{"id":4569,"date":"2021-09-20T21:28:03","date_gmt":"2021-09-20T21:28:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/?p=4569"},"modified":"2021-09-20T21:28:03","modified_gmt":"2021-09-20T21:28:03","slug":"the-arrest-of-jesus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/the-arrest-of-jesus\/","title":{"rendered":"The Arrest of Jesus"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When Jesus had spoken these words,\u00a0he went out with his disciples across\u00a0the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.<\/span>\u00a02\u00a0<\/sup>Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew\u00a0the place, for\u00a0Jesus often met there with his disciples.<\/span>\u00a03\u00a0<\/sup>So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.<\/span>\u00a04\u00a0<\/sup>Then Jesus,\u00a0knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them,\u00a0\u201cWhom do you seek?\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u00a05\u00a0<\/sup>They answered him, \u201cJesus of Nazareth.\u201d Jesus said to them,\u00a0\u201cI am he.\u201d[a<\/a>]<\/sup><\/span>\u00a0Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.<\/span>\u00a06\u00a0<\/sup>When Jesus[b<\/a>]<\/sup>\u00a0said to them,\u00a0\u201cI am he,\u201d<\/span>\u00a0they drew back and fell to the ground.<\/span>\u00a07\u00a0<\/sup>So he asked them again,\u00a0\u201cWhom do you seek?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0And they said, \u201cJesus of Nazareth.\u201d<\/span>\u00a08\u00a0<\/sup>Jesus answered,\u00a0\u201cI told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u00a09\u00a0<\/sup>This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken:\u00a0\u201cOf those whom you gave me I have lost not one.\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u00a010\u00a0<\/sup>Then Simon Peter,\u00a0having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant[c<\/a>]<\/sup>\u00a0and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)<\/span>\u00a011\u00a0<\/sup>So Jesus said to Peter,\u00a0\u201cPut your sword into its sheath;\u00a0shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

12\u00a0<\/sup>So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews[d<\/a>]<\/sup> arrested Jesus and bound him. (John 18:1-12)<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Introduction: Jesus is in Total Control<\/b><\/p>\n

As we move into chapter 18 of John\u2019s gospel, the arrest scene of Jesus, we continue to see the distinctives of John\u2019s thematic approach at play. Certainly this was not the impressive writing of a mere man, but a man carried along by the Holy Spirit. One of the themes throughout John that we have seen is that of the glory of Christ. By the Holy Spirit, John has shown the glory of Christ in the life, ministry, and now as we come to it, even the arrest of Christ. What we have seen going hand in hand with that theme, is that of the authority of Christ, particularly in terms of the relationship of the Father and Son. What stands out about John\u2019s account of the arrest of Jesus is the authority of the Son of God. How can being arrested show one\u2019s authority? This is certainly something one could wonder. Yet John shows just how. What we see in this text of Holy Scripture is all the ways that Jesus is in total control of His own arrest. Jesus was not taken captive against His own will. He was not surprised by His captors. He was overcome by their strength of sword or number against Him. But rather, quite clearly John shows us that Jesus has the authority and power over those who would arrest Him, and the only reason that Jesus is arrested is because He willingly submits Himself to the Father\u2019s will, and the powerless bonds of the soldiers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus Sets the Scene of His Arrest<\/b><\/p>\n

The first thing we should note is that it is Jesus Himself that sets the scene of His own arrest. Several times earlier in John\u2019s gospel we were told that the authorities wanted and even tried to arrest Jesus, but on each occasion they were unable to do so, as Jesus evaded them, as it was for the ultimate reason that it was not yet His hour. The Pharisees could not bring about the arrest of Jesus prematurely, or a moment too soon. They could not arrest Him on their watch, their timetable, or their terms. Only on Jesus\u2019 own terms would He be arrested. Jesus was in total control of His own arrest, fulfilling all which the Father gave Him to do and willingly going to His own arrest when the hour the Father gave Him had come, and only then.<\/span><\/p>\n

