What Kind of Father Are You

 Wisdom's Instructions for Right Living

 Book of Proverbs Chapter 13

 A father who gives instructions to his children or administers corrections to them is wise, but a father who says, "Do as I say and not as I do," will hardly get his point across.

 A father who does not walk in righteousness cannot instruct righteousness.

 The greatest proof of wisdom is a willingness to learn from those who know more than we do.

 It is the same for us today that we can learn from the Word of God because He knows much more than we do.

 We could say that this lesson today is the contrast between the two sons.

 One son is wise and listens to and learns from his father, while the other is a foolish son who will not listen to anyone and goes his own way.

 As Christians, we are the sons and daughters of God, and if we are the true children of God, we will hear and obey the instructions of our Heavenly Father.

 We show our wisdom as we submit cheerfully to His discipline because we know that He is the only God.

 1Ti 1:17  Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

 *****Pro 13:1  A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. 

Pro 13:2  A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. 

Pro 13:3  He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

 The father who gives wise instructions is wise, and the son who listens to those instructions and takes that advice shows himself to be wise also.

 There are many things in this world that are not as simple as they seem.

 We can also say that there are many things in this world that are not as complicated as they seem to be.

 It is not a complicated thing to become the child of our Heavenly Father!

 We must only be wise enough to listen to what He has to say and then be obedient to those things.

 Wise children obey their righteous parents.

 Foolish children mock their parents and refuse to listen to them.

 To mock is to ridicule and scorn.

 Mockers rebel against instructions by refusing to listen to them.

 Wise children listen, learn, and change their behavior.

 Pro 15:12  A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. 

 A wise child has control of his mouth, but the foolish will harm all others through their quarrelsome and perverse mouths.

 The hearts of the wicked are only satisfied by violence, and they will not stop until they get what they are craving for!

 We see this all over America today.

 Some are so full of themselves that they will go anywhere in the U.S. to ridicule and scorn if you will pay them.

 Pro 18:21  Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 

 The wise will control their words and preserve their lives.

 All of us know that the human tongue needs guarding!

 We know that many of the victims of mockery and ridicule will sometimes strike back, and many of them are stronger and fiercer than those who mocked them.

 They hit harder and fight more with malice than anticipated.

 At the same time, the wise will guard their lips so that they do not let inflammatory words escape their mouths, even though this is hard to do.

 The wise will bite their tongue and walk away.

 The wise will not take the bait that violent people dangle in front of them.

 Doing this will preserve their lives for much of the time.

 Angry words can be very painful at times.

 Foolish people say hurtful words if they get their feelings hurt by someone else.

 Jas 3:2  For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 

 Pro 21:23  Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 

 As the world we live in goes from bad to worse, these things will become even more important for the Christian.

 *****Pro 13:4  The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. 

 A sluggard is anyone who has a habit of being lazy.

 They may have a desire for a lot of things, but they are just too lazy to work to obtain them!

 Handouts have made much of our nation this way today.

 Those who have never had to work to obtain the important things in life will refuse to work to get them!

 Pro 21:25  The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. 

 *****Pro 13:5  A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. 

Pro 13:6  Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. 

Pro 13:7  There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. 

Pro 13:8  The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. 

Pro 13:9  The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 

 It is verse five that hits the nail on the head.

 We trust too much in our own understanding instead of trusting in the Lord.

 We must show the Lord, we trust Him by trusting with all our heart because when He looks at us, He looks into the heart rather than what is on the outside.

 1Sa_16:7  But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

 Most righteous people are people of integrity and have a solid work ethic.

 Lazy people are just the opposite; they are unreliable.

 If we are to have a personal relationship with the Lord, then we have to trust Him with all our hearts!

 This is the greatest lesson we should learn first in our relationship with our Savior.

 We are to love what He loves and hate what He hates.

 This does not mean we are not using our own understanding.

 God does not expect us to run to the Bible every time we have something to do, but if we question what we are about to do, we should.

