Choosing Truth: Jesus' Encounter with the Establishment
Summary
In this series called "Encounter," we explore how Jesus interacts with various people throughout the Gospel of John. Today, we focus on Jesus' encounter with the establishment, specifically the Jewish Sanhedrin and the Roman Empire. This encounter is pivotal, setting the stage for the events of Good Friday. The Sanhedrin, a powerful Jewish council, and the Roman Empire, represented by figures like Pontius Pilate, embody the establishment that Jesus confronts. Despite knowing the crucifixion awaits him, Jesus approaches these encounters with peace, truth, and integrity.
Jesus' response to the establishment is a profound lesson in humility and strength. When faced with injustice, he prays, aligning himself with God's will rather than reacting with anger or violence. This teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance before responding to wrongs in our lives. Jesus' interaction with the Jewish leaders shows his commitment to truth, as he openly declares his teachings and challenges their attempts to manipulate him. His calm demeanor in the face of violence and lies exemplifies how to maintain integrity under pressure.
When Jesus stands before Pilate, he declares that his kingdom is not of this world, emphasizing a higher allegiance to God's kingdom. This challenges us to prioritize our spiritual commitments over earthly power. Jesus' courage in speaking truth to power, even when it leads to his crucifixion, inspires us to stand firm in our faith, regardless of worldly consequences. The choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a symbol of choosing between truth and rebellion, reminds us of the daily decisions we face in following Christ.
As we prepare for communion, we are called to reflect on our choices. Are we choosing Jesus, the path of truth and life, or Barabbas, the path of rebellion and death? This reflection is crucial as we remember the cost of our salvation and the call to live a life aligned with Christ's teachings.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus' Response to Injustice: Jesus responds to impending injustice with prayer, seeking alignment with God's will rather than reacting with anger or violence. This teaches us the importance of turning to God for guidance before responding to wrongs in our lives, ensuring our actions reflect His will. [08:39]
2. Commitment to Truth: Jesus stands firm in truth when questioned by the Jewish leaders, refusing to be manipulated. His example challenges us to live with integrity, speaking truth without fear of consequences, and trusting that God's truth will prevail. [16:16]
3. Nonviolence and Integrity: Jesus endures lies and violence without retaliation, demonstrating strength through calm and reasoned responses. This models for us how to address wrongdoing without mirroring aggression, maintaining our integrity and witness. [19:19]
4. Allegiance to God's Kingdom: Jesus declares his kingdom is not of this world, reminding us to prioritize our spiritual commitments over earthly power. This challenges us to live for a higher purpose, rooted in truth, grace, and love, even when it conflicts with worldly systems. [23:39]
5. Choosing Jesus Over Barabbas: The choice between Jesus and Barabbas symbolizes the daily decisions we face between truth and rebellion. Reflecting on this choice calls us to examine our lives, ensuring we choose the path of Christ, which leads to life and salvation. [31:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to the Series
- [01:45] - Jesus' Dual Nature
- [03:10] - Palm Sunday and the Establishment
- [05:59] - The Sanhedrin and Roman Empire
- [08:39] - Jesus' Response to Injustice
- [11:14] - Jesus' Encounter with the Jewish Leaders
- [14:01] - Annas and Caiaphas
- [16:16] - Standing on Truth
- [19:19] - Nonviolence and Integrity
- [23:39] - Jesus Before Pilate
- [26:22] - Allegiance to God's Kingdom
- [28:56] - True Power and Leadership
- [31:46] - Choosing Jesus Over Barabbas
- [34:32] - Communion and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 18:12-40
2. 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
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Observation Questions:
1. How does Jesus respond when questioned by the high priest, and what does this reveal about his approach to truth? [14:01]
2. What is the significance of Jesus stating that his kingdom is not of this world when speaking to Pilate? [23:39]
3. How does the choice between Jesus and Barabbas symbolize the decisions we face in our own lives? [31:46]
4. What actions does Jesus take in the garden before his arrest, and what does this indicate about his relationship with God? [08:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' calm demeanor in the face of injustice teach us about handling our own conflicts and challenges? [16:16]
2. How does Jesus' declaration of his kingdom challenge our understanding of power and authority in our own lives? [23:39]
