Sermon John Chapter 18

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[2] The title of the sermon today is “JOHN CHAPTER 18.”

Jesus Finished The Work His Father Gave Him To Do

• Before we move to John Chapter 18, let’s summarize what we learned in John Chapter 17.
• We see that Jesus has finished the work that God gave Him to do up unto this point in the Book of John.
• We see that Jesus gives eternal life to all that God the Father has given to Him.
• Jesus does this to glorify His Father in heaven.

[3] John 17:2-3 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

• We see that Jesus prays to His Father for the people who are saved.
• The people who are saved have believed the words of Jesus Christ.

[4] John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

• Jesus doesn’t pray for the world.
• He has loved the world, but He doesn’t continue to love those that He will be sending to hell.
• He loves every child that is born into this world, but those children can turn against Him and they do.
• There’s a point at which Jesus can and will say, “I will love them no more.”
• These are the people who reject God their entire life and NEVER believe what He says. Not once.
• We know that Jesus doesn’t pray for those people. He prays for His people who believe what He says.
• Jesus doesn’t pray for us to be taken out of the world.

[5] John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

• Jesus wants us here to spread God’s word in this wicked world. That’s why we’re here.
• If He took us all out of the world right now, there wouldn’t be anyone to preach the Gospel to the lost.
• How will all of the saved people actually get eternal life? How will they all be saved?

[6] John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

• We’re all saved by the truth. We need to hear the truth and believe the truth. That’s not difficult.
• The word of God is the truth. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Hear His words and believe.
• That’s how you’re saved. Jesus alone gives everlasting life to all those that the Father draws to Him.
• Jesus finishes John Chapter 17 with this request to His Father as He prays.

[7] John 17:26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

• Jesus wants you and I to have the love of God, which means we’ll give up our life for others.
• But before you can give up your whole life for others, why don’t we start by trying one day at a time.
• If you can’t give up your time for one day to go out and preach the Gospel so someone might receive everlasting life, how are you going to give up your life for someone?
• If watching basketball is more important to you than someone else receiving everlasting life, that’s not the love of God.
• First, we need to start small and give up one day for others. The give up another day.
• And another day. And another day until you’re ready to give up your life for others.
• Don’t bring fleshly things to people. Bring the Gospel. That leads to spiritual gifts which are far greater.
• With that said, let’s start there in verse 1 of John Chapter 18.

[8] John 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

• After Jesus finished speaking with His disciples and prayed to His Father, they go forth.
• They go over the brook Cedron and into a garden.
• Did you know the Brook Cedron is mentioned often within the Bible. Let’s look.

[9] 2 Samuel 15:22-23 And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him. 23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

• Jesus goes out of Jerusalem in John Chapter 18. David goes out of Jerusalem in 2 Samuel Chapter 15.
• Jesus was sorrowful. The disciples were sorrowful in John Chapter 18.
• In 2 Samuel Chapter 15, King David and all the country were sorrowful and weeping.

The Brook Of Cedron And Betrayal

Jesus was being betrayed by Judas Iscariot. David was being betrayed by Absalom his own son.

• In both instances, these betrayals were happening by people very close to them.
• The temple guards come to Jesus aggressively. Shimei comes to David aggressively.
• Both are going to come back across that same brook in glory.
• Both will become the undisputed KING OF THE JEWS. You need to see the amazing word of God.
• You need to see the prophecy throughout the Bible being fulfilled. It is amazing.
• Again, there are many Scriptures that include the Brook Kidron.

[10] 1 Kings 15:13 And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron.

• King Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord. He burnt his mother’s idol by that same brook.

[11] 2 Kings 23:6 And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped it small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.

• That’s King Josiah. So you’ll find a lot of history in the Bible concerning this Brook that Jesus passed over.
• Let’s continue in John Chapter 18 as Jesus and His disciples just entered into a garden.

