I Swear to Tell the Truth...So Help Me, Me!
Seeing Jesus Through the Eyes of a Friend • Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 13 viewsJesus' Interegation before Annas
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Introduction
Opening - Lead with a Story! In the courtroom back in the day (not sure if they still do this or not) they would pull out a bible and ask the person on the witness stand to raise their right hand and put their
Main Idea - Answer with Gospel Truth Regardless of the Cost!
Transition -
1. Answer about God Openly (vs. 19-21)
Speaking openly about God can be very daunting! But that didn’t stop Jesus. In the most difficult situation, Jesus spoke up!
19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.”
Explain -
So Annas takes the opportunity in the informal interrogation to find some information about about Jesus and his methods...
If you notice, He asks Jesus about two separate things. First, Annas wants to know about Jesus’ disciples and second he wants to know about hHis teachings...
Why His disciples? That seems to be a strange thing to be asking? Was this “Godfather” of the High Priestly family really just an insecure guy who wanted to see if Jesus’ following was bigger than his own? Maybe, but I don’t this this is the point.
No, Annas wanted to see just how large a following this radical Rabbi had so he could assess how large a potential uprising there might be, because of His arrest. He was cold and calculating. Remember, this trial and the others were a farce. Annas and Caiphas already had their minds made up...
45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.
But Annas also wanted to know about Jesus’ teaching. Where they subversive? Did He preach and teach one thing publically and another privately? Was the doctrine of Jesus the same as the doctrine of the nation of Israel? What was this man trying to get across to the people? What was He telling them? The point in fact is Annas wanted to see if what Jesus was teaching was heretical so He could justify Jesus’ arrest. And He would use the Scriptures to justify his actions...
1 “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. 5 But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has taught rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of slavery, to make you leave the way in which the Lord your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
6 “If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son or your daughter or the wife you embrace or your friend who is as your own soul entices you secretly, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ which neither you nor your fathers have known, 7 some of the gods of the peoples who are around you, whether near you or far off from you, from the one end of the earth to the other, 8 you shall not yield to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him, nor shall you conceal him. 9 But you shall kill him. Your hand shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. 10 You shall stone him to death with stones, because he sought to draw you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 11 And all Israel shall hear and fear and never again do any such wickedness as this among you.
1 “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. 5 But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has taught rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of slavery, to make you leave the way in which the Lord your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
The arrest had happened, now Annas was trying to justify it...
Well, in verse 20 Jesus responds. And I don’t think Annas was ready for such candor...
20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret.
In other words, Jesus said, “You know everything I have taught because I have done it openly and where all the Jews have been. I have combed the countryside, walking through it and preaching ‘Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!’ I’ve held nothing back. What you see is what you get. Or better stated, what you have heard is what you hear! I have said nothing in secret.”
He sounds very Godlike and reminiscent of what the Prophet Isaiah said about God...
19 I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I the Lord speak the truth; I declare what is right.
Isa
Now, I’m not sure if Jesus is being a bit snarky here or what, but there is a harsh reality that is communicating against this High Priest. He is accusing Jesus what he, himself is guilty of. They have for some time been conniving, planning and scheming to put Jesus to death...
13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all
There is nothing new here. The tension between Jesus and the Religious leaders had been around since Jesus showed up and it has continued to mount...
By the way, Jesus was also challenging Annas’ “trial” or “Interrogation” or better yet, a “preliminary hearing” to give the necessary time to pull the Sanhedrin together for the big trial yet to come...
Jesus was also challenging Annas’ “trial” or “Interrogation” or better yet, a “preliminary hearing” to give the necessary time to pull the Sanhedrin together for the big trial yet to come...
And make no mistake, this and the other “Trials” were illegally perpetrated agains the innocent Messiah...
William Hendriksen - It has been emphasized by various authors that the trial of Jesus was illegal on several technical grounds, such as the following:
a. No trial for life was allowed during the night. Yet, Jesus was tried and condemned during the hours of 1–3 A. M. Friday.
b. The arrest of Jesus was effected as a result of a bribe, namely, the blood-money which Judas received.
c. In cases of capital punishment, Jewish law did not permit the sentence to be pronounced until the day after the accused had been convicted.
d. Jesus was asked to incriminate himself.
c. Jesus was asked to incriminate himself.
