Embracing the Truth: Jesus' Purpose and Sacrifice
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into John 18, focusing on Jesus' declaration of His purpose: to testify to the truth. Jesus' mission was not just to die for our sins but to reveal the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. This truth is often uncomfortable because it confronts our sins and misconceptions. Jesus is the embodiment of truth, while Satan is the father of lies. We often prefer lies that make us feel good, but Jesus offers the truth wrapped in love, even when it hurts.
We also explored the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who sought to kill Him while maintaining their ceremonial cleanliness. Their actions were driven by a desire to protect their own interests and avoid the truth Jesus represented. Pilate, caught in political and social pressures, ultimately condemned Jesus despite finding no fault in Him. This underscores the tragic irony of rejecting the truth for the sake of convenience and self-preservation.
The sermon also touched on the prophetic significance of Jesus' crucifixion, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being pierced for our transgressions. Jesus' suffering and death were not just acts of physical torment but profound spiritual sacrifices for our redemption. His stripes bring us healing, both spiritually and physically.
Finally, we reflected on the importance of accepting Jesus' sacrifice and the urgency of making a decision for Christ. The religious leaders' rejection of Jesus led to their downfall, but God's plan for salvation through Jesus remains open to all who believe. We concluded with a call to communion, inviting everyone to remember and celebrate Jesus' sacrifice.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus Came to Testify to the Truth: Jesus' primary mission was to reveal the truth about God and salvation. This truth often confronts our sins and misconceptions, making it uncomfortable but necessary for genuine transformation. Embracing this truth leads to a deeper relationship with God. [39:14]
2. The Hypocrisy of Religious Leaders: The religious leaders sought to kill Jesus while maintaining their ceremonial cleanliness, highlighting their hypocrisy. They were more concerned with preserving their status and traditions than embracing the truth Jesus represented. This serves as a warning against valuing religious rituals over genuine faith. [47:42]
3. Pilate's Dilemma and Our Choices: Pilate's struggle to condemn Jesus despite finding no fault in Him reflects the tension between truth and societal pressures. Like Pilate, we face choices that test our commitment to truth. Choosing convenience over truth leads to spiritual compromise and regret. [52:54]
4. The Prophetic Fulfillment of Jesus' Suffering: Jesus' crucifixion fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the depth of Jesus' sacrifice. His suffering was not just physical but a profound spiritual act for our redemption. This underscores the importance of understanding and appreciating the prophetic significance of Jesus' death. [56:07]
5. The Urgency of Accepting Jesus: The religious leaders' rejection of Jesus led to their downfall, but God's plan for salvation remains open to all who believe. Accepting Jesus' sacrifice is urgent and essential for eternal life. This decision should not be delayed, as it determines our spiritual destiny. [01:20:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:44] - Opening Scripture: John 18
[39:14] - Jesus' Purpose: Testifying to the Truth
[40:44] - Truth vs. Lies
[42:19] - Jesus' Truth in Love
[43:06] - Betrayal and Arrest
[44:12] - No Fence with God
[45:54] - Tribulation and Believers
[47:42] - Hypocrisy of Religious Leaders
[49:22] - Pilate's Political Pressure
[52:54] - Pilate's Dilemma
[54:26] - Jesus, the Unblemished Lamb
[56:07] - Prophetic Fulfillment
[57:46] - Pilate Questions Jesus
[59:18] - The Longbow of Prayer
[01:01:24] - Barabbas vs. Jesus
[01:02:18] - Jesus' Sacrifice for Us
[01:04:31] - Pilate's Conscience and Scourging
[01:06:31] - The Brutality of Scourging
[01:09:38] - Jesus' Crown of Thorns
[01:11:42] - Pilate Finds No Fault
[01:13:34] - Jesus' Claim to Deity
[01:15:08] - God's Sovereignty
[01:17:00] - Pilate's Limited Power
[01:18:20] - Pilate Seeks to Release Jesus
[01:20:02] - Judgment and Acceptance
[01:21:38] - Rejection of the Father, Son, and Spirit
[01:23:35] - God's Faithfulness to Israel
[01:25:20] - Call to Communion
[01:27:02] - Prayer for Salvation
[01:28:57] - Communion: Bread and Cup
[01:30:00] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 18:37 - "For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
2. Isaiah 53:5 - "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
3. 1 Peter 2:24 - "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus declare as His primary purpose for coming into the world according to John 18:37?