Garden: Jesus goes to Meet Judas<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Everything that Jesus does is on purpose. He does nothing by accident or happenstance. So when verse 1 tells that Jesus went with His disciples across the brook Kidron and into a garden, this was not incidental. It is no mere circumstance. One of the reasons Jesus went there was because, as verse 2 tells us, Judas also knew the place, for Jesus went there often with His disciples. Jesus, knowing Judas knew the place and would seek Him there, intentionally goes to that spot to await Him. Jesus beat him there. Jesus got there first, showing His control of the situation. It wasn\u2019t that Judas caught Jesus in His secret hiding place, it was that Jesus was ready to be arrested and went to the place where He knew they would search Him out. This is evident in how Jesus takes charge of the scene when they arrive and shows His dominance, power, and authority. Jesus had already set this in motion, so to speak, back in chapter 13 when He tells His disciples one of them would betray Him and He sends Judas out to do what he had to do. It was Jesus who sent Judas out.<\/span><\/p>\n

I like what Thomas Goodwin says, \u201cHe [Jesus] knew that Judas would be there that night, and, therefore, like a valiant champion, He cometh into the field first, afore His enemy.\u201d Jesus isn\u2019t running and hiding, rather, He arrives first to the field of battle.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Brook Kidron<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Now before we move on from here, we have to ask, \u201cWhy does John mention the brook Kidron by name?\u201d Is this just an insignificant detail? Why not say, \u201che crossed a brook and went into a garden\u201d? Why mention Him crossing this brook at all? For many Bible believing Christians details such as this are seen as evidence for the veracity of the Bible and the accuracy of the gospel writers in detailing the real historical locations of these events. While that is indeed true and wonderful, we have to realize we are reading John\u2019s gospel, which is particularly theological and thematically minded. While everything here is 100% historical fact, John is not writing a mere historical record. He is writing a theology of the life, ministry, and work of Jesus. This means that more times than not, when John mentions such a detail it is not simply a historical marker, it is of theological significance. And the way that we\u2019ll know if there is theological significance of such a detail, and what that significance is, is to ask the question, \u201care there other mentions of this in the Bible, and are there connections to this passage?\u201d Well, Lo and Behold, there is.<\/span><\/p>\n

If we look at 2 Samuel 15, we will find ourselves in the midst of the story of Absalom\u2019s rebellion and conspiracy against his father, King David. And during this time David ends up fleeing Jerusalem with his men who are faithful to him. And in 2 Samuel 15:23 it says of David, \u201c…and the king crossed the brook Kidron\u2026\u201d After David crosses the brook Kidron, just a few verse later in verse 31, David has news brought to him that one of his closest advisers named Ahithophel, has betrayed David and has joined the conspiracy with Absalom. So what\u2019s the point? Well, here we see King David as a type of Christ, David crosses the brook Kidron, and is then betrayed by one of his close counselors. Many years later, is David\u2019s Son, the Lord Jesus, who crosses this same brook Kidron, and is then betrayed by one of his close 12 disciples. It is also said that the word \u201cKidron\u201d means something like \u201cdark water.\u201d\u00a0 This is a story of a king who crosses through the dark waters of betrayal and is conspired against. David continues to typify Christ in prevailing over his conspirators, as does our Lord. To be a great king means that there will be some weaker men who hate you, and some there may be who seek to conspire against you, and the way to prevail is through wisdom, which is righteous judgment. This is how Jesus prevailed, through righteous judgment, through wisdom, because He prevailed through the cross, and 1 Corinthians tells us that the word of the cross, which is Christ, is the wisdom of God.<\/span><\/p>\n