 We are to use our understanding while we depend upon God and His directing and His overruling providence.

 Jer 9:23  Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 

Jer 9:24  But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. 

 Some try to show they are rich but are not.

 Some pretend to be poor, but they are just misers, while they have wealth.

 This means that we can never trust in appearances, and God did not call us to judge to begin with.

 If we are not rich toward our Heavenly Father, then we do not have true riches!

 Our riches lie in the inheritance of the Lord Jesus Christ!

 Rom_8:17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

 Gal_3:29  And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

 Tit_3:7  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 Jas 2:5  Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 

 A rich man may be able to save himself from many of life's difficulties, such as he may be able to pay a ransom if he or one of his children is kidnapped.

 But a poor man does not have to worry about these things because he is too poor for the robber to mess with and can live in peace.

 The light of the righteous man is the child of the Divine command of God.

 Gen 1:3  And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 

Gen 1:4  And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

 The light of the wicked will be put out because God will divide the light from the darkness.

 Light comes naturally through the Word of God.

 Psa 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 

 Those who reject the Word of God will live in darkness.

 Pro 24:20  For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. 

 Light refers to life!

 Jhn_8:12  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

 *****Pro 13:11  Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. 

Pro 13:12  Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. 

 Wealth that you receive without working for it, or by illegitimate and dishonest means will not last very long.

 This includes gambling, and it could include charging someone a high rate of interest on a loan.

 Jas 5:1  Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 

Jas 5:2  Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. 

Jas 5:3  Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

 Righteous people work hard, save as they can, and prosper in this world. It does not mean we become rich, but we do possess integrity and honesty.

 Life without the Lord is vain even if you are rich.

 It is an empty life that has no lasting value.

 Many who win the lottery are broke again soon after.

 Many sports figures die broke.

 God has determined that we should earn our bread by the sweat of our brows: Gen 3:19  In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. 

 This is part of the sin of Adam we have inherited.

 Those who refuse to work who are healthy and able should just listen to what God has to say: 2Th 3:10  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 

 This does not include those who are unable to work.

 On those, we are to have compassion.

 The Church is to be a people of integrity, who live in truth and try to live honestly according to the Word of God.

 *****Pro 13:12  Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. 

Pro 13:13  Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. 

 When we were lost and out in the world, most of us had the same hopes as we have now, but we knew we had no way to fulfill our hopes by the world's standards.

 We just knew that we live for a while and then we die, and we thought that was it.

 We did not understand life.

 Now, after becoming a child of God, hopes and dreams are an important part of our lives.

 It is our dreams of Heaven that keep us going through the dark days when nothing is going right for us.

 Remember that old cripple at the pool of Bethsaida, he knew he would not get the chance to get healed because he knew he could not be the first one to get to the pool of water once the angel had stirred the waters.

 He had high hopes, but he knew those hopes would never be true.

 You see he had to meet Jesus then his hopes became a reality, and his dreams would bring joy to his heart.

 He now lived close to the "Tree of Life".

 The "Tree of Life" is the knowledge that the Lord Jesus Christ is the giver and the taker of life.

 Joh 1:4  In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 

 Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 When our hope is gone, we will be miserable, and we will see no purpose for living.

 We find these truths in the Word of God, so if we despise the Word of God, we will have no life!

 When we despise the Word of God, we are subject to the penalties for violating the Word of God, even if that penalty is death.

 At the same time, God rewards those who fear His commandments and reverence Him and obey His laws.

 We all should have a reverent fear of God, but we should also realize we need to fear the Awesome Power of God; He is All-Powerful.

 God will richly bless all those who submit to Him!

 We need to understand what God is saying.

 *****Pro 13:14  The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 

Pro 13:15  Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. 

Pro 13:16  Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. 

Pro 13:17  A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. 

Pro 13:18  Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. 

Pro 13:19  The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. 

 The Law of the Wise is the Word of God!

 It concerns me when most of the world looks on the Word of God as the words of man, but they are just confused.

 The Word of God came by writers who were used of God to communicate His will to mankind for our benefit.