[12] John 18:2-3 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. 3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

• Jesus often went to this garden with His disciples. Judas knew the place very well.
• Judas Iscariot was very close to Jesus and the disciples. He knew where they went often.
• Judas Iscariot receives a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees.
• They came to get Jesus with lanterns, with torches, and with weapons.
• If they only knew who Jesus was, they would have realized their weapons would do nothing for them.
• All Jesus would have to do is speak and the fight would be over.
• I want you to pay close attention to what happens next because most people never see this.

[13] John 18:4-5 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

• Jesus already knew they were coming, and He already knew what was going to happen.
• He asks them, “WHOM SEEK YE?” They say, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus says, “I AM HE.”
• So, who is the right Jesus in the Bible? Jesus of Nazareth. Not Jesus of the Southern Baptists.
• Not Jesus of the Church of Christ. Not Jesus of the Pentecostals. Not Jesus of the Mormons.
• Not Jesus of the Jehovah’s Witness. Not Jesus of anything else but Jesus of Nazareth.
• All the others are some other Jesus that doesn’t match the Jesus within the Bible.
• We see that Judas Iscariot is standing there with them. But this is the part I want you to see.
• Jesus says, “I AM HE.” Watch what happens when He says that.

[14] John 18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

• Do you see that? The words of Jesus are power. He could have destroyed them with one word.
• They went backward and fell to the ground because He wanted that to happen. “I AM HE.”
• If you’re looking for Jesus of Nazareth, “HERE I AM.” And they went backward and fell down.
• In Revelation, we see the Battle of Armageddon and the Battle of Gog and Magog.
• Jesus is leading the battle. He speaks. Battle over. Done. The fowls come and eat up the flesh.
• Whose side do you want to be on? I’m on the side of Jesus Christ, and it’s easy to join.
• Just believe on Jesus of Nazareth as the only Savior of this world, and you have joined His side.

[15] John 18:7-9 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: 9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

• Jesus asks them again: “Who are you looking for?” Jesus of Nazareth. “I told you that I am Him.”
• “Now, take me but let these go on their way.” Jesus is still taking care of His true disciples.
• He’s not going to lose any of them at this time because they have work to do for Him.
• HE WILL NOT LOSE ANY OF THEM. “Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.”

[16] John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

• So Peter is going to fight. He takes action. Notice that the disciples must have carried weapons.
• Peter cuts of the right ear of Malchus who is the high priest’s servant.

Peter Cuts Off The Right Ear Of Malchus

We see this same account in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

• But we aren’t given Peter’s name as the one who cuts off his ear.
• And we aren’t given the name of Malchus in the others.
• Something isn’t mentioned in the Book of John that is seen in the book of Luke.

[17] Luke 22:47-48 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. 48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

[18] Luke 22:49-51 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? 50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

• So Jesus touches the ear of Malchus and heals one of the men that came to take Jesus.
• This band of men with Judas Iscariot come to take Jesus like He’s a thief.
• They come with swords to take Him. Peter draws his sword. He wants to fight.

[19] John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

• This betrayal and these men coming to get Jesus is God’s will.
• This is the cup which His Father hath given Him to drink. Is Jesus going to refuse this drink?
• Of course He isn’t going to refuse this cup from His Father. “Put your swords away.”

[20] Matthew 26:51-52 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

[21] Matthew 26:53-54 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

• So, you can get more details by combining the Gospels when you’re studying the Scriptures.

[22] John 18:12-13 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, 13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

• They take Jesus, bound Him like a criminal, and take Him to Annas first.
• We see Annas is the father in law to Caiaphas who was the high priest that year.
• These details are important so you understand other parts of the Bible. For example, we see this.

[23] Luke 3:2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

• Both Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests when John the Baptist started preaching in the wilderness.
• This is that same Annas that Jesus was taken to in John Chapter 18.