Garden <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

So back in John 18 we recognize the theological significance of the brook Kidron, and there is probably more there you could get. But we also notice that John, in the same breath, specifically mentions that there is a garden in which Jesus and His disciples enter. Once again, we ought not to skip over this as an insignificant detail, but ask ourselves, \u201cwhat is the significance of them being in a garden?\u201d And once again we look to the rest of the Bible for help, and of course the most prominent and theologically significant connection is the Garden of Eden, with Adam and Eve and the serpent. Now, as we go through this scene, I will draw out the significance and connections with the garden. I just want you to have this in your mind as important as you think about the setting and scene of this arrest of Jesus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus Shows Himself<\/b><\/p>\n

So as the scene unfolds here, Judas arrives with a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priest and Pharisees, and verse 4 tells us, \u201cThen Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him came forward\u2026\u201d Pause there. Again, John really wants to emphasize that Jesus is not taken by surprise and that Jesus is in total control of this situation. Jesus gets to the garden first. When the soldiers arrive, it is Jesus who steps forward and speaks to them and presents Himself to them. Jesus is in charge here. He decides to show Himself. Now the other gospel accounts tell us that Judas told the soldiers the sign of who Jesus was, would be that Judas would kiss the one they were to arrest. There is no contradiction between that and Jesus stepping forward here. All of it happened, and as we\u2019ve discussed, John, through inspiration of the Holy Spirit is making a theological point. John knows that we\u2019ve already read Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and we know Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, but John wants to show us, despite all of that, it was Jesus who was in charge the whole time. Judas\u2019 kiss did not expose Christ, Christ was already ready to show Himself. It was His time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Think about the garden setting we have here for a moment. When Adam was found out in the garden, how did that go down? Adam was found covering himself, and trying to hide himself. He was guilty and ashamed from his sin. But in this garden, with this Son of God, Jesus was not guilty and ashamed, for He had no sin. He was righteous. So He doesn\u2019t hide Himself when it is time for Him to be taken away. He readily presents Himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only do we have this contrast with Adam here, but we also have another showdown with the serpent and the Son of God. Remember again back in chapter 13, Satan entered into Judas. Then in chapter 17, Judas is referred to as the Son of Destruction – in other words, the son of the devil, which is what the Pharisees are called by Jesus back in chapter 8 when Jesus says that they are of their father the devil because they do not believe He who was sent from God. So what we have playing out in John 18 is the classic antithesis set forth in Genesis of the conflict between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. The seed of the woman is here in a garden, and once again Satan comes to battle Him, in and through his serpentine seed, Judas and the officers of the chief priests and Pharisees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So Judas comes to this garden showdown with a band of soldiers, and the word for a band of soldiers here implies that it was Roman soldiers, and quite a few of them, not just four or five. You can read the commentaries if you want to get into a speculation on the numbers, some say 500 men, but suffice it to say there were a lot, and in fact in Matthew\u2019s account of Jesus\u2019 arrest it says Judas brought with him a great crowd, or great multitude of soldiers. Typically I don\u2019t think we picture the scene like that in our minds. So Judas has this large group of Roman soldiers and Jewish officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. And they come with torches, lanterns, and weapons. I think we can find it quite humorous that Judas brings along this much firepower and manpower to arrest one man and maybe have to fight off 11 of his disciples. I think it goes to show that they all were timid and paranoid in their sin, knowing the power of Jesus. This makes me think of Leviticus 26 where God is warning the Israelites what will happen if they disobey His commands. God says He will desolate their cities, and then in Leviticus 26:36 He says, \u201cAnd as for those of you who are left, I will send faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies. The sound of a driven leaf shall put them to flight, and they shall flee as one flees from the sword, and they shall fall when none pursues. They shall stumble over one another, as if to escape a sword, though none pursues.\u201d So it\u2019s like Judas and this band of thugs are paranoid because of their sin. That\u2019s what sin can do to you. You jump at your own shadow, or run at the falling of a leaf, or here you bring hundreds of soldiers and weapons to arrest an unarmed man who is willing to be arrested. What\u2019s awesome of course is how we are shown that these torches and weapons were completely powerless. Jesus was the one in charge here.<\/span><\/p>\n

