The Trials of Jesus

Sermon preached by Pastor C. John Steer

Autumn Ridge Church, Rochester, MN

August 23 and 24, 2008

 

 

Scripture:           John 18:1-40

No. 21:              Series on John’s Gospel

 

 

A trial can be a time of high drama.

When I was growing up in London I sometimes went to watch the proceedings of the Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey.

It was an impressive scene with the judge in his red robe and the barristers in their powdered wigs.

 

Television takes advantage of the drama of a trial with series ranging from Perry Mason to Boston Legal.

 

A trial can also be inspiring.

Some years ago Gretchen and I attended a session of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. 

It was immensely impressive to see the nine justices resplendent in their black robes listening to the oral arguments of the attorneys.

There was an atmosphere of reverence as we watched the highest court of the land deliberate.

 

But even that drama and awe is nothing compared to the trial we are going to look at today. 

So please turn to John chapter 18 in your Bible and the message outline as we examine THE TRIALS OF JESUS. 

 

In this passage we witness the flawed justice of men and the perfect justice of God being worked out.

 

On closer examination we see that John presents us with four trials that Jesus’ faced on this Thursday evening before Good Friday. 

 

Because John is not just writing physical history but spiritual mystery we discover that underneath these trials there is a deeper meaning that helps us to understand what’s really go on and gives us a greater appreciation for who Jesus is and what he is doing to secure our salvation.

Each of these trials presents Jesus with a new challenge and this is summarized with a question in the text.

 

First there is THE TRIAL IN THE GARDEN (VS 1-11)

John tells us, “When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley.” (v 1)

 

A lot had happened in the Upper Room that night.

Jesus had washed his disciples’ feet.
He had introduced them to the Lord’s Supper.

He had prepared them for their future ministry without him and he had concluded with that incredible prayer of chapter 17.

 

Now they walk through the dark streets of Jerusalem lit by the Passover moon.