1 00:00:00,830 --> 00:00:03,930 Speaker 1: Remember the words of the Lord Jesus that He Himself said, 2 00:00:04,610 --> 00:00:08,729 Speaker 1: It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 3 00:00:08,730 --> 00:00:14,860 Speaker 1: 20.35 Dear Lord, thank You for Your example of generosity 4 00:00:15,180 --> 00:00:19,820 Speaker 1: and service to others. Even though You are God and 5 00:00:19,940 --> 00:00:25,099 Speaker 1: holier than everyone, You still bent down to bless us. 6 00:00:27,040 --> 00:00:33,550 Speaker 1: You continually shower us with grace, patience, and service. Teach 7 00:00:33,610 --> 00:00:37,370 Speaker 1: me to live in your ways and leave a legacy 8 00:00:37,430 --> 00:00:42,590 Speaker 1: of helping others. May I never get too arrogant to 9 00:00:42,650 --> 00:00:46,710 Speaker 1: serve people. May I never be too busy to notice 10 00:00:46,990 --> 00:00:51,910 Speaker 1: people in need. Give me open eyes to see the 11 00:00:51,990 --> 00:00:59,680 Speaker 1: needs around me and willing hands to bless them. In Jesus' name, Amen. 12 00:01:01,850 --> 00:01:04,910 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 13 00:01:04,930 --> 00:01:09,310 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast, where the gospel stories are reborn with 14 00:01:09,450 --> 00:01:14,410 Speaker 1: fresh vibrancy. Don't go away. Immerse yourself in the unfolding 15 00:01:14,530 --> 00:01:19,070 Speaker 1: drama and wonder of Jesus' journey to the cross and 16 00:01:19,370 --> 00:01:23,370 Speaker 1: out from the grave. If this podcast has brought value 17 00:01:23,410 --> 00:01:25,770 Speaker 1: to your faith, we'd love it if you left a 18 00:01:25,810 --> 00:01:28,929 Speaker 1: review and shared it with a friend. We want the 19 00:01:28,950 --> 00:01:32,300 Speaker 1: story of Jesus to be known throughout the world. Because 20 00:01:32,360 --> 00:01:36,240 Speaker 1: when Jesus' story is told, lives are transformed. 21 00:01:40,080 --> 00:01:44,790 Speaker 2: Lord Caiaphas, this man claims to have information about the Nazarene. 22 00:01:45,670 --> 00:01:48,930 Speaker 1: Judas stepped out of the darkness and into the torchlight. 23 00:01:50,430 --> 00:01:51,430 Speaker 1: Caiaphas laughed. 24 00:01:54,500 --> 00:01:56,380 Speaker 3: I know you, he sneered. 25 00:01:56,760 --> 00:02:00,900 Speaker 4: You are one of his twelve disciples. 26 00:02:01,620 --> 00:02:04,580 Speaker 1: Judas ignored his laughter and went straight to the point. 27 00:02:04,960 --> 00:02:07,660 Speaker 4: What will you give me if I deliver him to you? 28 00:02:08,180 --> 00:02:12,460 Speaker 1: He said quickly. Caiaphas' smile disappeared. He stood to his 29 00:02:12,500 --> 00:02:16,100 Speaker 1: feet and circled Judas like a wolf does to its prey. 30 00:02:16,560 --> 00:02:21,810 Speaker 2: Tell me, Judas, what did your master do to you 31 00:02:21,970 --> 00:02:25,090 Speaker 2: to warrant his betrayal? 32 00:02:26,169 --> 00:02:30,290 Speaker 1: Judas clenched his fist and shrugged. My reasons are my own. 33 00:02:30,669 --> 00:02:31,450 Speaker 4: Not good enough! 34 00:02:32,010 --> 00:02:34,490 Speaker 1: Hiapus yelled, slamming his fist on the table. 35 00:02:34,750 --> 00:02:36,150 Speaker 4: Why should I trust you? 36 00:02:37,310 --> 00:02:41,779 Speaker 1: Judas closed his eyes and drew a deep breath. The 37 00:02:41,820 --> 00:02:46,800 Speaker 1: slithering presence of Satan coiled around his heart, prompting him 38 00:02:47,040 --> 00:02:51,840 Speaker 1: to near madness. Although he had the choice to turn back, 39 00:02:52,840 --> 00:02:57,080 Speaker 1: he felt helpless to do anything else. He opened his 40 00:02:57,260 --> 00:03:01,670 Speaker 1: eyes and rolled his shoulders back. With confidence, he said. 41 00:03:02,120 --> 00:03:06,050 Speaker 2: I have what you want, which is information on the 42 00:03:06,090 --> 00:03:13,530 Speaker 2: whereabouts and weaknesses of Jesus. You have what I want, 43 00:03:14,550 --> 00:03:17,850 Speaker 2: which is silver in my purse. Do you want to 44 00:03:17,910 --> 00:03:20,240 Speaker 2: be partners or not? 45 00:03:20,720 --> 00:03:27,180 Speaker 1: Caiaphas' smile returned. Oh, so you're a simple man, he teased. 46 00:03:27,540 --> 00:03:28,000 Speaker 5: Very well. 47 00:03:28,780 --> 00:03:30,859 Speaker 3: Thirty pieces of silver should be. 48 00:03:31,550 --> 00:03:35,890 Speaker 1: More than enough for your services. He gestured for one 49 00:03:35,930 --> 00:03:40,190 Speaker 1: of the priests to retrieve the money for Judas. They 50 00:03:40,240 --> 00:03:44,820 Speaker 1: handed him a sack of 30 pieces of silver. Judas 51 00:03:44,860 --> 00:03:50,860 Speaker 1: held it in his hand. The bag was heavy. Heavy 52 00:03:50,940 --> 00:03:55,180 Speaker 1: enough to drag his entire soul into darkness. 53 00:03:57,740 --> 00:04:01,590 Speaker 6: Do you worship a weak god? Is your God a victim, 54 00:04:01,610 --> 00:04:04,610 Speaker 6: a prisoner? How you view God will say a lot 55 00:04:04,710 --> 00:04:07,770 Speaker 6: about how you view yourself. If you view Jesus as 56 00:04:07,850 --> 00:04:11,110 Speaker 6: a suffering victim, you might find yourself often feeling like 57 00:04:11,150 --> 00:04:14,070 Speaker 6: a victim. But if you see Jesus for who he is, 58 00:04:14,430 --> 00:04:18,710 Speaker 6: a conqueror, a lion, a champion, you'll find confidence to 59 00:04:18,750 --> 00:04:21,560 Speaker 6: stand firm against any trial because you know he's with you. 60 00:04:22,279 --> 00:04:26,000 Speaker 6: Paul says in Romans 8.37, we are more than conquerors 61 00:04:26,100 --> 00:04:29,980 Speaker 6: in Christ Jesus. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. a year 62 00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:32,640 Speaker 6: of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love and the 63 00:04:32,680 --> 00:04:36,339 Speaker 6: glory of God's truth. I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com, 64 00:04:36,720 --> 00:04:38,860 Speaker 6: and I am so stoked to be with you today. 