William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Gospel According to John, vol. 2, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 395–396.
This last point is interesting. If someone was thought to be guilty of a crime in Jesus’ day, they were not to be questioned. Instead several witnesses were questioned separately and if there was corroboration of their separate stories, then the accused would be found guilty. Jesus knew this and was challenging Annas’ process and letting him know he was not following the Law. If anyone was guilty, it wasn’t Jesus, it was Annas!
This is why He said what He said in...
21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.”
John 18:
In other words, there are so many witnesses available, go and ask them so that where by the witness of two or three people the truth may be established.
“But, Annas, you are not interested in the truth. No, the only thing you are interested in is getting rid of me as soon as possible.”
In fact, they were so interested, they were willing to get false witnesses to impugn Jesus’ ministry and character...
59 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death,
They
The point I see in all of this is Jesus, the God/man answers Annas Openly. He was not ever afraid to speak openly about the things of God!
Why? Why was Jesus so open? Well, in a sense, He couldn’t help it. He is the very personification of truth.
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Truth, by its very nature, is freeing because it is open...
Illustrate - School meeting…So impressed with how open everyone was about their love for Jesus
“The present age is so flippant that if a man loves the Savior, he is a fanatic and if he hates the powers of evil, he is a bigot.” Charles Spurgeon.”
Apply - Three things you should always be open about regarding God...
15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Be open and ready to give an answer about...
Your Salvation Experience...
Biblical Truth (Speak it in love)…
Why you love Jesus...
Don’t be shocked when it is not received well...
Review - Answer with Gospel Truth Regardless of the Cost!
Answer about God Openly
2. Speak about God Confidently (vs. 22-24)
2. Speak about God Confidently (vs. 22-24)
There are many things I am in awe of about Jesus Christ but His unashamed, unbridled confidence is one of my favorite attributes. And in the next few verses we see this characteristic come to life! Look at the text with me...
22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
So, picture this scenario in your mind. Jesus says it like it is to the recognized High Priest, the “God Father” of the Priestly clan. And one of His henchmen halls off and smacks him across the face.
In fact the greek phrase literally means to slap with an open hand. Jesus gets slapped across the face for holding the High Priest accountable. Now, normally one would not do this. The Old Testament warns against this, in fact.
28 “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
Ex
But did you know this? “Striking a prisoner was against Jewish law (Morris 1995: 670; Keener 1993:307).”
A similar situation took place with the Apostle Paul in the book of Acts...
1 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” 4 Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ”
Acts
There are differences between these two situations...
Paul was in a formal session of the Sanhedrin.
Jesus’ with Annas was not official - it was a backdoor meeting to try to entrap Jesus and give time to gather the Sanhedrin.
Paul apologized ()
Jesus didn’t apologize/didn’t need to.
And here again, you do not see Jesus cowering and licking His wounds. You do not see Him retreating into Himself. What you do see is Him confidently and boldly asking the one who struck him to tell Him why he did what he just did to Jesus...
23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”
John
No answer, they had no answer to the question posed because Jesus was without fault! Actually, they must have been taken aback that this “son of a carpenter” has the audacity to call the High Priest on the carpet! I mean, who in the world does He think He is?!
He spoke the truth and they could not refute it and so the best response anyone could come up with was to strike him physically!
This kind of thing happens all the time when their arguments are stymied. They may not strike physically, but the often do verbally. It’s called an Ad Hominem argument...
An ad hominem argument is one that is used to counter another argument, but it is based on feelings of prejudice (often irrelevant to the argument), rather than facts, reason or logic. It is often a personal attack on one's character rather than an attempt to address the issue at hand.
Illustrate -
And Jesus, doesn’t back down. He doesn’t apologize. He simply asks them to prove to Him that He is wrong. If I am not wrong then why do you strike me?