[24] Acts 4:6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

• In Acts Chapter 4, we see Peter and John put in hold. They just healed a man in front of everyone.
• We see Annas and Caiaphas question them.
• Acts Chapter 4 is of course after John Chapter 18 in chronological order.
• Watch what Peter says to these same men. Annas and Caiaphas are both there and listening.

[25] Acts 4:10-11 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

[26] Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

• Peter and John knew this Annas and Caiaphas well. They knew they had Jesus put to death.
• But they were bold enough to stand there in front of them and preach the truth.
• This is why the names in the Book of John are important to understand. This is Annas and Caiaphas.

[27] John 18:14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

• In John Chapter 11, Caiaphas actually prophesied about one man dying for the people.
• He didn’t even know what he was saying, but he prophesied about Jesus Christ.

[28] John 11:49-50 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

• He thought he was saving the nation from Jesus, but Jesus was saving the true nation of Israel.
• Jesus wasn’t saving the fleshly Israel. He was saving the spiritual Israel filled with believers.
• But Caiaphas truly thought he was saving all the people from Jesus Christ.

Peter And Another Disciple Followed Jesus To The Palace

[29] John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.

• The Book of John doesn’t say who this disciple is that went in with Jesus.
• I believe it is most likely John, though, as he refers to himself in the same way within this book.
• And he is the disciple whom Jesus loved so my guess is John. Peter and John are together many times.
• The high priest knew this disciple well and he went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
• John is also writing about this so most likely he was there. I’m going with John.

[30] John 18:16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

• John went in. Peter stood outside at the door. John goes and speaks to the woman keeping the door.
• She allows Peter to come inside with John.

[31] John 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.

• The woman keeping the door asks Peter, “Aren’t you one of His disciples too?”
• Peter doesn’t stand up for Jesus. He says, “I AM NOT.”
• Please keep in mind where we are in this story in John Chapter 18.
• Jesus was bound and taken inside the palace of the high priest.
• Most likely John and Peter are inside here with Jesus bound.
• Peter denies Jesus the first time when asked by the doorkeeper if he is a disciple of Jesus.

[32] John 18:18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

• It’s cold. All of the servants and officers are standing there.
• Wouldn’t you think Malchus would probably remember Peter if he was standing there with them?
• It doesn’t say Malchus was there but most likely the others would remember Peter as well.
• He cut off the ear of Malchus not too long ago. Peter stood there with the enemies warming himself.

[33] John 18:19-20 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

• Jesus didn’t teach in secret. He taught openly to the world.
• In other words, they should already know what He teaches. They should already know His doctrine.
• Just like here. That’s why we have videos of the sermons. We aren’t teaching in secret.
• If you want to come and hear, come on in and hear what’s being taught.

[34] John 18:21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

• Jesus says, “Why are you asking me? Ask all of those people. They heard me. They know what I teach.”
• They wouldn’t listen to Jesus anyway. So Jesus tells them to go ask them. They didn’t like that.

[35] John 18:22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

• “Jesus, you’re going to talk like that to our great high priest???”
• One of the officers strikes Jesus with the palm of his hand.
• “Don’t you talk to our great high priest like that.” Aren’t you glad you aren’t guy?
• Think of not knowing that you just slapped the Son of God. I’m glad I’m not that guy.

[36] John 18:23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

• Jesus says, “I didn’t say anything evil. If I did, let’s hear what I said that was evil.”
• “Bear witness of the evil I did.” None of them could ever bear true witness of evil that Jesus did.
• He never did anything wrong. So Jesus says, “If I spoke well, then why did you hit me?”

[37] John 18:24-25 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. 25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.

• Again, we know that Annas sent Jesus to Caiaphas the high priest. The high priest is questioning Jesus.
• We know that it’s most likely John and Peter inside the palace with Jesus bound.
• As Peter is warming himself again, the servants and officers ask: “Aren’t you one of His disciples?”
• Peter says, “No, I am not.” There’s the second time Peter denies the Lord Jesus Christ.