65 00:04:39,200 --> 00:04:41,880 Speaker 6: It's Passion Week, which means we are preparing for the 66 00:04:41,960 --> 00:04:45,500 Speaker 6: death of Jesus on Good Friday and celebrating the resurrection 67 00:04:45,560 --> 00:04:48,360 Speaker 6: on Easter Sunday. Be sure to follow this podcast so 68 00:04:48,400 --> 00:04:51,049 Speaker 6: you don't miss out on those gripping episodes and the 69 00:04:51,140 --> 00:04:54,510 Speaker 6: saga that is the gospel. Today's story is an emotional 70 00:04:54,550 --> 00:04:57,210 Speaker 6: roller coaster, taking us from the warm upper room where 71 00:04:57,250 --> 00:05:00,620 Speaker 6: Jesus enjoys the Passover with his disciples, to the cold 72 00:05:00,700 --> 00:05:03,800 Speaker 6: Garden of Gethsemane, where a hundred guards will arrest Jesus. 73 00:05:04,660 --> 00:05:07,400 Speaker 6: Our story today will begin with a tender moment between 74 00:05:07,460 --> 00:05:10,200 Speaker 6: Jesus and his disciples, but it's going to end with 75 00:05:10,220 --> 00:05:11,420 Speaker 6: them scattering in fear. 76 00:05:11,760 --> 00:05:13,520 Speaker 1: It's going to end with blood and betrayal. 77 00:05:13,920 --> 00:05:17,360 Speaker 6: The story begins with the Passover, the celebration that remembers 78 00:05:17,420 --> 00:05:20,400 Speaker 6: God's passing over the Israelites when the blood of the 79 00:05:20,440 --> 00:05:22,539 Speaker 6: lamb was on their doorposts. It was a day to 80 00:05:22,580 --> 00:05:26,490 Speaker 6: remember the brutality of slavery in Egypt, but God's redemption 81 00:05:26,500 --> 00:05:29,450 Speaker 6: through it all. The lamb that was slain in Exodus 82 00:05:29,550 --> 00:05:32,000 Speaker 6: and put on the doorpost so that the angel would 83 00:05:32,060 --> 00:05:36,220 Speaker 6: pass over them was a foreshadowing to Jesus, whose blood 84 00:05:36,279 --> 00:05:39,720 Speaker 6: would be shed for the salvation for all mankind. He 85 00:05:39,960 --> 00:05:42,700 Speaker 6: is the ultimate Passover lamb. In this episode, we're also 86 00:05:42,740 --> 00:05:45,940 Speaker 6: going to witness the arrest of Jesus. Peter, not fathoming 87 00:05:45,990 --> 00:05:49,409 Speaker 6: that Jesus didn't need his protection, draws his sword to fight. 88 00:05:49,870 --> 00:05:52,450 Speaker 6: But he's going to find out that Jesus isn't a victim. 89 00:05:52,870 --> 00:05:55,610 Speaker 6: He's not going as a prisoner. He's going as a king. 90 00:05:56,470 --> 00:05:58,770 Speaker 6: Keep these things in mind as you listen to today's story. 91 00:05:59,190 --> 00:06:01,300 Speaker 6: Be swept away in the emotion of it all. And 92 00:06:01,330 --> 00:06:03,740 Speaker 6: remember that there is no freedom from the slavery of 93 00:06:03,800 --> 00:06:07,059 Speaker 6: sin without the humble sacrifice of the Lamb of God. 94 00:06:08,740 --> 00:06:12,260 Speaker 1: The time had come for Passover, a sacred moment of 95 00:06:12,339 --> 00:06:18,030 Speaker 1: remembrance and reverence. The Passover Lamb himself stood at a 96 00:06:18,089 --> 00:06:22,550 Speaker 1: slight distance from his followers. He knew the struggle and 97 00:06:22,589 --> 00:06:27,400 Speaker 1: heartache awaited them. but he would not spare them from trials. 98 00:06:29,600 --> 00:06:33,900 Speaker 1: He knew that the hardship awaiting them fulfilled a divine purpose. 99 00:06:36,790 --> 00:06:40,530 Speaker 1: His eyes glanced down at their feet, filthy from weeks 100 00:06:40,570 --> 00:06:44,870 Speaker 1: of traveling to and from the city. Like their souls, 101 00:06:45,890 --> 00:06:50,600 Speaker 1: their feet needed cleansing. There was no servant in the 102 00:06:50,680 --> 00:06:54,529 Speaker 1: room to wash them, but a basin and wash rags 103 00:06:54,589 --> 00:06:58,980 Speaker 1: were in the corner. Jesus filled the basin with water, 104 00:06:59,880 --> 00:07:02,919 Speaker 1: removed his garment, and wrapped a cloth around his waist. 105 00:07:04,660 --> 00:07:07,620 Speaker 1: He returned to where his disciples sat and ordered them 106 00:07:07,880 --> 00:07:13,080 Speaker 1: to sit in line. Without a word, he gently began 107 00:07:13,120 --> 00:07:18,179 Speaker 1: to wash their feet, one at a time, every moment 108 00:07:18,280 --> 00:07:22,850 Speaker 1: filled with an earthly tenderness that stirred something deep within them. 109 00:07:24,250 --> 00:07:28,730 Speaker 1: The sound of trickling water echoed throughout the room as 110 00:07:28,810 --> 00:07:34,540 Speaker 1: Jesus carefully scrubbed away the dirt and dust. It was 111 00:07:34,580 --> 00:07:39,260 Speaker 1: a job for slaves, but the Son of God didn't 112 00:07:39,360 --> 00:07:45,880 Speaker 1: count it a loss to humble himself and serve. The 113 00:07:45,920 --> 00:07:50,970 Speaker 1: disciples simply remained in awe, astonished by this act of 114 00:07:51,030 --> 00:07:56,380 Speaker 1: love and humility. It was unheard of for a rabbi 115 00:07:56,540 --> 00:08:01,100 Speaker 1: or anyone of prominence to wash others' feet. The dirty 116 00:08:01,140 --> 00:08:06,320 Speaker 1: water splashed onto Jesus as he scrubbed. At that moment, 117 00:08:07,240 --> 00:08:13,840 Speaker 1: he was literally covered in their filth. Soon, he would 118 00:08:13,900 --> 00:08:20,020 Speaker 1: wear the filth of their sins. None dared speak for 119 00:08:20,080 --> 00:08:24,470 Speaker 1: fear of lightening the weight of Jesus' gesture. At that moment, 120 00:08:25,130 --> 00:08:29,790 Speaker 1: a heavenly warmth seemed to fill the entire room, radiating 121 00:08:29,950 --> 00:08:35,950 Speaker 1: outward from his simple but powerful act of service. Their 122 00:08:36,170 --> 00:08:40,990 Speaker 1: eyes followed their master as he moved from disciple to disciple. 123 00:08:43,170 --> 00:08:48,240 Speaker 1: Jesus made his way to Judas. Their eyes met briefly, 124 00:08:49,840 --> 00:08:55,600 Speaker 1: and Jesus knelt down to wash his feet. Despite knowing 125 00:08:55,670 --> 00:09:01,199 Speaker 1: what was coming, he cast no judgment or partiality. Only 126 00:09:01,280 --> 00:09:08,260 Speaker 1: mercy and understanding shone through his countenance. That merciful stare 127 00:09:08,660 --> 00:09:15,130 Speaker 1: and tender touch made Judas flinch with remorse. The first 128 00:09:15,190 --> 00:09:19,330 Speaker 1: tinges of regret began to surface, but too much had 129 00:09:19,370 --> 00:09:28,410 Speaker 1: already been set in motion. Judas fell trapped. When it 130 00:09:28,450 --> 00:09:31,449 Speaker 1: was time for Peter's feet to be washed, he recoiled 131 00:09:31,670 --> 00:09:32,369 Speaker 1: and protested. 