended and he was taken to the headquarters of the Roman governor, Pilate. Pilate asked the charges and asked him if he was King of the Jews? Jesus replied, "I am not an earthly king. If I were, my followers would have fought when I was arrested by the Jewish leaders. But my kingdom is not of this world." He also told Pilate that he was born to bring truth into the world.

Pilate decided that Jesus was not guilty of any crime but according to custom the people could ask him to release someone from prison. He asked if he should release the King of the Jews, but the people shouted instead to release Barabbas the criminal.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: How ironic it is that Satan played such a big part in Judas betrayal. Satan must have assumed that Jesus death would end his mission and thwart God's plan. Satan did not know that Jesus' death was the most important part of God's plan.

Peter was ready to die for Jesus, but Jesus knew Peter would deny him. God knows the extent of our commitment. Jesus words about coming to God only through him means Jesus prepared a place for us and we will spend eternity with him. In chapter 16 Jesus is explicit in telling the disciples when, where and why he was going. He sent the Holy Spirit to comfort, teach and help them and us.

In John, Judas kiss of betrayal is not recorded. It is interesting to read the four gospels and compare them for their differences and similarities. Nevertheless, the disciples' loyalty was being tested and Judas openly betrayed Jesus in front of the other disciples.

Both Annas and Caiaphas were supposed to be spiritual leaders but cared more about their political ambitions. Pilate too, had no basis to doubt Jesus was telling the truth, yet he did what was good for his own political goals.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? It is very apparent that Jesus knew the future. God can help us prepare for the future. When we live by his standards, he will never leave us. Because of HIM, we need never fear. Also, Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what he had been teaching them. Because the Holy Spirit exists, we have no need to fear the present or the future. Jesus Christ is the true son of God; praise his name each day and ask for his guidance.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home from the hospital and having rehab for the paralysis on one side of her body. Continue to pray for her recovery.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: She has shed the feeding tube and is taking formula on her own! But breathing problems are still with her, though improving all the time. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. She has been moved to a St. Louis hospital.
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake,those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.