Some might think that Jesus isn’t practicing what He preached earlier in His ministry. Remember His sermon on the mount?
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
This cocky, high priest henchman slaps Jesus across the face and Jesus’ response was to ask them to show Him where He had been wrong. Annas couldn’t and so he sent Jesus to Caiphas, the current High Priest and his son-in-law.
But where is the offering of the other cheek? Is Jesus capitulating under pressure? Is He a hypocrite? Not on your life!
Ladies and gentlemen, this first slap will be one of many slaps, punches, beatings, whippings, scourgings, a crown of thorns and a hanging on a cruel Roman cross.
This sinless, man was slapped in the face with our sin and He offered his other cheek as well. In fact, He not only offered His other cheek, He offered His entire body as your personal sin offering!
This is why Jesus could stand there and speak confidently in front of the High priest, even after being slapped in the face! He had a bigger purpose to accomplish and that purpose was to offer up Himself as a sin sacrifice BECAUSE YOU NEED ONE! And the ONLY ONE capable of being that for you is Jesus Christ.
Annas may have been considered the high priest, but Jesus Christ is the ONE and ONLY ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST WHO STANDS BEFORE GOD ON YOUR BEHALF! If only Annas would have realized who he was dealing with. If only the temple guard would have understood who he just slapped across the face - none other than God Himself!
Jesus had every reason to speak confidently because of who He was/is! Yes, He was the sinless Messiah! But He was so much more! He was and is God very God!
He knew who He was and He knew what he needed to do! And nothing would keep Him from accomplishing the will of God! Not even the threat of physical harm!
When you know what your purpose is, It is amazing how bold and determined one can be. Even if there is a cost...
Illustrate - Sometimes moments and imagery from history help us better understand spiritual truth. On June 5, 1944, General Dwight Eisenhower was photographed as he spoke to paratroopers while they prepared for the next day's Battle of Normandy. Those at the 101st Airborne Division's camp in Greenham Common, England heard their commander say, "Full victory - nothing else."
Sometimes moments and imagery from history help us better understand spiritual truth. On June 5, 1944, General Dwight Eisenhower was photographed as he spoke to paratroopers while they prepared for the next day's Battle of Normandy. Those at the 101st Airborne Division's camp in Greenham Common, England heard their commander say, "Full victory - nothing else."
The Invasion of Normandy. On June 6, 1944 the Allied Forces of Britain, America, Canada, and France attacked German forces on the coast of Normandy, France. With a huge force of over 150,000 soldiers, the Allies attacked and gained a victory that became the turning point for World War II in Europe.
Yet it came at a great cost…9000 lives lost that day...
Review -
Jesus knew His purpose. He was absolutely sold on the Fathers plan to provide redemption for those who would accept it. It included His death, burial and resurrection. He believed it, He pursued it and He died for it!
And standing up to Annus was another step in the direction of the cross. They thought they were getting rid of a problem. In reality, they were necessarily executing the only one who could give them life.
1.
I hope for your sake you have trusted Jesus to be your savior.
2.
If you are a Christian, there are some things you can incorporate into your faith walk. Ways you can, like Jesus speak about God confidently!
Apply - Three ways you can become more confident in the truth of God...
3.
Explain -
Illustrate -
Read His Word Prayerfully! If you are going to have something to say, you need to fill the well.
Listen to books intently!
Apply -
Talk with Christians purposefully
Build relationships with those outside Christianity.
Jesus was in an awkward and illegal situation, yet He handles it with an inspiring forthrightness!
Review - Answer with Gospel Truth Regardless of the Cost!
Answer about God Openly
2. Speak about God Confidently
3.
Conclusion
Application
Answer With Gospel Truth Regardless of the Cost! Because the reward you will receive will be greater than you can imagine!
Concluding thought
First, I want you to be thankful that you have a Savior and Lord who not only speaks truth but is truth...
Second, as a follower of Jesus will you commit this morning to be people who will always answer with Gospel Truth regardless of what it might cost you personally? Jesus paid the cost with His life. What are you willing to pay?
Invitation
Connection Group Questions