132 00:09:33,130 --> 00:09:36,530 Speaker 4: No, Lord, you shall never wash my feet. 133 00:09:37,470 --> 00:09:39,209 Speaker 1: Jesus smiled softly and. 134 00:09:39,150 --> 00:09:43,920 Speaker 7: Replied, Peter, if I do not wash you clean, you 135 00:09:44,020 --> 00:09:45,420 Speaker 7: cannot share this life with me. 136 00:09:46,040 --> 00:09:50,340 Speaker 1: Peter, still unsure of what Jesus was saying, widened his 137 00:09:50,559 --> 00:09:51,600 Speaker 1: eyes and exclaimed. 138 00:09:52,320 --> 00:09:56,540 Speaker 4: In that case, wash all of me, Lord. Wash me 139 00:09:57,020 --> 00:09:58,079 Speaker 4: from head to toe. 140 00:09:59,370 --> 00:10:03,450 Speaker 1: Jesus, sure. his head and chuckled. Once Peter's feet had 141 00:10:03,490 --> 00:10:06,740 Speaker 1: been washed clean, he leaned back onto the heel of 142 00:10:06,790 --> 00:10:07,850 Speaker 1: his feet and said. 143 00:10:08,480 --> 00:10:11,320 Speaker 7: What I am doing you do not understand yet, but 144 00:10:11,400 --> 00:10:15,600 Speaker 7: trust me, soon you will. If I, your Lord, am 145 00:10:15,640 --> 00:10:18,040 Speaker 7: willing to bend down and become dirty to bless you... 146 00:10:18,910 --> 00:10:21,480 Speaker 7: Surely you should be willing to do so for one another. 147 00:10:22,400 --> 00:10:26,780 Speaker 1: His words hung over their hearts for a while. They 148 00:10:26,820 --> 00:10:30,000 Speaker 1: couldn't fully grasp how dirty Jesus was willing to get 149 00:10:30,340 --> 00:10:36,949 Speaker 1: for them. But they would understand soon enough. After having 150 00:10:36,990 --> 00:10:41,590 Speaker 1: their feet cleaned, they reclined at the table. The disciples 151 00:10:41,730 --> 00:10:49,270 Speaker 1: relaxed themselves. The soft glow of the lamplight warmed the room. Jesus, however, 152 00:10:50,050 --> 00:10:55,890 Speaker 1: was troubled. He wasn't worried, nor was he angry. He 153 00:10:55,929 --> 00:11:01,820 Speaker 1: was resolved that something terrible yet profound was about to unfold. 154 00:11:03,900 --> 00:11:06,620 Speaker 1: Interrupting the joyful banter at the table, Jesus said. 155 00:11:07,140 --> 00:11:10,969 Speaker 7: Truly, truly I say to you, one of you will 156 00:11:10,990 --> 00:11:12,850 Speaker 7: betray me before the night has ended. 157 00:11:13,570 --> 00:11:17,560 Speaker 1: The disciples glanced at one another in confusion. They weren't 158 00:11:17,620 --> 00:11:21,640 Speaker 1: sure what Jesus meant or who among them could possibly 159 00:11:21,700 --> 00:11:27,300 Speaker 1: betray him. John, leaning close to Jesus with an innocent gaze, 160 00:11:27,470 --> 00:11:28,530 Speaker 1: asked with sincerity. 161 00:11:29,190 --> 00:11:31,370 Speaker 7: Lord, is it I who will betray you? 162 00:11:31,970 --> 00:11:35,770 Speaker 1: The purity of John's question revealed the humility of his heart. 163 00:11:37,190 --> 00:11:43,179 Speaker 1: Jesus smiled at John but did not respond. Each disciple 164 00:11:43,320 --> 00:11:45,840 Speaker 1: asked if it was them with worry on their faces. 165 00:11:47,760 --> 00:11:49,559 Speaker 1: Jesus took a piece of bread and said. 166 00:11:50,320 --> 00:11:53,559 Speaker 8: It is whoever receives this morsel of bread after I've 167 00:11:53,600 --> 00:11:53,980 Speaker 8: dipped it. 168 00:11:55,000 --> 00:11:58,179 Speaker 1: Jesus dipped the bread in the broth and handed it 169 00:11:58,220 --> 00:12:02,380 Speaker 1: to Judas. The person to receive the first morsel of 170 00:12:02,460 --> 00:12:06,140 Speaker 1: dipped bread was always considered the most esteemed person at 171 00:12:06,179 --> 00:12:11,040 Speaker 1: the table. By giving Judas the bread, he was showing 172 00:12:11,080 --> 00:12:16,880 Speaker 1: him honor and love. This confused the disciples even more. 173 00:12:18,790 --> 00:12:24,770 Speaker 1: forcing them to resign themselves to mystery once again. They 174 00:12:24,830 --> 00:12:29,170 Speaker 1: resumed their discussion, but Jesus' gaze remained fixed on Judas. 175 00:12:31,090 --> 00:12:35,170 Speaker 1: Judas took the bread with shaking hands. He held it 176 00:12:35,290 --> 00:12:39,850 Speaker 1: close to his lips, barely biting into it before setting 177 00:12:39,870 --> 00:12:44,620 Speaker 1: it back down on the table. Jesus leaned his elbows 178 00:12:44,700 --> 00:12:48,670 Speaker 1: on the table and nodded to Judas. What you have 179 00:12:48,730 --> 00:12:53,110 Speaker 1: planned to do, do it quickly. Judas' eyes widened with 180 00:12:53,150 --> 00:12:58,880 Speaker 1: a mixture of guilt and hatred. Judas looked away and 181 00:12:58,929 --> 00:13:02,960 Speaker 1: rose to his feet. The feet Jesus had just washed. 182 00:13:04,340 --> 00:13:06,840 Speaker 1: Judas left, but nobody knew what he was up to. 183 00:13:07,900 --> 00:13:10,660 Speaker 1: Since he was the keeper of the purse, they thought 184 00:13:10,720 --> 00:13:13,640 Speaker 1: Judas had left to go buy more food for the feast. 185 00:13:17,480 --> 00:13:19,400 Speaker 1: Peter leaned over to Jesus and said. 186 00:13:20,380 --> 00:13:23,790 Speaker 4: Lord, you know I would never deny. 187 00:13:23,490 --> 00:13:24,730 Speaker 5: You, right? 188 00:13:25,390 --> 00:13:30,510 Speaker 1: Jesus placed a firm hand on Peter's shoulder and said, Simon, Simon. 189 00:13:31,130 --> 00:13:32,710 Speaker 3: Indeed Satan has asked for you. 190 00:13:33,390 --> 00:13:36,530 Speaker 9: He desires to sift you like wheat, but I have 191 00:13:36,630 --> 00:13:40,130 Speaker 9: prayed for you. I have prayed that your faith would 192 00:13:40,200 --> 00:13:44,480 Speaker 9: not fail. You will run, but when you return to me, 193 00:13:45,179 --> 00:13:47,940 Speaker 9: I ask that you strengthen your brothers and sisters here. 194 00:13:49,080 --> 00:13:49,900 Speaker 3: They will need you. 195 00:13:50,720 --> 00:13:55,140 Speaker 5: Lord, I will not run. I will fight for you. 196 00:13:55,160 --> 00:14:01,110 Speaker 5: I would go to prison for you. I would even 197 00:14:01,450 --> 00:14:02,089 Speaker 5: die for you. 198 00:14:02,770 --> 00:14:06,170 Speaker 1: Jesus paused and looked away from Peter and gazed out 199 00:14:06,190 --> 00:14:10,970 Speaker 1: the window. He knew his time was near. He turned 200 00:14:11,030 --> 00:14:11,949 Speaker 1: back to Peter and said. 201 00:14:12,710 --> 00:14:16,920 Speaker 8: Peter, I tell you now that before the rooster has 202 00:14:17,020 --> 00:14:21,360 Speaker 8: crowed three times tomorrow, you will have denied knowing me 203 00:14:22,020 --> 00:14:22,860 Speaker 8: three times. 