Bent Oak Church

The resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples again. They were restless and not sure what to do. Their night of fishing hadn't produced any results. But when a man from the shore told them to cast their nets on the other side, John recognized it was Jesus. In one of the most moving post-resurrection scenes, Jesus cooked breakfast for his disciples and reminded them of the work ahead. He reminds us too.

John's resurrection account has none of the dramatic detail we want; it has people confused. An empty tomb, folded clothes, Mary weeping. But out of this confusion comes faith. John wont's us to see how the resurrection impacted those first witnesses of it. 

Having been crucified, Jesus was removed from the cross and buried. Had it been left to the Romans he might not have been buried at all, but two unlikely men step forward to honor Jesus, a secret follower and the reluctant Nicodemus. John captures the irony and allows us to consider the source of true courage and bolness. 

This week, we reach the story of Christ's crucifixion. John focuses on a particular set of details to remind us of who Jesus is and the reality of the cross. Jesus is Lord and Savior. Though many thought it was his defeat, and while others denied his rule, the cross reveals Jesus was the truth and even in death he maintained authority and control.

Pilate was not done with Jesus. After beating him and mocking him before the crowds, Pilate had a second set of questions. He explained to Jesus that he had the authority to save him or execute him. But Jesus saw more going on. Jesus recognized a higher authority. It's striking that the final conversation before Jesus's crucifixion was about submission and authority, topics in which our culture finds little value. We take a closer look at Christ's authority and the place of our submission.

Having been interrogated by the High Priest, Jesus was next handed over to Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate alone held the power to order Jesus's execution. Their conversation was brief but exposed how different they were, and how different were their kingdoms. Jesus explains to the seemingly annoyed Pilate that his kingdom is not of this world but that he has come to bear witness to the truth. Pilate, in turn, commented, "What is truth?"

Arrested, Jesus was taken before Annas and Ciaphas. They were looking for anything that would allow them to request his execution by Rome. Jesus demonstrated that his work was not like theirs: manipulative, secret, and politically motivated. As Jesus gave his defense, outside Peter was denying him. We take a closer look at these men, their motives, and how Christ rises above it all.

Having concluded his last meal with his disciples, Jesus moved out of Jerusalem and onto the Mount of Olives to pray. John tells us he knew what was ahead. John also tells us that Jesus turned and step forward to meet it. Jesus would not run or fight, but as he told Peter, he would take the cup God was handing him. 

Jesus concluded his longest discussion with the disciples with a prayer. He prayed for them knowing that he was just moments from being arrested and put to death. But Jesus's prayer was for more than just those disciples, he prayed for all believers who would believe. He prayed, knowing that they would face a hostile world but that God would make them sanctified by his word. 

Jesus concluded his upper room discourse with the promise that the Spirit of truth would help them overcome the world and receive peace and joy this world could not take from them. Jesus's followers would suffer, face persecution, and even be put to death, but in all things, they shared in his power to overcome this world. The same offer is made to us as well.