[38] John 18:26-27 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? 27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

• Of course one of the servants of the high priest is going to recognize the man who cut off the ear of one of his family members.
• That servant says, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with Jesus?”
• Peter says, “No, it wasn’t me.” Immediately the cock crew after Peter denied Jesus three times.

[39] Matthew 26:34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

• Jesus had already told Peter that this was going to happen. Peter thought he would never deny Jesus.
• But Peter does. And he does it 3 times.

[40] John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

• Now they take Jesus from the palace of the high priest to the hall of judgement.
• They weren’t in the palace of the high priest any longer. They didn’t want to defile themselves.
• Do you see what was more important to them? They wanted the Son of God dead.
• But they didn’t want to defile themselves with “their” rituals and “their” feasts.

God Hated Their Feasts And Holy Days

[41] Psalm 35:16 With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.

• They were hypocrites that wanted the Son of God dead.

[42] Isaiah 1:10-11 Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. 11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

[43] Isaiah 1:12-13 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? 13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.

[44] Isaiah 1:14-15 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. 15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

• Wanting the perfect Son of God dead is evil. God doesn’t care about their feasts.
• He made the feasts, and now they’ve made a mockery of them and don’t even know what they mean.
• They didn’t understand that they were about to kill the TRUE Passover lamb.
• The other animals that they’ve killed didn’t forgive their sins. The Son of God forgives sin.

[45] John 18:29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?

• Now Jesus is brought to the hall of judgement with the Romans. Pilate is the Roman governor.
• Pilate comes out to them as they are bringing Jesus to him and says, “What has this man done?”
• “What are you accusing this man of doing?”

[46] John 18:30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

• They don’t even know what Jesus has done wrong. But they somehow know He is a malefactor.
• A malefactor is one who commits a crime or is guilty of violating the laws.
• If they’re bringing Jesus to Pilate, then Pilate is saying what ROMAN LAW did this man break?
• Jesus never broke the Roman law either. Not once.

[47] John 18:31-32 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: 32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

• They could come up with anything that Jesus had done against the Roman law. Not one thing.
• That’s why Pilate says, “You take Him then and judge Him according to your law.”
• And do you see this? They want Him dead and they don’t even know what He did wrong.
• He didn’t do anything wrong. Isn’t that amazing? “He’s worthy of death but we don’t know why.”
• “And it’s not lawful for us to put Him to death so we need you to do this, Pilate.”
• Notice verse 32 says that Jesus spoke about the death that He would die.

[48] Matthew 20:17-19 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, 18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, 19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

• Jesus already spoke of this. He would be betrayed unto the chief priests and scribes.
• They would condemn Him to death. They would deliver Him to the Gentiles.
• The Gentiles would then mock, scourge, and crucify Him. And then on the 3^rd day, He would rise again.
• So right here in John Chapter 18, Jesus is being delivered to the Romans or the Gentiles.
• Why? It was not lawful for the Jews to put Jesus to death.

[49] John 18:33-34 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

• Pilate asks, “ARE YOU THE KING OF THE JEWS?” Jesus doesn’t answer His question directly.
• Jesus instead asks Pilate a question. “Did you ask that of yourself or did someone else tell you that?”
• We already know Jesus is the King of Israel, the King of the Jews, and the Almighty God.
• The entire Bible teaches us this.

[50] Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

[51] Jeremiah 23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

[52] Zephaniah 3:15 The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.

[53] Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

[54] John 1:49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

[55] John 12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

• Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

There Is No Other King Of Kings But Jesus Christ

[56] 1 Timothy 6:14-16 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

• So Pilate’s question to Jesus is “Are you the King of the Jews?” The answer is of course.
• Jesus is the King of Kings. Caesar is nothing compared to Jesus Christ.
• Pilate doesn’t realize who he’s talking to.

[57] John 18:35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

• Pilate answers Jesus. “AM I A JEW?” How am I supposed to know if you are the King of the Jews?
• Pilate continues to question Jesus. He says, “Your own people have delivered you to me.”
• “What have you done wrong?”