 2Ti 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

2Ti 3:17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 

 God's Word cannot fail because it was written under the guidance of God's Holy Spirit and free from error.

 All saving knowledge can be found is obtained from the infallible Word of God!

 1Pe 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 

1Pe 1:24  For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 

1Pe 1:25  But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. 

 It is the wisdom of God; He has shared with all who ask Him.

 Most people just do not realize this world is filled with the snares of death.

 Many animals that fall into the snares of man die some instantly, and some slowly.

 The ones that die slowly or even escape do everything they can to escape because death is so frightening.

 Some animals caught by a leg or an arm will bite that arm or leg off just to escape death and go through their remaining life maimed.

 It is no different when humans fall into Satan's snares.

 1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 

1Pe 5:9  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 

 Satan has no intention of making anyone his friend; his purpose is to destroy anyone who might turn to God.

 It is a foolish human who thinks Satan will not harm them.

 Even with the knowledge of Satan's treachery, people will continue to ignore the Lord Jesus Christ and play games with the Devil. There is no better definition of being a fool than this.

 As ambassadors for Jesus Christ, we have been handpicked to tell the world about its Savior.

 Satan's cohorts intentionally misrepresent their wicked leader. This is what liars do!

 Jhn_8:44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

 Pro 15:32  He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. 

 With the wisdom of God, we can reach most of the goals we set in this life, if not all of them, knowing that our main goal is to reach the New Heaven and spend eternity with our Savior.

 Not many foolish people who hate the Lord Jesus will ever have peace in this life and will certainly not have peace in Hell.

 I have no greater hope than to spend eternity with our Redeemer!

 It is this hope that keeps me going day by day.

 I understand that I need God's instructions to succeed.

 The Word of God will lead me to the glory world.

 I must think through every action that I might take and act wisely, knowing that wisdom comes from the mind of my Heavenly Father.

 I must live my life so that my Heavenly Father can trust me.

 I can do this if I apply the Word of God to my every action before I take that action.

 Psa 1:1  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 

Psa 1:2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 

Psa 1:3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

 I must be a good steward of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 *****Pro 13:20  He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Pro 13:21  Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.  

 It may be more important today to watch who we associate ourselves with than it ever has been.

 One of the biggest decisions our children will make as they grow up is the choice of companions they hang out with.

 As parents, we know this to be true.

 We must also realize it is just as important to each Christian to choose the right companions.

 The Bible says 1 Thess_5:22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.

 Our lives can be influenced by the people we hang out with.

 God has placed wise men and women in our lives for this reason.

 We get most all our wisdom from God Himself, but we can call gain wisdom from that true Saint of God.

 What is a shepherd?

 What does the shepherd do?

 In the early morning, he led forth the flock from the fold, marching at its head to the spot where they were to be pastured. Here he watched them all day, taking care that none of the sheep strayed, and if any, for a time eluded his watch and wandered away from the rest, seeking diligently till he found and brought it back. In those lands, sheep require to be supplied regularly with water, and the shepherd for this purpose has to guide them either to some running stream or to wells dug in the wilderness and furnished with troughs. At night, he brought the flock home to the fold, counting them as they passed under the rod at the door to assure himself that none was missing.

 Psa 23:1  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

Psa 23:2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

Psa 23:3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Psa 23:4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

Psa 23:5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Psa 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. 

 We must know that fools will influence those whom they are allowed to lead. That influence will not be good!

 When we remain firmly in the hands of God, we will be rewarded with good things.

 When we associate ourselves with those who are immoral and those who live wicked lifestyles, we will get caught up in their trouble and their influences.

 These are proven things, and God says to avoid them.

 Look at King Solomon, who did not follow His own advice, and see where it took him. Not only him, but his sons.

 1Co 15:33  Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 

1Co 15:34  Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 

 *****Pro 13:22  A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. 

Pro 13:23  Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. 

Pro 13:24  He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. 

Pro 13:25  The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want. 

 Most righteous people care about family.