When we think more about the garden scene and the imagery of the lanterns, torches, and weapons, we can see how this is a turning of the Genesis garden scene on its head. In Genesis it was the Seraphim, that came to take away a sinner from the garden with a flaming sword. And here we have sons of a fallen angel with their torches and weapons, which looks like flaming swords, and they will take away the Son of God. In Genesis it was a righteous minister of God with flaming sword, here it is fallen serpent priests with flaming sword. The only problem is the serpent priests are messing with the wrong guy. The one they go after is without sin, and since He is in control, He is already out playing them. They will take Him out of the garden, He will die on the cross, but He will be buried in a garden, and rise a conqueror in a garden. They can\u2019t keep Him out of the garden, because they are false ministers of God. They are ministers of Satan.<\/span><\/p>\n

So Jesus shows Himself in this garden, unashamed, with complete confidence. He steps forward and says to them, of course knowing the answer, \u201cWhom do you seek?\u201d They answer Him, \u201cJesus of Nazareth.\u201d Jesus said to them, \u201cI am he.\u201d Which, by the way was Jesus saying \u201cego eimi\u201d – that is \u201cI am\u201d – which is the name of God, what God calls Himself in the burning bush, which was holy to the Jews. They\u2019ve accused Jesus of blaspheming for saying this about Himself. Then verse 6 tells us that when Jesus said this to them, \u201cI am he,\u201d they drew back and fell to the ground. Now what is this all about? Why in the world do these soldiers fall to the ground? This is another detail that I don\u2019t think we typically think about when we picture the arrest scene. This certainly sounds like that warning in Leviticus 26 a little bit, doesn\u2019t it. Just a word and they are turning and running and stumbling over each other essentially. But seriously, what\u2019s the deal here?<\/span><\/p>\n

Church, I want to show you something that is absolutely amazing. Turn to Psalm 27. I believe what is going on here in John 18 is what is described in Psalm 27. Someday we\u2019ll have to go through Psalm 27, because I believe it is about the arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ. But we\u2019ll just look at Psalm 27:1-3.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The\u00a0Lord<\/span>\u00a0is my\u00a0light and my\u00a0salvation;<\/span><\/span>
\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>whom shall I fear?<\/span><\/span>
\nThe\u00a0Lord<\/span>\u00a0is the stronghold[a<\/a>]<\/sup>\u00a0of my life;<\/span>
\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>of whom shall I be afraid?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

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2\u00a0<\/sup>When evildoers assail me<\/span>
\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>to\u00a0eat up my flesh,<\/span><\/span>
\nmy adversaries and foes,<\/span>
\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>it is they who stumble and fall.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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3\u00a0<\/sup>Though an army encamp against me,<\/span>
\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>my heart shall not fear;<\/span><\/span>
\nthough war arise against me,<\/span>
\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>yet[b<\/a>]<\/sup> I will be confident.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

When evildoers assail me, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Psalm 27 is describing the arrest of Christ according to the gospel of John. This is exactly what happens. Jesus is assailed by evil doers, by little serpents who want to eat up His flesh, His adversaries and foes, and when He shows Himself, they stumble back and fall. And what\u2019s more, when we consider the way that John is painting the picture here, remember, what aspects is he highlighting? He is highlighting the fact that Jesus is in charge. Jesus is in control. Jesus confidently and willingly is going to His arrest. This is the demeanor and the faith that is described in Psalm 27 verse 1 and 3. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Jesus has just communed with the Father in prayer, we know from the other gospel accounts He struggled in prayer praying for the cup to pass, but submitting to the Father\u2019s will. John shows us that Jesus arises from that struggle in prayer refreshed and filled with faith and confidence, and no fear. I love what Calvin says about this, \u201cNow, having subdued the dread of death, he advances to death freely and willingly.\u201d Then Psalm 27:3, \u201cThough an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.\u201d Remember this was an army surrounding Christ, Roman soldiers, yet Christ\u2019s heart did not fear. War arose against him, yet Christ was confident. Church, Psalm 27:1-3 describes the inner thought life, inner prayer life, faith, emotion, and experience of Christ during His arrest. The Psalms are the songs of Jesus, and in so many of them we get to see the inner thought life of Christ during each event of His life and suffering. Particularly through the Psalms we get to think Christ\u2019s thoughts after Him – think God\u2019s thoughts after Him. In one sense the gospels detail the events of the life of Christ, while the Psalms pull back the curtain and show us what Christ was thinking and praying during these events.<\/span><\/p>\n

