In His Footsteps Week 23: The Arrest and Trial of Jesus

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What can we learn from Jesus' calm and unwavering submission during his arrest and trial? This week on the Living Words Podcast, we unpack the profound events that unfolded in the Garden of Gethsemane and during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, as narrated in John 18:1-14 and John 18:28-38. Discover how Jesus’ steadfast obedience to God's will and his profound insights into the spiritual nature of his kingdom offer a powerful contrast to worldly political powers. We will reflect on key moments, such as Jesus instructing Peter to put away his sword and his impactful declaration about his kingdom to Pilate, revealing a deeper understanding of his divine mission and call for believers to live in truth.

In the second part of the episode, we come together in a heartfelt prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance to illuminate our minds and hearts with Jesus' teachings. We'll explore practical ways to discern the Spirit’s voice amid the world's distractions and gain empowerment to share the hope of the gospel with boldness and love. Emphasis is placed on living a life marked by integrity and transparency, embodying the truth of God's word in every interaction and decision. We close with an uplifting message, encouraging everyone to embrace God’s covenanted word and carry it in their hearts throughout the week. Join us for a spiritually enriching discussion that promises to inspire and guide you in your faith journey.

Get a copy of the In His Footsteps devotional here.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning, happy Sabbath.
I'm Charles Vance and this isLiving Words Podcast.
This week is week 23,.
The arrest and trial of YeshuaJesus in the Garden of
Gethsemane.
This is the 23rd week of In HisFootsteps devotional 52 weeks

(00:24):
in the Gospel of John.
If you'd like a copy, therewill be a link in the show notes
or you can go to Amazon andjust Google Charles Vance In His
Footsteps 52 weeks in theGospel of John.
Now the text for the week isJohn 18, 1-14 and John 18, 28-38

(00:52):
.
I'm probably not going to readthe whole passage this time in
the front.
We'll just play it by ear, seehow it goes.
If we need to clarify or readsome from the scripture, we can
and will.
I'm going to open in prayer.
Yeshua Jesus, I just comebefore you now in praise of your
name.
I thank you for your mercy, foryour compassion, for your
goodness that you've covenantedwith us for life, for eternity.

(01:14):
We thank you for that.
We pray that you would open ourhearts, open our eyes and ears
to hear and to see, and then toperceive and understand what you
have given us.
I just pray that these words,these prayers, would go forth

(01:34):
and speak to each individuallistening that you would touch
their heart this week and today,this Sabbath, and show them the
way to know your ancient ways,to walk in your paths and to
commune with you In Jesus' nameamen.

(01:59):
So John 18, 1-14 and the John 18, 28-38 detail pivotal moments
in the passion narrative ofJesus Christ.
These passages encompass hisarrest in the Garden of
Gethsemane and his initialtrials before Annas, the
father-in-law of Caiaphas, thehigh priest, and then before

(02:23):
Pontius Pilate, the Romangovernor.
This section of Scripture isrich with theological and moral
implications, illustrating thefulfillment of his mission
through submission to hisfather's will and highlighting
the contrast between worldlypower and the kingdom of God.

(02:44):
First let's deal with thearrest in the garden In
Gethsemane.
He faces betrayal by Judas andconfronts the armed group sent
by the chief priests andPharisees.
Despite the tension, hisresponse is marked by calm
sovereignty.
He steps forward to meet hiscaptors, fully aware of the

(03:05):
events unfolding.
The scene underscores hisvoluntary submission to the
arrest, demonstrating hiscontrol over the situation and
his commitment to fulfillingthis mission.
His willingness to drink thecup of the Father that had given
him signifies his obedience andsubmission to the divine plan.

(03:26):
His request to let hisdisciples go highlights his
protective care in fulfillmentof his promise to lose none that
were given him.
In John 18, 28-38, we see Jesusbefore Pilate.
His trial before Pilate servesas a stark portrayal of the

(03:48):
clash between the kingdom of Godand the political powers of the
world.
Pilate's interrogation revealshis confusion and intrigue about
the kingship of Jesus and truth, a theme central to
understanding his identity andmission.
He is not of this world, he decmission.
He is not of this world, hedeclares his kingdom is not of
this world, distinguishing hisdivine authority and reign from

(04:10):
earthly political structures.
The nature of truth thedialogue between Pilate and
Jesus culminates in thedeclaration that he came to
testify to the truth, invitingthose who are of the truth to
listen to his voice.
Pilate's cynical question whatis truth?
Echoes through the ages,highlighting the perennial human

(04:32):
quest for ultimate meaning andreality.
What is truth, jesus?
Here are some lessons.
His voluntary submission toGod's will he demonstrates a
complete obedience andsubmission to the Father's will,
even in the face of sufferingand death.
His actions in gethsemane andduring his arrest underscore the
voluntary nature of hissacrifice.