2. How did the religious leaders show hypocrisy in their actions leading up to Jesus' crucifixion? [47:42]
3. What was Pilate's reaction to Jesus and the pressures he faced from the crowd? [52:54]
4. How does Isaiah 53:5 describe the significance of Jesus' suffering and death?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus came to testify to the truth, and how does this challenge our own misconceptions and sins? [39:14]
2. In what ways did the religious leaders' actions reflect a preference for maintaining their status over embracing the truth Jesus represented? [47:42]
3. How does Pilate's dilemma illustrate the tension between societal pressures and the commitment to truth? [52:54]
4. What is the prophetic significance of Jesus' crucifixion as described in Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24, and how does this deepen our understanding of His sacrifice? [56:07]
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus came to testify to the truth, even when it was uncomfortable. Are there areas in your life where you might be avoiding the truth because it is uncomfortable? How can you confront these areas with honesty and love? [39:14]
2. The religious leaders were more concerned with their status and traditions than with genuine faith. Are there traditions or rituals in your life that might be overshadowing your genuine relationship with God? How can you refocus on what truly matters? [47:42]
3. Pilate faced immense pressure to make a decision that went against his conscience. Have you ever faced a situation where societal or peer pressure tempted you to compromise your values? How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Pilate's experience? [52:54]
4. Jesus' suffering and death were profound acts of spiritual sacrifice. How does understanding the depth of His sacrifice impact your daily life and faith? [56:07]
5. The urgency of accepting Jesus' sacrifice is a key takeaway from the sermon. Have you made a personal decision to accept Jesus' sacrifice? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you share this urgency with others? [01:20:02]
6. Reflecting on the prophetic fulfillment of Jesus' crucifixion, how does this reinforce your faith in God's sovereignty and the truth of His word? [56:07]
7. The sermon concluded with a call to communion, remembering Jesus' sacrifice. How can you make communion a more meaningful and reflective practice in your spiritual life? [01:27:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Truth of Jesus
Jesus came to testify to the truth, revealing the reality of God, humanity, and salvation. This truth often confronts our sins and misconceptions, making it uncomfortable but necessary for genuine transformation. Jesus embodies this truth, offering it wrapped in love, even when it hurts. Embracing this truth leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more authentic life. We must be willing to face the uncomfortable truths about ourselves to experience the fullness of God's grace and love. [39:14]
John 8:31-32 (ESV): "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
Reflection: What is one uncomfortable truth about yourself that you need to confront today? How can embracing this truth lead to a deeper relationship with God?
Day 2: The Danger of Hypocrisy
The religious leaders sought to kill Jesus while maintaining their ceremonial cleanliness, highlighting their hypocrisy. They were more concerned with preserving their status and traditions than embracing the truth Jesus represented. This serves as a warning against valuing religious rituals over genuine faith. True faith requires integrity and a willingness to let go of self-preservation for the sake of truth. We must examine our own lives for areas where we might be prioritizing appearances over authentic faith. [47:42]
Matthew 23:27-28 (ESV): "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are more concerned with appearances than with genuine faith? How can you begin to align your actions with the truth of Jesus?
Day 3: Choosing Truth Over Convenience
Pilate's struggle to condemn Jesus despite finding no fault in Him reflects the tension between truth and societal pressures. Like Pilate, we face choices that test our commitment to truth. Choosing convenience over truth leads to spiritual compromise and regret. We must be willing to stand firm in our convictions, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Our commitment to truth is a testament to our faith and integrity. [52:54]
James 4:17 (ESV): "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you chose convenience over truth. How can you make a different choice in a similar situation in the future?
Day 4: The Prophetic Fulfillment of Jesus' Suffering
Jesus' crucifixion fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the depth of Jesus' sacrifice. His suffering was not just physical but a profound spiritual act for our redemption. This underscores the importance of understanding and appreciating the prophetic significance of Jesus' death. Recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' suffering deepens our appreciation for God's plan and the lengths He went to for our salvation. [56:07]
Isaiah 53:5 (ESV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."
Reflection: How does understanding the prophetic fulfillment of Jesus' suffering deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice? What can you do to remember and honor His sacrifice in your daily life?
