Bible Chapter: John 18

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    This chapter is part of the most important event in human history - the crucifixion of Jesus.  All human history hinges on this event, followed by His resurrection.  In the midst of these details a few things jump out to me.
    John covers the story of Peter’s three denials of Jesus.  In the safety of the gathering with Jesus Peter boldly declared that he would never turn his back on Jesus.  And yet, out of the refuge of the private meeting, when faced with those who were against Jesus, Peter failed the test.  I see this often in our modern world.  At church, or maybe youth camp, in a place where the presence of Jesus is felt and all are in agreement, commitments are made to stand up for Jesus.  Then, the person gets out in the world where there is unbelief, mocking and strong defense of sin.  When the believer has to stand on his/her own, they cave in and compromise.  It is very easy to be intimidated.  So, we must keep our focus on Jesus, on eternity, to not compromise or be afraid to stand for what we know is true.
    I see another interesting scenario in this chapter.  Verse 28 talks about the fact that the Jews would not enter the palace of the Roman governor, for that would make them ceremonially unclean.  They wanted to participate in the Passover.  And yet, what were they doing?  They were participating in a lie, in the accusation that Jesus had done evil.  History shows that there was manipulation and deception in the whole process, yet, they could justify participation while still claiming to be clean so they could participate in their religious ceremony.
    If a person is truly going to serve God, then the righteousness of God must impact every aspect of life.  They can’t participate in deception and evil in one part of life and then claim they are following God’s moral principles in another.  This is called compartmentalization.  It says that what a person does in one part of life won’t impact others areas of life.  This is false and unbiblical.  A person who cheats at work will cheat at home.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    In reading the Gospels I have seen often the call of Jesus to listen and obey His commands.  It is easy to obey them in the safety of church or gatherings with other believers.  But where the commitments must really be lived is in daily life where I meet other people.  Probably most Christians don’t openly dely Jesus, but often their silence is equal to denial.  By not speaking for the Lord in many situations it is implied that believers go along with what is being said.  While it is not always possible to speak and discuss the things of God, often silence is used as a cover to not identify with unpopular positions the Bible teaches.
    When they came to arrest Jesus, He didn’t resist.  He admitted He was the One they were seeking and went willingly, submitted to God’s plan.  This is what Christians today must do, submit to God’s plan.  This includes not being afraid to speak for Him when the opportunity arises.  Situations will often be intimidating.  The closer we get to Jesus, the more we study the Bible and learn what it really says, the more we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, the more we will accomplish for Jesus.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I can help people to see what Jesus really did, how He willingly went to the cross for the human race.  Jesus didn’t get caught up in the politics and battles of the world.  He said His kingdom wasn’t of this world.  Jesus used spiritual means to establish His continued presence in the world.  People need to see Jesus as truth.