So Jesus shows Himself here in the garden because He is not afraid. He is confident.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus Protects His Disciples<\/b><\/p>\n

So then in John 18:7 Jesus again asks them who they seek. They again respond, \u201cJesus of Nazareth.\u201d\u00a0 Then in verse 8 we really see how Jesus is in charge. He basically says, \u201cwell, what did I tell you. I already told you I am he.\u201d Then He basically says, \u201cso take me, but let these men go,\u201d referring to his disciples. So Jesus is setting the terms of His own arrest. That\u2019s usually not how arrests go. But that\u2019s what He does. He ensures that His disciples are not arrested at this time, simply by the word of His power.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this way we see that Jesus protects His disciples. Verse 9 tells us that this is the fulfillment of what He just prayed in chapter 17 that not one would be lost. Again I see another contrast with Adam in the garden and Jesus in the garden. Adam failed to protect His bride. Would it not have been epic if after Eve is deceived and eats the fruit, Adam refuses to eat it, and goes straight to God, and says take me and put me to death, and not her? That would\u2019ve been epic, and it is epic, because that\u2019s what Christ has done.<\/span><\/p>\n

Think for a moment about what Jesus does here. He tells the soldiers, you can\u2019t take them, but take me. This is a picture of His advocacy for us. Satan comes to accuse us and throw our sin in our face, but Jesus says, \u201cno, no, you can\u2019t take them.\u201d The enemy may look intimidating with his torches and weapons and what looks like many people, and he may bring out all his scare tactics, but they are powerless against God\u2019s elect, none of those whom the Father has given to the Son will be lost.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus Desires the Cup His Father Gave Him<\/b><\/p>\n

Peter cuts of Malchus\u2019 Ear<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Back in John 18, after Jesus frees His disciples, Peter draws his sword and cuts off the high priest\u2019s servant\u2019s ear. Of course immature Peter is so filled with zeal at all the wrong moments. And it is quite humorous to think about the fact that there is no way Peter was going specifically after this guy\u2019s ear. Peter was obviously going right for the head, maybe a neck slice, but he misses and just cuts off the ear. That\u2019s classic funny Peter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus then rebukes Peter, tells Him to put His sword away, and then John notes the reason why Jesus does this. Jesus says in verse 11, \u201cshall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?\u201d Jesus is in total control. He basically says to Peter, we\u2019re not fighting like that right now, because you\u2019re not going to stop me from drinking the cup my Father has given to me. This is my hour. This is what I came to do. Peter, you need me to do this for you. In this we see that Jesus desires to drink the cup His Father gave Him. He willingly goes to the cross, subjects Himself to false charges, takes upon Him the sins of the world, and suffers the wrath of God for sin, and dies. He did not avoid the cup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cup only for Christ<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Jesus also knew that of course, Peter was not ready to drink this cup. In just a few verses Peter denies Christ three times. And of course, this cup was not for Peter. Only the Son of God was qualified to take this cup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kingly Cup<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

What\u2019s more is that in thinking about the thematic elements of John\u2019s gospel, that of the glory and authority of Christ, those obviously go hand in hand with the Kingship of Christ. In fact we\u2019ll see as we move into Jesus\u2019 trial and crucifixion, that the Kingship of Christ is a theme which John specifically brings out. And when you look through the Bible, there are different themes with cups, but one of the themes is that cups are a symbol of kingly authority.<\/span><\/p>\n