Day 5: The Urgency of Accepting Jesus
The religious leaders' rejection of Jesus led to their downfall, but God's plan for salvation remains open to all who believe. Accepting Jesus' sacrifice is urgent and essential for eternal life. This decision should not be delayed, as it determines our spiritual destiny. We are called to make a conscious choice to accept Jesus and live in the light of His truth. This decision impacts not only our eternal destiny but also our daily lives and relationships. [01:20:02]
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Reflection: Have you fully accepted Jesus' sacrifice and made a conscious decision to follow Him? If not, what is holding you back? If yes, how can you live out this decision more fully in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus says, I am the truth in the life. No one comes to the Father but through me. That's the truth again. See, the truth isn't always fun to hear. And that's the problem. You see, we want something that suits our agenda. So often, we just want to hear what we want to hear. And when the truth comes in and it says, man, you're wrong. And what is the opposite of truth? We would say error, probably, but it's not. It's lies. Truth and lies. Jesus is the truth. The devil is the liar. The eternal liar. He is the source. Of lies. He's the first one who lied that sin of being a liar. And it says, Jesus says, he's the father of all lies. He's the source of it. And he says, when he speaks lies, that's his native language." (66 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus isn't going to tell you that because you know what? He'll only tell you the truth in love. It's always surrounded by his love for you. It would be like a doctor who is a specialist in cancer and he takes an x-ray or some kind of a test and cancer is spread throughout your body. It's just the most obvious thing. And then, because he doesn't want to get you upset. He's, oh, no, you're fine. You got a healthy life ahead of you and everything's going to be wonderful. Matter of fact, you should go out and run a marathon. That's not the truth I want. That's not love." (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You're either with me or you're against me. You're for me or against me. There ain't no fence. There ain't no fence with God. You're one way or the other. And he loves you enough that he'll keep poking you, keep tapping you on the shoulder, keep on convicting you and, showing you. And he's super patient because he loves you enough to wait for you. But we're getting quickly to the place where there's not going to be any more waiting. There's going to be a tribulation that begins in this world. And all believers will be taken to be with the Lord and protected." (46 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Nobody has to tell me I'm a sinner. Nobody has to tell me back in those days when I needed the Lord so bad and I was struggling, had full success in my life as far as the Lord was concerned. The world was concerned. Wasn't any of that. Had plenty of money. Had fame even in those days, a certain modicum of fame. But I didn't have the Lord. I was empty. It was empty in my heart. I had no peace before God unless I was a token, you know, token some weed, taking some drugs, blocking my mental situation at that time and just getting wasted. So I didn't have to think about the reality of my life. And Jesus is very much into the reality of where you're at. He understands you. He knows you. He knows what you struggle with." (58 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so Brabus gets set free instead of Jesus. And listen, we're all a bunch of sinners, but the good news is that Jesus Christ came for sinners. He went to the cross in our place. There is therefore now no condemnation. For those who are in Christ Jesus. And so it leaves us free to bask, to bask in his grace and his wonder." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so sometimes it's that way. It's just that Jesus is going to tell us the truth in love. And sometimes love hurts. And so let's go ahead and pick this up. Because listen, this is a holy place that we're at today. This is holy ground. This is the story. And this is after we just left off last time with the fact that Jesus had been in Gethsemane and he had suffered in Gethsemane with the whole thing about drinking the cup of suffering that was ahead of him. And in fulfillment of all this, from the scriptures he knew that one of his disciples, and he knew who it was, of course, Judas Iscariot would also turn against Him and turn Him in to the high priests and the people that were out to just kill Him because they hated the truth. They didn't want to hear the truth." (68 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so they wanted to do away with Him to kind of protect their own little scheme that they had going, their own little life. Enwere like that. hat. As unbelievers, we're like that. Rather put Jesus away. Don't tell me about Jesus. It's going to ruin my whole little thing I'm into. You know, partying down, drinking booze and, you know, drugging, whatever it is. You know, I got this whole thing. I can kind of go to church and play both sides of the fence, you know. But Jesus says, you're either with me or you're against me. You're for me or against me. There ain't no fence. There ain't no fence with God." (46 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so it's a terrible thing to see that. And yet, you know, that's God's very last chance to save people through that suffering because they won't listen when the time is full of grace. We'll look at verse 28. We're going to start in chapter 18, verse 28. Again, this is holy ground. So we're just going to very carefully tread over as we read verse by verse the events were according to the Holy Spirit speaking through the prophet, or the apostle John here. Verse 28, then they led, they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium. And it was early morning, Caiaphas being the high priest that year. And now they're going to the praetorium because he's sending him over to Pilate. And we'll talk a little bit more about him." (61 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so he called Jesus and Jesus and said to him, are you the king of the Jews? And Jesus answered him and said, are you speaking for yourself? Listen, when you go through this, it's obvious who's in charge. Here's this guy that's been put in charge by the world, but Jesus is the one that's in charge. And he says, are you the king of the Jews? Instead of outright answering him, he says, are you speaking for yourself about this? Or did others? Tell you this concerning me. In other words, do you really want to know? And lots of times, right? People will ask questions, not because they want to know the answer. They want to argue. They want to argue with you. And so it's wise to learn whether people are asking for answers or whether they just want to argue. And it's not worth it. It's not worth arguing. Get back and pray for them." (62 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so it's a beautiful thing in a piece that I have that God is ruling over my life. He's ruling over many of your lives. He is. He is sovereign. He won't let anything come through to affect you unless it is in his loving will. He has a hedge of protection around you, a hedge of love. It's a beautiful thing, man. I can have peace because of that. In this crazy world that who knows what's going to happen next, I have peace. Why? Because God knows what's going to happen next. I'm not sitting there freaking out. I'm not worrying about it. I want to have the joy of the Lord and the peace of God in my life as I walk through, and I have a purpose, and that is to do what I'm doing right now, hopefully leading to those to know him." (53 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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