Verses 16-26

Jesus, like many people condemned to die on a cross, carried his own beam to Golgotha.

Pilate's statement of guilt was that Jesus was the King of the Jews. This was a dig against Jesus' persecutors.

The soldiers participating in Jesus' crucifixion unknowingly participated in gambling prophesied in the Old Testament.

And Jesus directed John to take his mother into his household.

Hit Where It Hurts

Pilate was mired in Jesus' innocence, an angry mob, and Caesar.

The mob shrewdly forced Pilate to condemn Jesus because Jesus was King of the Jews.

Since Pilate's directive was to protect Caesar's interests, and since a kingdom has room for only one king, Jesus had to die.

Power From Above

Pilate took steps to have Jesus released, but Jesus' accusers presented convincing arguments to prevent Pilate from carrying out his plan.

Judas was more culpable than Pilate in this situation because God himself gave Pilate the authority to condemn Jesus.

Outline of John 19

Jesus is condemned to death, dies, and is buried.

What Is Truth?

It's one of the most important questions in the world.

Jesus prompted Pilate to ask it in the midst of his capital trial.

I wonder if Pilate became a Christian after Jesus' resurrection.

Busted!

Nice try, Peter.

When you slice off someone's ear, their relatives remember you.

The Truth Hurts

People hate it when others are more righteous.

It's worse when they try to find others' faults and can't find any.

In my opinion, it's safer not to seek out other people's weaknesses. Just accept the fact that we all come up short.

Peter, Peter, Peter!

Peter denies Jesus for the first time.

I feel kind of bad for him.

Jesus has already prophesied that Peter will disown him three times.

When God tells you you're gonna screw up, what can you do with that information?

Did I Do That?

Anyone out there remember Steve Urkel from the show Family Matters?

I imagine Caiaphas asking, "Did I do that?" when he learns he prophesied that Jesus would die for all people.

These Aren't the People You're Looking For

Even at the start of his betrayal, Jesus is clearly in charge of his destiny.

When he identifies himself, the crowd falls back because of his power.

Then, Jesus suggests that since he's the focus of the inquiry, his followers should be let go.

It reminds me of the Star Wars scene where Obi-Wan Kenobi tells the storm troopers that they don't want "these droids."

Outline of John 18

1. Jesus arrested
   
2. Peter goes van Gogh
   
3. Jesus before Annas
   
4. Peter's 1st denial
   
5. Jesus questioned, then sent to Caiaphas
   
6. Peter's 2nd and 3rd denials, rooster crows
   
7. Jesus before Pilate
   

Unity?

What disunity existed in Acts 2? Among thousands of believers, there must have been some issues. [Thx, D, for the insight]

Verses 24-26

Jesus prays that his followers would experience his glory and love from the Father.

If this prayer applies to us, then we have access to these forms of encouragement.

Unity

Jesus prayed for the "complete unity" of believers in verses 20-23. Unless this was fulfilled in Acts 2, this prayer has not been answered.

God answers prayer, and Jesus is God, so it is possible that the future of the Church will be united.

Hard to imagine today, though.

Verses 12-19

Jesus' prayer is not to remove his disciples from trouble, simply to protect them.

Verses 6-11

Jesus prays for unity among his apostles.

This request parallels Jesus' unity with his heavenly Father.

Verses 1-5

It was Jesus' responsibility to fulfill the work God gave him to do.

It is our responsibility to fulfill the work God has given us.

Outline of John 17

Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and for future believers

Verses 23-33

Jesus opened up to his disciples so that they could have peace.

Since Jesus overcame, his followers can too.

Verses 21-22

Sometimes great pain leads directly into great blessing.

Verses 17-20

Jesus tells his disciples that "you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices."

After Jesus dies, the crowd will celebrate while his followers come to grips with the (temporary) loss of their Messiah.

Verse 16

"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."

This confused everyone around Jesus. Until he explained it.

A Spoonful of Sugar

Jesus explains that until he leaves, the Holy Spirit will not go public.

I wonder why? Too much God to go around? Turf wars? I'm being facetious, but there must be a reason for this order.

Verses 1-4

Jesus warns his disciples that a time is coming when killing Christians will be considered a public service.

We see this occur throughout history and around the world today.

In comparison, Christians in the US today have great freedom.

Outline of John 16

1. Jesus to his disciples: They hate you because they hate the Father and me
   
2. The Holy Spirit is coming and will guide you into all truth
   
3. I will soon die and rise again
   
4. The disciples to Jesus: Finally, we understand what the heck you're talking about
   

Who's 'You' in Verse 27?

The disciples (see John 13-14).

Verse 26

How does the Spirit help you?

Verses 18-25

If people hate you, just make sure it's for the right reasons.

Verses 9-17

Love as Jesus loved.