204 00:14:23,400 --> 00:14:28,190 Speaker 1: Peter, not quite understanding what Jesus meant, sat back and 205 00:14:28,830 --> 00:14:34,350 Speaker 1: pondered his words. He resolved never to leave Jesus' side. 206 00:14:35,470 --> 00:14:41,370 Speaker 1: He would be his defender, not his denier. As the 207 00:14:41,410 --> 00:14:45,550 Speaker 1: cool night settled across the land outside the windowpane, the 208 00:14:45,590 --> 00:14:48,990 Speaker 1: warmth of fellowship felt like a balm to Jesus' aching heart. 209 00:14:50,630 --> 00:14:53,530 Speaker 1: Their laughter was an aroma mingled with a scent of 210 00:14:53,630 --> 00:14:59,170 Speaker 1: freshly baked bread. Knowing that his last hour was close, 211 00:15:00,450 --> 00:15:01,790 Speaker 1: he broke the bread at the table. 212 00:15:02,110 --> 00:15:03,710 Speaker 3: Take this, he said. 213 00:15:04,210 --> 00:15:07,810 Speaker 7: It is my body, broken, so you may be made whole. 214 00:15:08,510 --> 00:15:12,110 Speaker 1: His companions took it. ignorant of its meaning and the 215 00:15:12,150 --> 00:15:17,520 Speaker 1: sacrifice yet to take place. He poured wine into a 216 00:15:17,550 --> 00:15:21,220 Speaker 1: cup and had his companions pass it around the table. 217 00:15:22,080 --> 00:15:23,060 Speaker 7: This is my covenant. 218 00:15:23,800 --> 00:15:26,700 Speaker 1: Take and drink of it, he said solemnly. 219 00:15:27,180 --> 00:15:29,680 Speaker 7: It is my bloodshed for the remission of sins. 220 00:15:30,610 --> 00:15:34,850 Speaker 1: They all drank, and in doing so instituted a sacrament 221 00:15:34,890 --> 00:15:40,190 Speaker 1: that would endure throughout the generations, reminding everyone of the 222 00:15:40,290 --> 00:15:46,630 Speaker 1: loving sacrifice of their king. After they ate, Jesus led 223 00:15:46,690 --> 00:15:51,430 Speaker 1: them in a hymn. His voice led theirs in symphonic 224 00:15:51,550 --> 00:15:56,310 Speaker 1: praise to God. It was an anthem signaling the beginning 225 00:15:56,390 --> 00:16:03,100 Speaker 1: of something miraculous. The singing ceased, and the Son of 226 00:16:03,150 --> 00:16:09,820 Speaker 1: God led his followers to the Mount of Olives. they 227 00:16:09,860 --> 00:16:13,140 Speaker 1: scaled the winding path leading to the Garden of Gethsemane. 228 00:16:14,560 --> 00:16:18,040 Speaker 1: The full moon lingered over the trees like a watchful eye. 229 00:16:19,800 --> 00:16:24,000 Speaker 1: The frosty air pierced the disciples' lungs as they followed Jesus. 230 00:16:26,140 --> 00:16:29,350 Speaker 1: They all missed the warmth of the upper room and 231 00:16:29,390 --> 00:16:34,030 Speaker 1: wondered why he had led them here. They arrived at 232 00:16:34,070 --> 00:16:39,600 Speaker 1: the garden and paused under a wooded glen. There was 233 00:16:39,620 --> 00:16:43,020 Speaker 1: an ominous silence in the garden, as if all the 234 00:16:43,100 --> 00:16:46,140 Speaker 1: creatures of the night were watching them with bated breath. 235 00:16:47,960 --> 00:16:51,660 Speaker 1: The wind picked up, running through the trees like wolves. 236 00:16:53,300 --> 00:16:56,920 Speaker 1: It blew towards a far-off stone underneath a break in 237 00:16:56,950 --> 00:17:01,970 Speaker 1: the tree covering. It beckoned the Son of God forward. 238 00:17:02,530 --> 00:17:06,530 Speaker 7: Remain here and pray, he told his disciples. Pray for 239 00:17:06,590 --> 00:17:07,810 Speaker 7: God's will to be done. 240 00:17:08,200 --> 00:17:11,560 Speaker 1: Jesus left his companions and retreated to be alone with 241 00:17:11,600 --> 00:17:16,800 Speaker 1: his father. He knelt beside the stone and poured his 242 00:17:16,960 --> 00:17:22,929 Speaker 1: soul out to him. Blood sprang from his pores, conveying 243 00:17:22,990 --> 00:17:28,230 Speaker 1: the existential tragedy he was about to endure. Abba, he prayed, 244 00:17:28,630 --> 00:17:29,580 Speaker 1: if it is possible. 245 00:17:29,619 --> 00:17:31,780 Speaker 3: Let this cup pass from before me. 246 00:17:32,320 --> 00:17:37,899 Speaker 1: Jesus pleaded, but there was no other way. The mountain-cold 247 00:17:37,980 --> 00:17:42,300 Speaker 1: skull awaited him, where the wrath of God would be 248 00:17:42,400 --> 00:17:48,840 Speaker 1: poured out. Jesus knew the will of the Father. Jesus 249 00:17:48,920 --> 00:17:54,960 Speaker 1: knew what had to be done. With determination and resolve, 250 00:17:56,480 --> 00:18:01,070 Speaker 1: Jesus bowed and whispered, Not my will, but yours be done. 251 00:18:02,030 --> 00:18:06,169 Speaker 1: He continued to pray for his disciples. He prayed that 252 00:18:06,210 --> 00:18:09,350 Speaker 1: they would be unified and ready for what lay ahead. 253 00:18:11,310 --> 00:18:16,590 Speaker 1: He knew that intense trials awaited them. They would need 254 00:18:16,630 --> 00:18:23,359 Speaker 1: the strength of God's Spirit. Jesus breathed in deeply and 255 00:18:23,440 --> 00:18:28,340 Speaker 1: readied his soul. His weary eyes beheld a vision of 256 00:18:28,500 --> 00:18:34,450 Speaker 1: perfect peace as he gazed upward toward his Father. He 257 00:18:34,510 --> 00:18:39,520 Speaker 1: knew what had to be done. With an indomitable will, 258 00:18:40,520 --> 00:18:46,439 Speaker 1: he stood to go meet his enemies. The disciples had 259 00:18:46,500 --> 00:18:50,500 Speaker 1: fallen asleep while Jesus was praying. He shook his head 260 00:18:50,580 --> 00:18:51,040 Speaker 1: and sighed. 261 00:18:51,500 --> 00:18:54,980 Speaker 8: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. 262 00:18:55,500 --> 00:18:58,080 Speaker 1: He tapped Peter on the shoulder and said, Wake up. 263 00:18:59,140 --> 00:19:00,730 Speaker 8: My pursuers are approaching. 