You know what\u2019s is that I think John is showing us that Jesus is the King who is His own cupbearer. In the Old Testament the job of a cupbearer was very important to protect the King from being killed by poison in his cup. If someone tried to poison the king\u2019s drink, it would be the cupbearer that dies for the king. I\u2019m sure Peter would\u2019ve to be the cupbearer of Christ. But Christ will not let Peter be His cupbearer. Jesus is the King who is His own cupbearer. He drinks the cup, dies from it, and rises again, a conquering King to live forever. Long live the King!<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus is Willingly Bound<\/b><\/p>\n

So after Jesus tells everyone exactly what they\u2019re going to do and not do, Jesus gives Himself to their arrest in verse 12, as He is bound. Jesus is bound and the disciples go free. That\u2019s the gospel. That\u2019s substitution. We\u2019re the sinners. We have broken the law of God. We have offended a Holy God. We have committed high handed rebellion to the King of Kings, the King of Heaven and Earth. We are deserving of punishment. We are deserving of the wrath of God. We are deserving of death. But for those in Christ, that won\u2019t happen. We will not be judicially punished for our sin by God. We will not receive God\u2019s wrath toward our sin. And we will never die, because though we die, we live. Why? Because Jesus said, \u201ctake me, let them go.\u201d That cup would\u2019ve killed us for good. Only Jesus could drink it, and rise again. \u201cNo Peter, you don\u2019t get this cup. It is mine to drink. Let them go, take me.\u201d Jesus substituted Himself in our place for our sin.<\/span><\/p>\n

I love what John Gill says, \u201cChrist was about to suffer for them, and therefore it was not just that they should suffer too; nor was it proper that they should suffer with Him, lest their sufferings should be thought to be a part of the price of redemption. These words then may be considered as an emblem and pledge of the acquittal and discharge of God\u2019s elect, through the surety-engagements and performances of Christ who drew near to God on their behalf, substituting Himself in their room, and undertaking for them in the counsel and covenant of peace, and laid Himself under obligation to pay their debts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Church, as we sit here today, we are reminded that we have sinned a lot this week. We have disobeyed Christ. We have been harsh with those close to us. Maybe like Peter we have zealously made a fool of ourselves and done things that God has not called us to do. Maybe some of us have sinned in such a way that we\u2019ve been spending so much effort this week trying to make up for it and pay for it. Maybe some of us, this is something we like to do, instead of doing the hard but right thing of confessing and repenting of our sin, maybe some of us have put our nose to the grindstone to try and work at self improvement to make ourselves better with more good works than to cover up for that sin, instead of bringing it out and confession.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whatever the case may be, I would remind you, Church, that you can\u2019t do that. Whatever you are doing instead of repenting and looking to Christ won\u2019t work, can\u2019t work, and is only adding sin upon sin. Our sin is dealt with not by covering it, not by watering it down, not by dealing with it ourselves. It is dealt with because Jesus said, \u201clet them go, take me.\u201d It is dealt with because Jesus was bound, and not us. That\u2019s good news. So why don\u2019t you live like that? Quit binding yourself and submitting to the tyranny of sin. Christ freed us from it. We are no longer bound by it. That also means that we don\u2019t have to sin. We can submit to the good king, and not the dragon tyrant. Through the power of the gospel, because of what Christ has done for you, you can do that this week, Church.<\/span><\/p>\n

Calvin says very simply and succinctly, \u201c…let us remember that the body of the Son of God was bound, that our souls might be loosed from the cords of sin and of Satan.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Praise be to God.<\/span><\/p>\n

