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Facing Trials
Shaun Rossi // The Gospel of John
Not if, but when you fail the Jesus the Lord, you can trust in the faithful Savior, who never fails.
“12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.
15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.
19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.”
15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.
19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.”
— John 18:12-27
Sermon NotesI. The Trials of Jesus & PeterII. Lessons Learned from the TrialsIII. The Light in Your Dark Trials
This image is courtesy of The National Gallery and is licensed for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons agreement.
UCC 202 Lent Reading Plan
It is a common practice during the 40 days of Lent to be especially intentional about setting aside time for daily Scripture reading and reflection. This year, as we conclude our preaching series through the Gospel of John, concluding Easter week, we will follow a reading plan that takes us back through the Gospel.
You will notice Sundays are reserved for worship and rest. You will also notice the reading plan starts on the first Sunday of Lent, March 2, rather than Ash Wednesday. This decision was made so that the post resurrection passages in the Gospel of John are read following Easter.
The plan includes a basic method for reading Scripture based on observation, interpretation, application and prayer. We recommend printing out the plan and keeping it in your bible. You can download the plan here.
Suffering Before Glory
On the first Sunday of Lent and as we consider the trial of our Lord in the sermon today, we are drawn to consider the pattern for Christian discipleship which is suffering followed by glory. This means that while the Christian life is lived in the power of the resurrection, resurrection glory remains a hidden reality until the return of Christ.
We find this suffering-glory pattern running through Paul‘s theology. In Romans 8 he says, “We share in (Christ‘s) sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:17-18). The pattern of suffering followed by glory is a pattern the Christian shares with Christ. And, furthermore, it is a necessary pattern. We share in the sufferings of Christ in order that we might share in his glory. Richard Bauckham comments:
“Paul‘s experience might often seem outwardly unremarkable. But because he sees the death and resurrection of Jesus as the key to his life, as to everything else, he can find there a pattern which makes Christian sense of his experience. The shape which everyone needs to give to his experience in order to understand it Paul found in the cross and resurrection of Jesus ... All the ups and downs of his ministry were for Paul experiences of God, events in which he experienced an identification with Jesus in his dying and rising ...”
As you meditate upon the passion of our Lord this easter, meditate on this theme of suffering before glory, and consider what it means for your discipleship journey.
small group studyRead John 18:12-27
Introduction
1. Following Jesus is difficult at times. Have you ever struggled to openly admit your allegiance to Jesus in front of others?
Are there specific people or situations that make it especially difficult for you to be completely honest concerning your commitment to Christ?
What can you do in these situations, or when you are with these people, to overcome the fear that prevents you from boldly professing your faith in Jesus?
Read 1 Timothy 1:6-7. From this passage, how is the Spirit of God working in Timothy’s life? How does the Spirit help in times of fear?
How is the Spirit of God working to help you be the person God wants you to be? Does the Spirit help you overcome fear in your life?
Text
1. What do the band of soldiers and those who came to Jesus at night do to him? Why do they bind him?
Where do the soldiers take Jesus? Why do they take him to this person?
Who is Caiaphas? What position does he hold? Who gave him this position?
What had Caiaphas previously told the Jews concerning Jesus? Read John 11:49-53. Why did Caiaphas say what he did about Jesus?
2. When Jesus is led to the high priest’s home, who follows him? Who is this unnamed disciple?
What is unique about the unnamed disciple that gives him the benefit of entering the courtyard of the high priest along with Jesus? Where was Peter?
3. When Peter goes in, who questions him? What does she ask? What does this question assume about the unnamed disciple?
How does Peter respond to the girl’s question? What had Jesus told Peter earlier that night in the upper room? Read John 13:37-38.
Re-read John 18:25-27. How many times does Peter deny Jesus? How does Mark’s account of Peter’s denial compare to John’s account? Read Mark 14:66-72.
Peter denies Jesus while standing around a charcoal fire. What does Peter do while standing around another charcoal fire later in John’s Gospel? Read John 21:9-17.
What does the tale of these two charcoal fires tell you about the grace of God to restore people?
Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about the grace of God to forgive and restore them? Make a commitment to pray for that person and make plans to meet with them and talk about the amazing grace of God.
4. What question(s) did the high priest (Annas) ask Jesus? Does Jesus answer the question about his disciples? Why?
How does Jesus respond to the question about his teaching? Why does Jesus tell Annas to ask those who heard him teach to witness about his teaching? Is it legal to ask the accused to testify against themself?
What does one of the officers do to Jesus? Is it legal for the officer to do this to the accused before he is convicted?
After Annas questions Jesus, where does he send him? Why does he send Jesus there?
What is the obvious contrast between Jesus, and the way that he presents himself, and the way that Annas and the Jewish court present themselves?
5. What is the contrast between Jesus and Peter that the Gospel of John paints in this passage?
What is the contrast between Jesus and Peter that the Gospel of John paints in this passage?
Does the contrast in both scenarios (Jewish court and Peter’s denial) help John to present Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God? Remember John’s purpose for writing the Gospel of John? Read John 20:31.
Application
Jesus is right and true and stands in contrast to the illegal proceedings of his accusers and the denials of his closest friends. When the world attempts to discredit Jesus and deny him, resolve to stand in the light with Jesus rather than in the dark where fear and doubt can overcome you.