264 00:19:01,190 --> 00:19:05,090 Speaker 1: The disciples all frantically stood to their feet. Jesus went 265 00:19:05,119 --> 00:19:09,149 Speaker 1: ahead of them. He stepped forth, intent on facing his 266 00:19:09,210 --> 00:19:13,670 Speaker 1: enemies with meek and unwavering strength. The Son of God 267 00:19:13,690 --> 00:19:17,350 Speaker 1: didn't wait for his pursuers to find him. He closed 268 00:19:17,390 --> 00:19:20,359 Speaker 1: the gap between himself and a group of soldiers, hiding 269 00:19:20,400 --> 00:19:25,000 Speaker 1: away in the shadows. His disciples followed him over the 270 00:19:25,020 --> 00:19:31,000 Speaker 1: brook Kidron, crimson with the blood of animal sacrifices. The 271 00:19:31,060 --> 00:19:35,670 Speaker 1: sound of marching accompanied by dozens of torches, emerged from 272 00:19:35,690 --> 00:19:41,060 Speaker 1: the trees. A small army of soldiers came from the shadows. 273 00:19:42,660 --> 00:19:46,619 Speaker 1: Judas appeared from them, like a wolf sauntering out of 274 00:19:46,660 --> 00:19:52,040 Speaker 1: his den. And there... under the faint glow of the moon, 275 00:19:53,040 --> 00:19:57,830 Speaker 1: the wolf and the lamb stood yards away from each other. 276 00:20:00,150 --> 00:20:05,290 Speaker 1: Hiding the cowardice behind an insincere smile, Judas approached his 277 00:20:05,350 --> 00:20:06,830 Speaker 1: master and greeted him. 278 00:20:07,590 --> 00:20:09,260 Speaker 7: Hello, Rabbi, he said. 279 00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:14,600 Speaker 1: Accompanied by a kiss. It was the signal for the 280 00:20:14,660 --> 00:20:17,680 Speaker 1: soldiers to attack, but they refrained. 281 00:20:18,280 --> 00:20:20,080 Speaker 7: So this is how you betray the Son. 282 00:20:19,920 --> 00:20:22,480 Speaker 1: Of Man, Jesus said with his eye. 283 00:20:22,820 --> 00:20:23,439 Speaker 8: With a kiss. 284 00:20:24,400 --> 00:20:27,550 Speaker 1: Jesus looked over Judah's shoulder and gestured to the soldiers 285 00:20:27,640 --> 00:20:28,119 Speaker 1: behind him. 286 00:20:28,440 --> 00:20:32,190 Speaker 3: Whom do you seek? Jesus of Nazareth. 287 00:20:32,970 --> 00:20:35,990 Speaker 1: They answered with their hands gripping their swords. 288 00:20:36,010 --> 00:20:38,030 Speaker 3: I am he, he answered. 289 00:20:39,510 --> 00:20:43,570 Speaker 1: And as he did, something stirred among the heavens and 290 00:20:43,590 --> 00:20:50,369 Speaker 1: the earth. Thunder rumbled. Lightning streaked across the sky. And 291 00:20:50,410 --> 00:20:55,110 Speaker 1: the mighty winds of God billowed against the soldiers with ferocity, 292 00:20:55,970 --> 00:20:58,669 Speaker 1: pushing the men off their feet and onto their backs. 293 00:21:00,170 --> 00:21:02,490 Speaker 1: The men were quick to recoil and sprang back to 294 00:21:02,530 --> 00:21:09,770 Speaker 1: their feet, flustered and confused. Jesus, still calm, asked again, 295 00:21:10,369 --> 00:21:13,780 Speaker 1: Whom do you seek? The men were uncertain how to proceed. 296 00:21:15,119 --> 00:21:22,160 Speaker 1: With nervous voices, they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus stretched 297 00:21:22,200 --> 00:21:24,679 Speaker 1: his arms and replied, I. 298 00:21:24,640 --> 00:21:26,379 Speaker 3: Have told you already that I am he. 299 00:21:27,270 --> 00:21:29,390 Speaker 7: All I ask is that you let my friends go. 300 00:21:30,190 --> 00:21:31,230 Speaker 3: They have done nothing wrong. 301 00:21:32,050 --> 00:21:33,270 Speaker 7: It is me you want. 302 00:21:33,950 --> 00:21:38,170 Speaker 1: At that moment, Peter was stirred up with passion. He 303 00:21:38,210 --> 00:21:41,960 Speaker 1: had promised to defend Jesus to the bitter end. With 304 00:21:42,100 --> 00:21:45,840 Speaker 1: rage fueling him, Peter drew out his sword and ran 305 00:21:46,000 --> 00:21:46,780 Speaker 1: toward the guards. 306 00:21:47,380 --> 00:21:48,880 Speaker 4: You will not take him! 307 00:21:49,760 --> 00:21:53,359 Speaker 1: Peter shouted. One of the guards named Malchus stepped forward 308 00:21:53,420 --> 00:21:58,350 Speaker 1: and parried Peter's blow. Peter stepped back, then swung downward, 309 00:21:58,730 --> 00:22:02,750 Speaker 1: aiming for Malchus' head. He missed, grazing his ear and 310 00:22:02,890 --> 00:22:06,990 Speaker 1: chopping it off. Malchus cried out and fell to the floor. 311 00:22:07,630 --> 00:22:12,189 Speaker 1: holding his bloodied head and writhing in pain. The guards 312 00:22:12,359 --> 00:22:15,840 Speaker 1: jumped onto Peter. He kicked and screamed with his sword 313 00:22:15,880 --> 00:22:16,440 Speaker 1: in his hand. 314 00:22:17,180 --> 00:22:18,659 Speaker 9: Master, run! 315 00:22:19,240 --> 00:22:24,140 Speaker 1: But Jesus didn't. Instead, he calmly walked over to Malchus. 316 00:22:25,160 --> 00:22:29,369 Speaker 1: He knelt down and took Malchus' ear and placed it 317 00:22:29,440 --> 00:22:33,610 Speaker 1: back on his head. He held his hand over his 318 00:22:33,710 --> 00:22:35,950 Speaker 1: ear and shouted to the disciples. 319 00:22:36,450 --> 00:22:38,850 Speaker 3: Peter, drop your weapon! Those who are led by the 320 00:22:38,910 --> 00:22:40,330 Speaker 3: sword will die by the sword. 321 00:22:41,130 --> 00:22:42,090 Speaker 1: You have seen my power. 322 00:22:42,630 --> 00:22:44,250 Speaker 7: Do you not think I could have my fathers and 323 00:22:44,390 --> 00:22:47,669 Speaker 7: legions of angels to fight on my behalf? What is 324 00:22:47,710 --> 00:22:51,130 Speaker 7: happening must happen for the scriptures to be fulfilled. 325 00:22:51,930 --> 00:22:58,619 Speaker 1: As Jesus said these things, he took his hand off Malchus. Miraculously, 326 00:22:58,820 --> 00:23:03,580 Speaker 1: his ear had been put back in place. Malchus' eyes 327 00:23:03,730 --> 00:23:09,060 Speaker 1: watered as he looked up at Jesus' warm smile. Jesus 328 00:23:09,100 --> 00:23:13,850 Speaker 1: helped Malchus to his feet. The guards released Peter, and 329 00:23:13,880 --> 00:23:16,350 Speaker 1: the rest of the disciples ran away in fear for 330 00:23:16,390 --> 00:23:21,429 Speaker 1: their lives. Jesus raised his voice to the guards in 331 00:23:21,490 --> 00:23:23,490 Speaker 1: complete control of the situation. 332 00:23:24,090 --> 00:23:26,050 Speaker 3: Daily I taught in the temple, but none of you 333 00:23:26,070 --> 00:23:29,030 Speaker 3: arrested me then. Why? I'll tell you. 334 00:23:29,890 --> 00:23:33,409 Speaker 7: This is how it must be for the word to 335 00:23:33,470 --> 00:23:34,070 Speaker 7: be fulfilled. 