3. In what ways does the choice between Jesus and Barabbas reflect the daily choices we make between truth and rebellion? [31:46]
4. How does Jesus' interaction with the Jewish leaders demonstrate his commitment to truth, and what can we learn from this about maintaining integrity? [14:01]
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Application Questions:
1. When faced with injustice or false accusations, how can you incorporate prayer into your response, as Jesus did in the garden? [08:39]
2. Reflect on a recent situation where you had to choose between standing for truth or taking an easier path. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [16:16]
3. Jesus emphasizes that his kingdom is not of this world. How can you prioritize your spiritual commitments over earthly concerns in your daily life? [23:39]
4. Consider a time when you were tempted to retaliate against someone who wronged you. How can Jesus' example of nonviolence and integrity guide your actions in similar situations? [19:19]
5. The choice between Jesus and Barabbas is a powerful reminder of the decisions we face. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure you are choosing the path of Christ in your daily life? [31:46]
6. As you prepare for communion, reflect on your current choices. Are there areas in your life where you are choosing rebellion over truth? How can you realign your actions with Christ's teachings? [34:32]
7. How can you actively seek God's guidance in your life to ensure your actions reflect His will, especially when dealing with difficult situations or people? [11:14]
Devotional
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Quotes
"Think about that for a moment. How often when we are unjustly accused of something do we react in ways that are often anything but Christian? Think about that. Maybe it's not a rest, but we've all been wronged in this life. Somebody along the way lied about something you did, said something that you didn't do, we've all been wronged." [00:09:18] (28 seconds)
"What would happen to us if before we reacted we spent a long period of time in prayer with God so that we would do what he wants us to do because the truth is if we follow the will of God then we have nothing to fear." [00:10:01] (18 seconds)
"Jesus answered him, if I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong. But if rightly, why do you strike me? So Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas, the high priest. So basically what's happening in this passage is that Jesus is saying, look, I never hid anything from you." [00:15:02] (24 seconds)
"When the Jews try to trick Jesus in their questioning, Jesus states the truth. He says, I've spoken openly to the world. I said nothing in secret. You see, they're trying to manipulate the situation. They're trying to get Jesus to say something that he didn't say or trip him up." [00:17:07] (23 seconds)
"Jesus is not going to play their games. He simply states the truth. And then number three, we learn that Jesus endures lies and violence without retaliation. When struck, Jesus doesn't retaliate. He calmly questions the actions." [00:17:45] (20 seconds)
"Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would be fighting, so that I would not be handed over to the Jews. As it is, my kingdom is not of this realm. Therefore, Pilate said to him, So you are a king. Jesus answered, You say correctly that I am a king." [00:21:24] (26 seconds)
"Jesus tells Pilate, everyone on the side of truth listens to me. Jesus is unafraid to call out spiritual blindness. Even to a role... Roman official. Think about that. You're been arrested. You're about to be executed. You're being questioned by the highest power and authority in the land." [00:24:33] (23 seconds)
"Jesus also models nonviolence in a reasoned response. He shows strength by addressing wrongdoing without mirroring the aggression shown towards him. There is an entire part of our culture that was taught something totally different. Right? Two words, Jerry Springer." [00:28:02] (24 seconds)
"Jesus teaches us not to seek... earthly power, but to live for a higher purpose rooted in truth, grace, and love. Man, if I could just get this church to live this out each and every day, including myself, Pastor Michael falls under this too." [00:28:52] (23 seconds)
"Listen, we are called to be people of truth, even when it puts us at odds with the establishment of this world. Even when it puts us at odds with the establishment. I said something earlier. I answer to my king who sits in heaven. That's it." [00:30:01] (29 seconds)
"This reminds us, it should remind us, how often people choose violence, power, or rebellion over truth and humility. It's a sobering reality about human nature and a call to choose better. It's a call to choose Jesus." [00:32:05] (23 seconds)
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