Close in prayer
Back to Bulletin
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By United Community ChurchShaun Rossi // The Gospel of John
Not if, but when you fail the Jesus the Lord, you can trust in the faithful Savior, who never fails.
“12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.
15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.
19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.”
15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.
19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.”
— John 18:12-27
Sermon NotesI. The Trials of Jesus & PeterII. Lessons Learned from the TrialsIII. The Light in Your Dark Trials
This image is courtesy of The National Gallery and is licensed for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons agreement.
UCC 202 Lent Reading Plan
It is a common practice during the 40 days of Lent to be especially intentional about setting aside time for daily Scripture reading and reflection. This year, as we conclude our preaching series through the Gospel of John, concluding Easter week, we will follow a reading plan that takes us back through the Gospel.
You will notice Sundays are reserved for worship and rest. You will also notice the reading plan starts on the first Sunday of Lent, March 2, rather than Ash Wednesday. This decision was made so that the post resurrection passages in the Gospel of John are read following Easter.
The plan includes a basic method for reading Scripture based on observation, interpretation, application and prayer. We recommend printing out the plan and keeping it in your bible. You can download the plan here.
Suffering Before Glory
On the first Sunday of Lent and as we consider the trial of our Lord in the sermon today, we are drawn to consider the pattern for Christian discipleship which is suffering followed by glory. This means that while the Christian life is lived in the power of the resurrection, resurrection glory remains a hidden reality until the return of Christ.
We find this suffering-glory pattern running through Paul‘s theology. In Romans 8 he says, “We share in (Christ‘s) sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:17-18). The pattern of suffering followed by glory is a pattern the Christian shares with Christ. And, furthermore, it is a necessary pattern. We share in the sufferings of Christ in order that we might share in his glory. Richard Bauckham comments:
“Paul‘s experience might often seem outwardly unremarkable. But because he sees the death and resurrection of Jesus as the key to his life, as to everything else, he can find there a pattern which makes Christian sense of his experience. The shape which everyone needs to give to his experience in order to understand it Paul found in the cross and resurrection of Jesus ... All the ups and downs of his ministry were for Paul experiences of God, events in which he experienced an identification with Jesus in his dying and rising ...”
As you meditate upon the passion of our Lord this easter, meditate on this theme of suffering before glory, and consider what it means for your discipleship journey.
small group studyRead John 18:12-27
Introduction
1. Following Jesus is difficult at times. Have you ever struggled to openly admit your allegiance to Jesus in front of others?
Are there specific people or situations that make it especially difficult for you to be completely honest concerning your commitment to Christ?
What can you do in these situations, or when you are with these people, to overcome the fear that prevents you from boldly professing your faith in Jesus?
Read 1 Timothy 1:6-7. From this passage, how is the Spirit of God working in Timothy’s life? How does the Spirit help in times of fear?
How is the Spirit of God working to help you be the person God wants you to be? Does the Spirit help you overcome fear in your life?
Text
1. What do the band of soldiers and those who came to Jesus at night do to him? Why do they bind him?
Where do the soldiers take Jesus? Why do they take him to this person?
Who is Caiaphas? What position does he hold? Who gave him this position?
What had Caiaphas previously told the Jews concerning Jesus? Read John 11:49-53. Why did Caiaphas say what he did about Jesus?
2. When Jesus is led to the high priest’s home, who follows him? Who is this unnamed disciple?
What is unique about the unnamed disciple that gives him the benefit of entering the courtyard of the high priest along with Jesus? Where was Peter?
3. When Peter goes in, who questions him? What does she ask? What does this question assume about the unnamed disciple?
How does Peter respond to the girl’s question? What had Jesus told Peter earlier that night in the upper room? Read John 13:37-38.
Re-read John 18:25-27. How many times does Peter deny Jesus? How does Mark’s account of Peter’s denial compare to John’s account? Read Mark 14:66-72.
Peter denies Jesus while standing around a charcoal fire. What does Peter do while standing around another charcoal fire later in John’s Gospel? Read John 21:9-17.
What does the tale of these two charcoal fires tell you about the grace of God to restore people?
Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about the grace of God to forgive and restore them? Make a commitment to pray for that person and make plans to meet with them and talk about the amazing grace of God.
4. What question(s) did the high priest (Annas) ask Jesus? Does Jesus answer the question about his disciples? Why?
How does Jesus respond to the question about his teaching? Why does Jesus tell Annas to ask those who heard him teach to witness about his teaching? Is it legal to ask the accused to testify against themself?
What does one of the officers do to Jesus? Is it legal for the officer to do this to the accused before he is convicted?
After Annas questions Jesus, where does he send him? Why does he send Jesus there?
What is the obvious contrast between Jesus, and the way that he presents himself, and the way that Annas and the Jewish court present themselves?
5. What is the contrast between Jesus and Peter that the Gospel of John paints in this passage?
What is the contrast between Jesus and Peter that the Gospel of John paints in this passage?
Does the contrast in both scenarios (Jewish court and Peter’s denial) help John to present Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God? Remember John’s purpose for writing the Gospel of John? Read John 20:31.
Application
Jesus is right and true and stands in contrast to the illegal proceedings of his accusers and the denials of his closest friends. When the world attempts to discredit Jesus and deny him, resolve to stand in the light with Jesus rather than in the dark where fear and doubt can overcome you.
Close in prayer
Back to Bulletin