336 00:23:34,530 --> 00:23:37,889 Speaker 1: With those words, Jesus raised his hands for them to 337 00:23:37,970 --> 00:23:42,350 Speaker 1: bind him. The Lamb of God knew he was being 338 00:23:42,470 --> 00:23:46,990 Speaker 1: sent to slaughter, but he would not be taken as 339 00:23:47,030 --> 00:23:53,669 Speaker 1: a victim. No, he was the victor, the hero of heaven. 340 00:23:55,280 --> 00:23:58,660 Speaker 1: He extended his hands to be bound and his chin 341 00:23:59,100 --> 00:24:04,960 Speaker 1: to be struck, but not as a powerless captive. He 342 00:24:05,040 --> 00:24:08,120 Speaker 1: was marching as a conquering king. 343 00:24:11,020 --> 00:24:13,720 Speaker 6: All right, first, let's talk about the scene at Passover. 344 00:24:14,020 --> 00:24:16,109 Speaker 6: Then we're going to move on to the gritty truth 345 00:24:16,170 --> 00:24:18,730 Speaker 6: of chopping off ears. There are moments in our lives 346 00:24:18,830 --> 00:24:21,850 Speaker 6: when we feel licensed to be selfish and seek to 347 00:24:21,890 --> 00:24:24,270 Speaker 6: be served by others. One of those moments is when 348 00:24:24,310 --> 00:24:27,889 Speaker 6: we feel like victims. We feel entitled to selfishness and 349 00:24:27,930 --> 00:24:30,260 Speaker 6: we feel like we've been wronged or cheated of something. 350 00:24:30,740 --> 00:24:33,840 Speaker 6: So maybe we deserve a little something. Maybe we deserve 351 00:24:33,880 --> 00:24:36,000 Speaker 6: to be indulgent. After all, if no one is going 352 00:24:36,020 --> 00:24:37,520 Speaker 6: to look out for me, then I need to look 353 00:24:37,580 --> 00:24:40,710 Speaker 6: out for myself, right? Another time we permit ourselves to 354 00:24:40,750 --> 00:24:43,750 Speaker 6: be selfish is when we feel morally superior to someone else. 355 00:24:44,230 --> 00:24:47,130 Speaker 6: Sometimes we can trick ourselves into thinking our moral prowess 356 00:24:47,210 --> 00:24:50,630 Speaker 6: makes us entitled to someone else's devotion. If anybody had 357 00:24:50,710 --> 00:24:53,740 Speaker 6: cause to see themselves as a victim or morally superior 358 00:24:53,760 --> 00:24:58,080 Speaker 6: to others, it was definitely Jesus. However, instead of feeling 359 00:24:58,140 --> 00:25:01,800 Speaker 6: entitled to the service of others, he humbly served. Listen 360 00:25:01,840 --> 00:25:03,699 Speaker 6: to this verse from Philippians 2 verses 1-9. Paul says this, 361 00:25:05,950 --> 00:25:08,530 Speaker 6: If therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any 362 00:25:08,570 --> 00:25:11,590 Speaker 6: consolation in love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if 363 00:25:11,650 --> 00:25:14,850 Speaker 6: any tender mercies of compassion, make my joy full by 364 00:25:14,890 --> 00:25:18,280 Speaker 6: being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord 365 00:25:18,320 --> 00:25:21,900 Speaker 6: and of one mind, doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, 366 00:25:22,340 --> 00:25:25,900 Speaker 6: but in humility, each counting others better than himself, each 367 00:25:25,940 --> 00:25:28,459 Speaker 6: of you not just looking to your own things, but 368 00:25:28,500 --> 00:25:31,020 Speaker 6: each of you also to the things of others. Have 369 00:25:31,060 --> 00:25:34,260 Speaker 6: this in your mind, which was also the mind of Christ, who, 370 00:25:34,700 --> 00:25:37,630 Speaker 6: Existing in the form of God didn't consider equality with 371 00:25:37,670 --> 00:25:40,830 Speaker 6: God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking 372 00:25:40,869 --> 00:25:43,390 Speaker 6: the form of a servant, being made in the likeness 373 00:25:43,430 --> 00:25:46,770 Speaker 6: of men, and being found in human form, he humbled himself, 374 00:25:47,170 --> 00:25:50,130 Speaker 6: becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, even death 375 00:25:50,530 --> 00:25:54,100 Speaker 6: on the cross. Service to others is not an admission 376 00:25:54,300 --> 00:25:59,260 Speaker 6: of weakness. It's an ultimate display of strength. Jesus, being God, 377 00:25:59,440 --> 00:26:01,480 Speaker 6: saw it as an act of power and purpose to 378 00:26:01,520 --> 00:26:04,330 Speaker 6: serve the people around him. Opportunities to be selfish and 379 00:26:04,369 --> 00:26:06,950 Speaker 6: entitled are all around us, but it takes a godly 380 00:26:07,030 --> 00:26:10,690 Speaker 6: individual with Christlike strength to look for the areas needing 381 00:26:10,770 --> 00:26:13,970 Speaker 6: love and service. The Passover was a time of remembrance 382 00:26:14,010 --> 00:26:17,929 Speaker 6: for the Israelites, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt. Jesus, the 383 00:26:17,950 --> 00:26:21,330 Speaker 6: Passover lamb, chose this moment to demonstrate a new kind 384 00:26:21,369 --> 00:26:25,730 Speaker 6: of deliverance, a deliverance from sin and self-centeredness. By washing 385 00:26:25,770 --> 00:26:29,270 Speaker 6: the disciples' feet, Jesus, the master and teacher, embraced the 386 00:26:29,330 --> 00:26:30,250 Speaker 6: role of a servant. 387 00:26:30,780 --> 00:26:31,600 Speaker 4: This act was. 388 00:26:31,480 --> 00:26:35,320 Speaker 6: Not just about physical cleanliness, but symbolized the cleansing of 389 00:26:35,359 --> 00:26:39,980 Speaker 6: their lives from sin. Jesus' humility and service are central 390 00:26:40,100 --> 00:26:42,810 Speaker 6: to his message and mission, and it's central to us 391 00:26:42,880 --> 00:26:46,690 Speaker 6: as believers. At the table, Jesus broke bread and shared wine, 392 00:26:46,770 --> 00:26:50,290 Speaker 6: symbolizing his body and blood. This was more than a ritual. 393 00:26:50,590 --> 00:26:53,649 Speaker 6: This was an invitation to partake in his suffering and victory. 