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Guilt and Grace in the Garden. John 18:1-27 Chapter 7. The private ministry of Jesus Christ with the disciples has now ended. 5 symbols in the passage The garden – obedience ( 18:1) The garden of Gethsemane Human history began in the garden: first sin
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Guilt and Grace in the Garden John 18:1-27 Chapter 7
The private ministry of Jesus Christ with the disciples has now ended. 5 symbols in the passage The garden – obedience (18:1) The garden of Gethsemane Human history began in the garden: first sin Adam & Eve were cast out of the garden of Eden (Gen. 2:8) The last Adam (Jesus) was obedient as He went to Gethsemane Phil. 2:8-He was “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
History will end in another garden, the heavenly city as described in Rev. 21 & 22 • Garden of delight & satisfaction • No more death & curse • The river of water of life will flow & the tree of life will produce bountiful fruit • Gethsemane means “oil press” • Picture of suffering & judgment • Kidron Valley is located east of Jerusalem between city wall & Mount Olivet • Kidron means dusky, gloomy referring to the dark water stained by blood from temple sacrifices • Kidron: King David crossed the brook for he was rejected by his nation & betrayed by Absalom
Jesus was rejected by His people & betrayed by Judas, His disciple • David’s counselor, Ahithophel hanged himself (2 Sam. 18:9-17)& Absalom was hanged & killed as was Judas (Matt. 27:3-10) • At the garden, Jesus took James, John, & Peter to pray, but they fell asleep instead of encouraging & companionship • Likewise, Christians boast of their devotion to Jesus & fail miserably when trial comes
The Kiss – Treachery (18:2-9) • The traitor brought a company of temple guards, armed with swords & clubs (Matt. 26:55) • Judas betrayed by kissing Jesus (Matt. 26:48-49) • Jesus shocked the officers by boldly presenting Himself to them • “I am He” • A kiss was a sign of affection and devotion concerning Jesus, it was a deception & the basest treachery of all.
The Sword – Rebellion (18:10) • Peter had a small sword and cut off Malchus’ ear (Luke 22:35-38). Jesus healed his ear (Luke 22:51), (Lord’s last miracle before the cross). Peter’s sword symbolizes rebellion against the will of God. Demonstration of zeal without knowledge. • Jesus had no need of Peter’s sword for He could have called legions of angels to deliver Him (Matt. 2:52-54) • Material swords couldn’t be used in spiritual battles; the sword of the spirit (Heb. 4:12, Eph. 6:17) • Ignorant Christians could hurt the testimony of Christ
The Cup-Submission (18:11-14) • Jesus was accepting God’s will • “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39) • The cup represented suffering Jesus endured and the separation from the Father that He experienced on the cross. • Drinking a cup is often used in the Scriptures to illustrate suffering & sorrow (Isa. 51:17, Jer. 25:15-28).
Cup can be described for consolation (Jer. 6:17) and as overflowing cup of overflowing joy (Ps. 23:5) • Blood (Matt. 26:27-28) • Trophies designed like cups: winners have to go trough demanding experiences • Ps. 40:8- “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart” • Never fear the cup that the Father gives to us for He prepares in love and our Savior already drank the cup. • Jesus gave Himself to the enemies • Annas-Caiaphas
Trial was illegal & brutal • False witness: Jewish law required witnesses be called before a prisoner was questioned. Annas defied the law • Example of suffering: I Peter 2:19-25, 4:12-19 • The Fire-Denial (18:15-17) • Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him 3 times (Matt. 26:34; John 13:38), but that he would come back and serve Him (Luke 22:32) • Fire?He moved into the place of temptation & sin (Matt. 26:41) • Peter followed the crowd
He stood with the enemy by the fire (John 18:16, 18), then sat with the enemy (Luke 22:55). • Psalm 1:1 • A servant girl asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples. He remained by the fire. Another servant girl asked. • Third question from one of Malchus’ relatives (Matt. 26:73; Mark 14:70) • Peter broke down & curses (Matt. 26:74) • Rooster crowed & Peter wept recalling Jesus’ words • Cock crowing was an invitation to repentance
Luke 2:32-when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. • Jesus turned when cock crowed (Luke 22:61) • Cock crowing was the announcement of the dawning of a new day • Ps. 30:5-“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” Peter & Judas • Comparison • Peter wept over his sins & wept. • Judas admitted his sing, but never really repented • Judas had a remorse, but not repentance • Judas left the upper room at night (John 13:30)
Peter wept bitterly & it was the dawning of a new day • Godly sorrow leads to repentance • The sorrow of the world (regret & remorse) leads to death (II Cor. 7:9-10) • Jesus restored Peter & gave him blessing & power • John 21 & Acts 2 • In the garden – guilt & grace • Peter • Judas • Mob • What is in your hands today – the sword or the cup?
What are some of the symbols that give shape to our lives every day? • Read John 18:1-27. The garden and the cup are symbols connected to Jesus in this passage. How do they reflect obedience and submission? • Judas’ kiss symbolizes treachery. What impression do you get of Jesus as He responds to Judas and the soldiers? • Have you ever experienced betrayal? If so. Compare your response to Jesus’.
What is significant about the symbols connected with Peter? • What mistakes did Peter make? • How do we make the same mistakes in our own lives? • What evidences of guilt and grace do you find in this passage? • How is God calling you to obedience and submission-or away from rebellion and denial-this week?