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We move on into John Chapter 18. We have been some weeks in John Chapter 17, reading that profound prayer of Jesus Christ.

Much of this final week in the earthly life of Jesus Christ has been spent teaching the disciples. From Chapter 12, He has washed their feet and answered their questions. He has celebrated the Passover and has given bread and wine that new spiritual significance.

He has warned them about the reality of persecution, and not to be overly surprised when that happens. It will happen and it continues to happen all across our world in these present times. Do make sure you are interceding for the persecuted Church of Jesus Christ.

Jesus explains in detail how the Holy Spirit will come and fortress them – and guide them – and lead them.

Jesus was betrayed by someone we thought might have been trusted and reliable.

Jesus is bound and led away to Annas.

Annas was High Priest in Israel. Normally he would have been High Priest for life, but he lost his job. He was deposed. His four sons became High priest, and each lost his job. Then Annas put his son-in-law in the office – Caiaphas. His whole family was a wealthy unscrupulous family. They were so cunning and smooth. Their nickname was, ‘hissing vipers’.

They made their money out of religion. They made a fortune out of poor people coming to worship God at the Temple in Jerusalem. This is serious corruption among God’s people. This has continued too. Religion and money are corrupting influences.

Annas was only interested in getting rid of Jesus and stamping out this movement. He was still regarded as High Priest, and although he was not the High Priest, he remained the power behind the throne.

No-one dared challenge him until one day a Young Man of 33 came along to the Temple and threw out the money changers. “How dare you turn My Father’s House into a den of thieves?”

Here was the representative of God, and he wants to get Jesus Christ, the Son of God, into his grasp. And ultimately out of the road. He wants to control the Son of God.

Verse 19 – Some are puzzled by what Jesus said, and how He spoke to Annas, but no – Jesus is quietly telling Annas that the trial is illegal. Annas had no right to question Jesus, and a man must not incriminate Himself out of his own mouth. Witnesses must provide the evidence. It was very wrong to be asking these leading questions.

Jesus does not want anything secret or underhand. Jesus is saying, I do not do things in secret. I do not wait until its gets dark. I speak in the Temple.

Throughout all His ministry Jesus had been so open – teaching, healing, ministering – before crowds – on the mountainside – by the Sea of Galilee – and in the synagogues.

Everything had been done so openly. Jesus Christ has nothing to hide.

Somebody took his hand and strikes Jesus across the face. What a thing to do – to strike the Son of God in the face. He was the One Who taught men to turn the other cheek, when insulted.

Let’s look at Peter. Just a short while or ago, Peter was swearing his love and loyalty for Jesus Christ.

Peter did more than any other disciple, but not enough.

Peter went further than any other disciple, but not far enough. He was the only one to stick up for Jesus, but it was so very wrong to become involved in this reckless sword play, with 200 soldiers present. This is the impulsive rash Peter.

Violence only breeds violence.

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Comfort in Isaiah II (12-14-10)