394 00:26:54,310 --> 00:26:56,750 Speaker 6: The bread and wine became symbols of a new covenant, 395 00:26:56,850 --> 00:27:00,250 Speaker 6: a promise of redemption and transformation that based on the 396 00:27:00,290 --> 00:27:02,389 Speaker 6: shedding of His blood and the breaking of His body. 397 00:27:02,650 --> 00:27:05,550 Speaker 6: This covenant is based on grace, not law, inviting us 398 00:27:05,590 --> 00:27:08,610 Speaker 6: into a relationship with God based on what Jesus has done, 399 00:27:08,869 --> 00:27:12,880 Speaker 6: not our merit. By partaking in communion, we are acknowledging Jesus' 400 00:27:12,920 --> 00:27:16,440 Speaker 6: sacrifice for us, but also we're accepting the new life 401 00:27:16,619 --> 00:27:19,160 Speaker 6: offered to us through a relationship with Him. It's like 402 00:27:19,200 --> 00:27:21,880 Speaker 6: a marriage, where we dedicate ourselves to living a life 403 00:27:21,940 --> 00:27:24,400 Speaker 6: with Him and for Him. When you take communion this week, 404 00:27:24,510 --> 00:27:28,350 Speaker 6: ponder these things and consider Christ's loving proposal. In this episode, 405 00:27:28,510 --> 00:27:32,350 Speaker 6: the scene goes from warm and fuzzy and cozy to 406 00:27:32,410 --> 00:27:35,669 Speaker 6: something a little more dark and sinister. Let's transition to 407 00:27:35,710 --> 00:27:39,840 Speaker 6: the scene at the garden, specifically when Jesus is arrested. 408 00:27:40,180 --> 00:27:42,140 Speaker 6: There are two things that I want us to notice 409 00:27:42,180 --> 00:27:45,619 Speaker 6: here for today. First is that Jesus was at the 410 00:27:45,660 --> 00:27:50,220 Speaker 6: brook Kidron. This brook was important. During the Passover, it 411 00:27:50,260 --> 00:27:52,760 Speaker 6: would typically be red because the blood from the temple 412 00:27:53,080 --> 00:27:56,850 Speaker 6: was spilt into the brook. Jesus is literally standing beside 413 00:27:56,890 --> 00:28:01,209 Speaker 6: a river flowing of blood spilled from sacrifice just hours 414 00:28:01,270 --> 00:28:04,030 Speaker 6: before he's going to make the final sacrifice and his 415 00:28:04,090 --> 00:28:06,450 Speaker 6: blood is going to be shed. But this brook also 416 00:28:06,510 --> 00:28:10,390 Speaker 6: has some historical biblical significance. It was the brook that 417 00:28:10,450 --> 00:28:13,770 Speaker 6: David crossed when he was running away from Absalom who 418 00:28:13,790 --> 00:28:16,290 Speaker 6: was trying to kill him. David was fleeing into the 419 00:28:16,350 --> 00:28:20,310 Speaker 6: wilderness to save himself from death. But Jesus, years later, 420 00:28:20,550 --> 00:28:23,470 Speaker 6: the son of David, stepped over the brook and ran 421 00:28:23,530 --> 00:28:27,330 Speaker 6: towards his enemies. David was running away from evil. Jesus 422 00:28:27,550 --> 00:28:31,149 Speaker 6: was stepping towards it. Jesus actually made it easier for 423 00:28:31,190 --> 00:28:34,980 Speaker 6: them to arrest him. This place also has some prophetic 424 00:28:35,040 --> 00:28:37,939 Speaker 6: significance because this is also the place where Jesus, with 425 00:28:38,020 --> 00:28:40,580 Speaker 6: a robe dipped in blood, riding atop a white horse 426 00:28:40,620 --> 00:28:43,660 Speaker 6: with a sword for a tongue, will come in battling 427 00:28:43,860 --> 00:28:46,830 Speaker 6: evil and thwarting it once and for all. The second 428 00:28:46,850 --> 00:28:48,830 Speaker 6: thing we have to notice here is that Jesus went 429 00:28:48,890 --> 00:28:52,330 Speaker 6: forward to them. He wasn't hiding. It says that Jesus, 430 00:28:52,390 --> 00:28:55,400 Speaker 6: knowing what would happen to him, came forward. It says 431 00:28:55,440 --> 00:28:58,020 Speaker 6: in Hebrews chapter 12, for the joy set before him, 432 00:28:58,340 --> 00:29:01,810 Speaker 6: he endured the cross. Jesus was not dragged there against 433 00:29:01,850 --> 00:29:05,469 Speaker 6: his will. Make no mistake, he was not seized by anyone. 434 00:29:05,810 --> 00:29:09,810 Speaker 6: He willingly laid his life down. Jesus said so himself, 435 00:29:09,890 --> 00:29:12,230 Speaker 6: nobody takes my life, but I, for my sheep, will 436 00:29:12,270 --> 00:29:15,020 Speaker 6: willingly lay it down. In fact, when the soldiers ask 437 00:29:15,040 --> 00:29:17,700 Speaker 6: for Jesus of Nazareth and Jesus says, I am he, 438 00:29:18,100 --> 00:29:21,220 Speaker 6: every soldier falls on their backs. That's powerful in a 439 00:29:21,260 --> 00:29:23,740 Speaker 6: reminder that Jesus was not a victim. He was the 440 00:29:23,820 --> 00:29:28,340 Speaker 6: triumphant and conquering king. He was going to pursue evil 441 00:29:28,700 --> 00:29:31,350 Speaker 6: once and for all. These soldiers thought they had power. 442 00:29:31,970 --> 00:29:35,730 Speaker 6: They had no power. Jesus was marching on a mission 443 00:29:35,910 --> 00:29:39,750 Speaker 6: to the cross. He willingly gave himself up. Can we 444 00:29:39,790 --> 00:29:42,790 Speaker 6: just stand in awe for a moment in Jesus's sovereignty 445 00:29:43,010 --> 00:29:45,670 Speaker 6: over the whole situation? This scene is very important for 446 00:29:45,730 --> 00:29:48,280 Speaker 6: us to grasp that Jesus was not a victim. It's 447 00:29:48,320 --> 00:29:50,820 Speaker 6: profoundly important for us to know that Jesus was not 448 00:29:50,840 --> 00:29:53,640 Speaker 6: a victim of evil. Rather, he was the victor over it. 449 00:29:54,360 --> 00:29:57,220 Speaker 6: God provides a solution for the problem of evil on 450 00:29:57,240 --> 00:30:00,120 Speaker 6: the cross through Jesus. He took the eternal sting that 451 00:30:00,260 --> 00:30:02,940 Speaker 6: evil caused humanity, nailed it to the cross with his 452 00:30:02,980 --> 00:30:05,640 Speaker 6: hands and feet, and bore the weight of evil. He 453 00:30:05,680 --> 00:30:09,510 Speaker 6: endured it all, and he conquered over it. Evil was 454 00:30:09,550 --> 00:30:12,030 Speaker 6: but a tool for redemption in Christ's hands. He was 455 00:30:12,090 --> 00:30:16,030 Speaker 6: totally and completely sovereign. Jesus was not a victim to 456 00:30:16,090 --> 00:30:18,730 Speaker 6: sin and its evils. He is the hero that prevails 457 00:30:18,810 --> 00:30:22,209 Speaker 6: over it, and he can because he is God. He 458 00:30:22,270 --> 00:30:25,320 Speaker 6: alone holds the power and authority to address evil and 459 00:30:25,340 --> 00:30:28,090 Speaker 6: to do away with it completely. And when we fail 460 00:30:28,130 --> 00:30:30,730 Speaker 6: to recognize Christ as the hero of the