Sermon Outline – April 3, 2022

John 18:4-6  “4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.”

Luke 22:47-51 “47 And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him.

Matthew 26:52-53 “52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?”

Introduction

• This is one of my favorite passages of scriptures concerning our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
• It shows Jesus’ power and compassion for people at the same time.
• Many probably haven’t thought of this, but Jesus had a choice and He chose to die for us.
• This is an account of the start of Jesus’ crucifixion right after He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane.
• In that prayer shown to us in Luke 27:42 Jesus said “Father if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not my will be yours be done.”
• While Jesus was praying, and the disciples slept, Roman Troops, and Temple guards, led by Judah show up.

The Kiss Of Betrayal

• Judah approached Jesus to kiss Him. This was his signal He was who they came for. …
• Jesus said, “Judas are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” …
• Now we must realize that there were approximately 600 soldiers accompanying Judas and the Temple Guards.
• Now let’s keep in mind that their arrival didn’t catch Jesus by surprise.
• He went to a place where He and His disciples went regularly so Judah knew exactly where to find Jesus. So Jesus didn’t make any effort to hide.

What would happen if one of us would be betrayed. Would our actions reflect the love, power, and compassion of Jesus?

The Overpowering Glory

• When the arresting party, the mob showed up, Jesus stepped forward and asked “Whom are you seeking?”
• When Jesus answered “I Am He”, all of those soldiers fell back and down. The whole band of soldiers!

Now I don’t know about you, but as a former police officer, if I had gone to serve a warrant and I fell to my knees when the one I was looking for said his name, I would’ve retired that day!

• See Jesus was God. And the Words of God are powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword!!! So when I AM came from the lips of Jesus, it was the power of His Father that made the adversaries recoil backward.

So what does that say to us today? Speak the word of God over all situations!!!

Jesus’ Kindness Through Healing

• While Jesus was speaking one of His disciples asked can they strike with the sword and one of them cut the servant of a high priest ear off. (Probably Peter)
• Jesus said; “Permit even this.”

Jesus knew what He came to do and He didn’t want anything to get in the way of fulfilling the scriptures found in (Isaiah 50:6; Isaiah 53:2-11) and the sacrifice for our sins.

• Even though Jesus could’ve either disappeared from their sight like He did several times before this happened, or He could’ve called a legion of angels and be delivered from certain death, He chose to stay.
• In all the confusion, Jesus healed the servants ear, He put it back in place.

Conclusion

• Perhaps you may have thought Jesus didn’t have a choice but He did.
• Jesus was God in the flesh and there wouldn’t have been anything anybody could do if He didn’t say “nevertheless not my will but your will be done”.
• Knowing all He had to face, Jesus agreed to go through what needed to be done.
• Are you out of connection with the One who came to die for us?
• Have you never asked Jesus to save you so you could build a relationship with Him?
• It doesn’t matter what you’ve done. He’s all-powerful and all-knowing.
• Trust Him.

Pastor Nathaniel Jordan Jr.