Click HERE for sermon audio<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When Jesus had spoken these words,\u00a0he went out with his disciples across\u00a0the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.\u00a02\u00a0Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew\u00a0the place, for\u00a0Jesus often met there with his disciples.\u00a03\u00a0So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":685,"featured_media":4571,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1582],"tags":[105,1583,274,1585,382,1586,534,557,678,679,699,703,765,933,1115,1584],"class_list":{"0":"post-4569","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sermon","8":"tag-adam","9":"tag-arrest","10":"tag-christ","11":"tag-cut","12":"tag-disciples","13":"tag-ear","14":"tag-garden","15":"tag-god","16":"tag-jenkins","17":"tag-jesus","18":"tag-joshua","19":"tag-judas","20":"tag-lord","21":"tag-peter","22":"tag-serpent","23":"tag-soldiers","24":"entry"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2021\/09\/peter-cuts-off-ear.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4273,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/a-traitor-in-the-ranks\/","url_meta":{"origin":4569,"position":0},"title":"A Traitor in the Ranks","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"December 15, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"18\u00a0I am not speaking of all of you; I know\u00a0whom I have chosen. But\u00a0the Scripture will be fulfilled,[d]\u00a0\u2018He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.\u2019\u00a019\u00a0I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.\u00a020\u00a0Truly,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Faith"","block_context":{"text":"Faith","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/faith\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/12\/judas.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4542,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/the-son-of-destruction\/","url_meta":{"origin":4569,"position":1},"title":"The Son of Destruction","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"August 2, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have\u00a0guarded them, and\u00a0not one of them has been lost except\u00a0the son of destruction,\u00a0that the Scripture might be fulfilled. (John 17:12) Introduction If you did not hear last week\u2019s sermon on election and preservation,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Commentary"","block_context":{"text":"Commentary","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/commentary\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2021\/08\/Son-of-Destruction.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4168,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/beauty-conflict-and-the-dinner-table\/","url_meta":{"origin":4569,"position":2},"title":"Beauty, Conflict, and the Dinner Table","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"September 7, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0 Six days before\u00a0the Passover,\u00a0Jesus therefore came to Bethany,\u00a0where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.\u00a02\u00a0So they gave a dinner for him there.\u00a0Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table.\u00a03\u00a0Mary therefore took a pound[a]\u00a0of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Commentary"","block_context":{"text":"Commentary","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/commentary\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/09\/Luther.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/09\/Luther.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/09\/Luther.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/09\/Luther.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4280,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/a-new-commandment\/","url_meta":{"origin":4569,"position":3},"title":"A New Commandment?","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"December 23, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"31\u00a0When he had gone out, Jesus said,\u00a0\u201cNow is the Son of Man glorified, and\u00a0God is glorified in him.\u00a032\u00a0If God is glorified in him,\u00a0God will also glorify him in himself, and\u00a0glorify him at once.\u00a033\u00a0Little children,\u00a0yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just\u00a0as I said to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Faith"","block_context":{"text":"Faith","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/faith\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/12\/mountain.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/12\/mountain.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/12\/mountain.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/12\/mountain.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4502,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/jesus-prays\/","url_meta":{"origin":4569,"position":4},"title":"Jesus Prays","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"June 21, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"We embark this afternoon on a journey within a journey. Going through the Gospel of John is a journey we are on, and as we set out into chapter 17, it will be a journey of its own. There are so many great chapters in John, and to have one\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Commentary"","block_context":{"text":"Commentary","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/commentary\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2021\/06\/upper-room.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2021\/06\/upper-room.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2021\/06\/upper-room.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2021\/06\/upper-room.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2021\/06\/upper-room.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2021\/06\/upper-room.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":583,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/the-outrageousness-of-jesus\/","url_meta":{"origin":4569,"position":5},"title":"The Outrageousness of Jesus","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"December 25, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Jesus is not tame, boring, or white. The Jesus of the Scriptures is uniquely fascinating. In a peculiar way, Matthew 21v18-22 stirs my affections for Jesus. \u00a0In this text, Jesus acts rather outrageously - in a good way. It makes me think, \"man, I love this guy.\" Here's the text:\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"Disciples\"","block_context":{"text":"Disciples","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/tag\/disciples\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4569","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/685"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4569"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4569\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4571"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4569"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4569"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4569"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}