Jesus On Trial | 4-6-25

Sunday, April 6

WHAT JESUS DID FOR YOU- JESUS ON TRIAL, John 18:1-40, PARTICIPANT NOTES

The night before the cross—Jesus went through six specific trials.

John 18:1-2

The name Gethsemane literally means oil-press.

The Significance Of The Kidron Valley: Jesus The Lamb Of God Walked Through The Blood Of Sacrificial Lambs Mixed With Water—A Picture Of What He’d Do For Us.

John 18:3-11

Definition- The Greek word for contingent (speira) is used most often for a group of 600, sometimes referring to a group of 2000 and more, rarely to a group of 200 soldiers.

1. JESUS’ BEFORE THE ROMAN ARMY:
2. Jesus Overpowers Them—How? Jesus Declares His Name.

2. Jesus Commands Them.

3. Jesus Protects Them.

The Verdict?  Jesus Is _____________!

Jesus Is On Trial In Our Everyday Lives:

1. Who do we look to for power?

2. Who or what do we allow to command us?

3. Who do we look to for protection?

John 18:12-14, 19-24

1. JESUS BEFORE THE RELIGIOUS COURTS

It Wasn’t A Fair Trial With Anna Or Caiaphas:

1. The number of witnesses was not correct.
2. The witnesses did not agree.
3. The nature of the accusation was changed.
4. A man arrested for a capital crime could not be arrested at night.
5. If a man was arrested for a capital crime no one who cooperated in the arrest could in anyway be associated with the accused.
6. No Jewish trial could be held at night.
7. A court was not to immediately pass judgment on a capital crime.
8. Witnesses had to be called before a prisoner could be questioned.
9. A prisoner could be asked no question which would incriminate them of a capital crime.

The Trial Before The High Priest Caiaphas And The Sanhedrin- was a trial that proved the innocence of the accused Jesus, and the guilt of the accusers, the Sanhedrin.

►When Things Are Unfair—Remember: God’s Still Working Things For The Good!

Romans 8:28, “God takes all things that happen to us, good or bad, and He works them for the good of those who love Him.”

The verdict is: Jesus is __________________!

Jesus Is On Trial In Our Lives:

What’s the major reason people reject Jesus?

We don’t want to change.

John 18:10-11, 15-18, 25-27

III. JESUS BEFORE PETER:

• In the garden Peter defends Jesus before soldiers and leaders.
• In the courtyard Peter denies Jesus before servants and slaves.

What Moved Peter From Defending Jesus To Denying Jesus?

Doubt
Fear
Pride

We Need To depend on God In Every Circumstance, And Every Moment—To Stay Right. 

John 18:28-40

1. JESUS BEFORE PILATE

Pilate’s questions to Jesus are more a confession than a cross examination.

1. Are you the king of the Jews? — He confesses his lack of knowledge.

1. Do you think I am a Jew? — He confesses his prejudice.

1. What is it you have done? — He confesses his humanity.

1. What is truth? — He confesses his cynicism.

If Pilate had listened, he would have discovered that Jesus was a different kind of king. 

A kingdom not of this world.

A King who came to tell the truth.

A King rejected by his own people.

The verdict is: Jesus Is ________________ Of Kings!

Jesus Is On Trial In yOur Life:

• Are You Allowing Jesus To Be Your King?
• How Would You Describe Your Relationship With Jesus Lately: Questioning OR Trusting?

Make Jesus Your King!

►Trust Him In All Things!

►Obey His Every Command!

TIME WITH JESUS IDEAS:

Read through all of the accounts of Jesus’ arrest, trial and crucifixion at one sitting this week: John 18-19, Matthew 26:36-27:66, Mark 14:43-15:47, Luke 22:47-23:56
Make a list of 3 things that you would NOT want to change in your life.  Give that list to the Lord in prayer, telling Him that you are willing to be made willing to change if He should ask.
Take a question that you’ve been asking the Lord and transform it into an expression of trust in your prayer life this week.

Surrender something you’ve been holding onto and ask Him for His Direction and will.