(04:52):
This teaches believers aboutthe depth of his commitment to
fulfilling god's redemptive planand the importance of aligning
our will with his will, even intrials, john.
In John 18, 11, it said Jesuscommanded Peter, put your sword
away.
Shall I not drink the cup thatmy father has given me?
The distinct nature of hiskingdom is in his dialogue with

(05:14):
Pilate.
Jesus clarifies that hiskingdom is not of this world,
distinguishing his reign fromearthly political powers.
This highlights the spiritualand eternal nature of his
authority and governance.
For believers, this underscoresthe call to live according to
the values of the kingdom of God, which often run counter to the
world's values focusing onsacrifice, love and truth.

(05:36):
In John 18, 36, jesus said mykingdom is not of this world.
If it were, my servants wouldfight to prevent my arrest by
the Jewish leaders.
But now my kingdom is not ofthis world.
If it were, my servants wouldfight to prevent my arrest by
the Jewish leaders.
But now my kingdom is fromanother place.
Then we have commitment totruth.
As a mark of discipleship,jesus states that he came into
the world to testify to thetruth and that everyone on the

(05:58):
side of truth listens to hisvoice.
This interaction with Pilatenot only reveals the purpose of
his mission, but also callsbelievers to a life
characterized by truth thatchallenges Christians to discern
and embrace divine truth and tolive in a manner consistent
with the teachings of Jesus,becoming bearers of truth in a
world filled with relativism andskepticism.
In John 18, 37, you are a kingthen, said Pilate, and Jesus

(06:23):
answered you say that I am aking.
In fact, the reason I was bornand came into this world is to
testify to the truth.
Everyone on the side of truthlistens to me.
Here's some questions forreflection and discussion.
So how does the demeanor ofJesus in control during his
arrest and trial impact yourunderstanding of his mission and
character?
It tells me he's completely incontrol.
He knew he was in controlduring his arrest and trial
impact your understanding of hismission and character?

(06:44):
Tells me he's completely incontrol.
He knew he was in control, youknow.
It says it's a betrayal andJudas did betray him, but in
most betrayals they've come fromsomeone close and dear who you
have no clue.
It's coming Blindside you.
Jesus was not blindsided.
He knew Judas was going tobetray him and yet he played out

(07:05):
time anyway because he wascommitted to fulfilling his
mission to innocent sacrificeand redemptive restoration.
How do the responses of Judasand Peter to Jesus during this
time, challenge or comfort youin your own faith journey.

(07:26):
I mean we can see from Judasand Peter they were the polar
opposites.
Well, in that Peter did notbetray Jesus in the same way, he
didn't cause his arrest.
His betrayal of Jesus wascowardice.
Cowardice and fear that when hewas faced with the idea that he
might suffer the same fate asJesus, his master, he hid, he

(07:50):
shrunk away.
He betrayed Jesus and said Idon't know that man, but that
was for self-preservation.
And here are some suggestedprayers for submission to your

(08:18):
will that Jesus showed, knowingthat in every circumstance
you're working for my good andyour glory.
Amen.
Prayer for allegiance to thekingdom.
Jesus, king of kings.
Lord Jesus, king of kings,teach me to live with the
awareness that your kingdom isnot of this world.
Help me to seek first yourkingdom and righteousness,

(08:45):
aligning my values, choices andactions with the principles of
your eternal reign.
Strengthen me to stand firm infaith, not swayed by worldly
power or influence, but rootedin the hope of your coming
kingdom.
May my life bear witness toyour transformative rule in my
heart.
Amen.
Here's a prayer for living intruth.
Holy spirit, spirit of truth,illuminate my mind and heart
with the truth of Jesus'teachings.

(09:06):
Guide me in all truth and helpme to discern your voice amidst
the noise of this world.
Empower me to be a witness tothe truth, boldly and lovingly
sharing the hope of the gospel.
Let my life be marked byintegrity and transparency,
living out the truth of yourword in every interaction and
decision.
Amen, I hope these words, theselessons, have been a help to

(09:33):
you.
I hope that you have a goodweek and a good day and that you
can reach into your heart andfind a place for the covenanted
word of God In the name of Jesus.
Amen, and I'll see you guysnext time.