Text: John 18:1—14

Topic: What the details of the arrest of Jesus have to teach us.

Introduction:

• Biblical genealogies may be God's way of saying, "No one is unimportant to me."
• Genesis covers creation in two chapters, while the Joseph story takes thirteen.
• The amount of attention in the text shows the level of God's interest.
• The Gospels include 40 verses devoted to the arrest of Jesus.
• Illustration: The long list of details concerning the arrest indicates God has something significant to communicate to us.

Jesus' arrest shows his sovereign majesty under difficult circumstances.

• Illustration: William Barkley describes the type and number of soldiers that came for Jesus.
• This large troop, armed to the teeth, still fell down when Jesus identified himself.
• The soldiers did not take Jesus; he gave himself to them.
• Although Peter reacts with violence, Jesus is master of all circumstances.

Jesus' arrest shows his compassionate concern for bumbling disciples.

• In the moment of danger, Jesus protected his followers.

Jesus' arrest shows human foolishness when we don't understand God's ways.

• Peter tried to save the Savior with his sword.
• That Peter only lopped off and ear is a sign of the absurdity of the situation.
• Jesus doesn't need us to save him.

Jesus' arrest shows how God even cares about the wicked.

• Malchus' report to Caiaphus was testimony of Christ's healing power.
• It is difficult to escape the witness of God.
• Illustration: Someone contemplating suicide has a Gideon Bible.
• Illustration: A graduate student studies the works of Milton and Dante.
• Illustration: Leonard Bernstein conducts the Messiah.

Jesus' arrest shows his silence when man makes the ultimate wrong choice.

• Judas made up his mind and Jesus does nothing to stop him.

Conclusion:

• God will go as far as possible to reach us, but then he stops.
• We must respond to the witness God gives us.