[58] John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

• Jesus is telling Pilate that He’s not from this world.
• If He were of this world, then His earthly servants would fight in an earthly manner.
• His servants would have destroyed all of you if He were from this world.
• If He were from this world, He wouldn’t have been delivered to the Jews.
• In other words, Peter would have cut off more than just that man’s ear.
• John would have attacked and that band of soldiers wouldn’t have delivered Jesus.
• The disciples of Jesus would have won that physical fight IF Jesus were from this world.
• Jesus says, “BUT NOW IS MY KINGDOM NOT FROM HENCE.” My kingdom is not this world.

[59] John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

• Pilate asks, “Are you a King then?” Pilate’s confused.
• Think how you would feel if you didn’t know anything about God.
• Jesus says, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Obviously Jesus is a King because He has a kingdom.
• He has a heavenly kingdom that Pilate doesn’t know anything about.

Jesus answers Pilate and says, “THOU SAYEST I AM A KING.”

• Pilate asks, “Are you a King?” Jesus answers, “THOU SAYEST THAT I AM A KING.”
• Jesus was born into this world. He came into this world for this cause.
• He’s with Pilate right now for this very reason. He’s bearing witness unto the truth.
• Everyone that is of truth hears the voice of Jesus Christ. You hear and understand His words.

[60] John 8:47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

• Well, of course, Pilate was “hearing” the words of Jesus but he wasn’t understanding His words.
• I know when I wasn’t of God because I wasn’t understanding anything within the Bible.
• I tried to read over and over and over again, and I wasn’t understanding. I wasn’t hearing His words.
• Once I believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and trusted Him 100%, I started to understand His words.
• You must first understand that Jesus Christ is “THE” Savior of the world. There is no other Savior.
• You can’t trust in yourself, your works, your baptism, your church attendance, your goodness.
• You must put your trust on Jesus as THE SAVIOR, and then you will hear His words.
• Jesus just told Pilate, “Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”

[61] John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

• Pilate tells the Jews: “I don’t find anything wrong with this man. He has no fault.”
• There’s another witness in the Bible that tells you that Jesus did nothing wrong.
• He wasn’t worthy to be put to death. We all know that.

Pilate Wanted To Release The King Of The Jews

[62] John 18:39 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

• So Pilate is now calling Jesus the King of the Jews, which I think is amazing.
• He suggests to them that he should release the King of the Jews, Jesus Christ, to them at the Passover.
• That was a custom of the Jews: One prisoner of the Romans should be released to the Jews on Passover.

[63] Matthew 27:13-15 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? 14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. 15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

[64] Matthew 27:16-18 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

• Pilate knew that they had only delivered Jesus to them because they were envious of Jesus.
• They didn’t like how people were following the TRUE King of the Jews.
• That’s why Pilate was calling Him the King of the Jews, and Pilate was right.
• Pilate wanted to release Jesus. But there was another very notable prisoner named Barabbas.
• That means Barabbas was a known criminal. There was proof he was a criminal.

Who do you want? JESUS your King OR Barabbas this notable criminal.

• Who would you rather have as your Savior? Jesus or some man or woman with great sin?
• Who do you want to follow? A sinning pastor of your church or the sinless Jesus Christ?
• Too many people today are choosing everyone and everything else over Jesus Christ.

[65] John 18:39-40 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? 40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

• Just as people are doing today, the Jews chose a thief and a robber named Barabbas over Jesus.
• God gives you a choice. Will you hate Jesus just as the Jews hated Jesus?
• The Jews today still hate Jesus. They’ll tell you themselves that they would crucify Him again.
• Are you going to choice evil or Jesus Christ? Anything but Jesus is choosing evil.
• That evil won’t ever bring good to you like Jesus can and will. He is the light of the world.
• Choose the light over all the other darkness. He is the only light of this world.
• And that ends John Chapter 18.

Let’s pray.