story and 461 00:30:30,770 --> 00:30:33,350 Speaker 6: begin to look at ourselves as the heroes of the story, 462 00:30:33,790 --> 00:30:36,860 Speaker 6: we react in one of two ways, or both. Our 463 00:30:36,880 --> 00:30:39,760 Speaker 6: typical response to sin and evil is usually in one 464 00:30:39,780 --> 00:30:43,940 Speaker 6: of these two postures. One, hedonism, ignoring good and evil 465 00:30:44,000 --> 00:30:47,120 Speaker 6: to pursue your own personal pleasures and bliss. If you 466 00:30:47,140 --> 00:30:49,230 Speaker 6: see yourself as the center of the story, you're the 467 00:30:49,270 --> 00:30:52,670 Speaker 6: protagonist of this divine tale, then you're going to do 468 00:30:52,690 --> 00:30:56,280 Speaker 6: whatever you want. After all, you're the main character. But 469 00:30:56,300 --> 00:30:58,660 Speaker 6: there's another approach that people often take to the problem 470 00:30:58,680 --> 00:31:01,540 Speaker 6: of evil, and that's moralism. They take it upon themselves 471 00:31:01,600 --> 00:31:04,040 Speaker 6: to eradicate all evil because they are the hero of 472 00:31:04,100 --> 00:31:07,820 Speaker 6: the story. One person who fell victim to this was Peter. 473 00:31:08,060 --> 00:31:10,340 Speaker 6: In the Gospel of John, it says this, Then Simon Peter, 474 00:31:10,480 --> 00:31:12,540 Speaker 6: who had a sword, drew it and struck the high 475 00:31:12,600 --> 00:31:15,360 Speaker 6: priest's servant and cut off his right ear. The servant's 476 00:31:15,400 --> 00:31:18,220 Speaker 6: name was Malchus. At that, Jesus said to Peter, Put 477 00:31:18,240 --> 00:31:20,460 Speaker 6: away your sword. Am I not to drink the cup 478 00:31:20,500 --> 00:31:23,320 Speaker 6: that the Father has given me? Peter, in a moment 479 00:31:23,360 --> 00:31:24,720 Speaker 6: of indignation, aimed to. 480 00:31:24,740 --> 00:31:25,520 Speaker 1: Kill this soldier. 481 00:31:25,900 --> 00:31:28,270 Speaker 6: He aimed for the head, but cut off the ear. 482 00:31:28,290 --> 00:31:30,930 Speaker 6: I want to make a side point really quick. I 483 00:31:31,010 --> 00:31:33,790 Speaker 6: wonder how many ears Jesus has had to put back 484 00:31:33,950 --> 00:31:37,570 Speaker 6: on on my behalf. Here's what I mean. I wonder 485 00:31:37,610 --> 00:31:39,990 Speaker 6: how many times I've been brutal. I wonder how many 486 00:31:40,050 --> 00:31:43,300 Speaker 6: times I've been angry or I've been indignant when thinking 487 00:31:43,340 --> 00:31:47,040 Speaker 6: I'm defending Jesus. Maybe I've been self-righteous. Maybe I've been 488 00:31:47,100 --> 00:31:50,219 Speaker 6: cutting with my words or judgmental in my tone. And 489 00:31:50,360 --> 00:31:52,920 Speaker 6: in so doing, I've cut off someone's ear to hearing 490 00:31:52,940 --> 00:31:55,720 Speaker 6: the gospel. I wonder how many people I have cut 491 00:31:55,820 --> 00:31:58,420 Speaker 6: off from hearing the truth of the gospel because of 492 00:31:58,460 --> 00:32:03,120 Speaker 6: my self-righteousness or my arrogance. I cringe thinking about that sometimes. 493 00:32:03,870 --> 00:32:07,390 Speaker 6: In moments of jealousy, anger, and self-righteousness, we can cut 494 00:32:07,450 --> 00:32:10,870 Speaker 6: off people thinking that we're combating evil, but all the while, 495 00:32:11,070 --> 00:32:13,670 Speaker 6: we're just making a mess for Jesus to clean up afterwards. 496 00:32:14,650 --> 00:32:16,820 Speaker 6: All of us at some point have been victims of 497 00:32:16,860 --> 00:32:19,600 Speaker 6: this behavior as well. But look at what Jesus does 498 00:32:19,660 --> 00:32:23,240 Speaker 6: to Malchus. He takes his ear and puts it back 499 00:32:23,360 --> 00:32:25,990 Speaker 6: on him. He heals him. I think I can relate 500 00:32:26,030 --> 00:32:29,350 Speaker 6: to Peter in this situation because he was 100% convinced 501 00:32:29,550 --> 00:32:32,180 Speaker 6: that he was the hero in this scenario. He was 502 00:32:32,200 --> 00:32:33,760 Speaker 6: going to be the one to take up arms and 503 00:32:33,780 --> 00:32:38,240 Speaker 6: defend Jesus because Jesus needed his defending. But Jesus just 504 00:32:38,300 --> 00:32:41,340 Speaker 6: sent all these soldiers flying on their backs. Is there 505 00:32:41,440 --> 00:32:44,510 Speaker 6: any inclination in this story that Jesus needed Peter's defending? 506 00:32:45,100 --> 00:32:47,480 Speaker 6: Is there any inclination God has ever given us that 507 00:32:47,540 --> 00:32:50,080 Speaker 6: he needs us to take up arms and defend him 508 00:32:50,120 --> 00:32:53,140 Speaker 6: at all costs? It's a form of self-righteousness to think 509 00:32:53,160 --> 00:32:56,510 Speaker 6: that God somehow needs our defending. When we're the hero 510 00:32:56,570 --> 00:32:58,890 Speaker 6: of the story, we can cause a lot of damage. 511 00:32:59,370 --> 00:33:02,590 Speaker 6: That's why it's so paramount for us to put Jesus 512 00:33:02,750 --> 00:33:04,710 Speaker 6: at the top. He is the hero of the story, 513 00:33:04,870 --> 00:33:08,130 Speaker 6: and the villain is the enemy, sin, and death. When 514 00:33:08,190 --> 00:33:10,660 Speaker 6: I make people the enemy instead of Satan and evil, 515 00:33:10,920 --> 00:33:14,370 Speaker 6: that's when it can get dangerous. Ephesians 6 says this, 516 00:33:14,710 --> 00:33:16,780 Speaker 6: Your enemy isn't flesh and blood at all, for our 517 00:33:16,820 --> 00:33:19,840 Speaker 6: struggles is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, 518 00:33:19,920 --> 00:33:23,100 Speaker 6: against authorities, against powers in this dark world, and against 519 00:33:23,140 --> 00:33:25,970 Speaker 6: the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. So 520 00:33:26,010 --> 00:33:28,090 Speaker 6: when Jesus is met in the garden, he confronts his 521 00:33:28,170 --> 00:33:31,210 Speaker 6: enemies and allows them to escort him to trial. In 522 00:33:31,230 --> 00:33:32,940 Speaker 6: our next episode, the Son of God is going to 523 00:33:32,980 --> 00:33:35,840 Speaker 6: stand before some powerful men. He's going to be tried 524 00:33:35,880 --> 00:33:38,280 Speaker 6: and sentenced to death. He may seem like a victim 525 00:33:38,320 --> 00:33:41,150 Speaker 6: to some, but we know he's the conquering king.