 Righteous people respect the institution of marriage.

 Righteous people value the sanctity of life.

 So, wherever God places us, we want to do the very best we can.

 A poor person usually has only a small portion of land, but if they work hard in tilling the soil, that small piece of land will yield enough food to feed their family.

 Righteous people will always try to leave something of benefit to their family.

 Divine justice will determine the final disposition of that inheritance.

 God has a way of making sure the righteous come out on top.

 It is the righteous who are rewarded with the blessings of God.

 It is the judgment of God that gives the wealth of sinners to the people of God.

 We see this all through the Scriptures.

 It is a foolish person who steals from the poor!

 Many a rich man has lost everything they have by dishonest practices.

 We all must be good stewards of the things God has given us, or the things God has loaned to us.

 Everything upon this earth belonged to our Heavenly Father and he has given all those things to His Son Jesus Christ.

 No matter what we have, this world we live in will try to take it away from us.

 We must remember that if we do not correct our children while they are children, we will never be able to correct them after they are grown.

 We know how foolish we were when we were growing up, and this world is much more wicked today than it was then.

 The Word of God will correct us at any age, but the Scriptures say, if we refuse to correct our children, then we must hate our children.

 Pro 19:18  Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

 Pro 22:15  Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. 

 Pro 23:13  Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. 

Pro 23:14  Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

 God is not talking about a severe beating. God is talking about firm discipline!

 God will bless the righteous.

 God promised to provide our needs.

 Mat 6:30  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 

Mat 6:31  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 

Mat 6:32  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 

Mat 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Our Heavenly Father loves family.

He has chosen us as His family. He has chosen all those who want to be in His family.

When we walk in the wisdom of God, we will live a righteous life, and we will be more like the Lord Jesus Christ, which is what being Christian is all about.

When God's wisdom works in our lives, we will walk in the Spirit of God!

Psa 34:8  O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. 

Amen

Obeying the Will of God

Jesus Yielded to His Father's Will

Book of John Chapter 18

One thing we should be very clear on is that, Jesus Christ was never a victim of circumstances. Jesus led His life in direct obedience to His heavenly Father and He is our example that we are to do the same!

Another truth we must realize is that God has a plan for every life!

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Eph 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

We already know that God the Father sent God the Son to this earth to die for our sins and reconcile us back to God.

It is also written, that God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is to be our example as One who was completely obedient to our Heavenly Father.

Jesus Christ is our example of absolute surrender to Our Heavenly Father.

*****Joh 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.

Since that last supper and all those lessons we have learned in between, Jesus and those 11 disciples had finally arrived at the Garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus knew exactly what He was doing and exactly what time to do these things.

We know for a fact the Jesus is never late for He is always on time even in His death!

We should understand that the Kedron Brook was a black, foul smelling brook or creek that carried all the filth of Jerusalem into the Dead Sea including all the blood sacrifices from the Temple.

This is the same brook that the prophet said Jesus was to drink thereof, meaning He carried all the sin for the filth of this world and nailed it to His cross.

Psa 110:7 He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.

This place is also called the Valley of Jehoshaphat by the Prophets.

Joe 3:1 For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,

Joe 3:2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.

None of these men understood these prophecies but Jesus knew that Judas the Betrayer was very familiar with this Garden.

*****Joh 18:2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

Joh 18:3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

This was the hour that His Father had called Him, and the hour of His death was approaching rapidly.

Jesus also knew that His Father would have to forsake Him for a moment in time, because He would carry all the filth of the world upon His own shoulders.

In order for all these things to take place, Jesus needed His Father's help.

All the "Gospels" but John, showed the agony that the Lord went through during this time. John teaches us that Jesus was totally devoted to the will of His Father.

*****Joh 18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

Joh 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

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

The Passover takes place when the moon is full, but we see that Jesus made no attempt to hide from these men.

A band of the Roman guard could be from 200 to 600 men but there were also the Temple police and Judas, and they had torches, lanterns, and weapons expecting Jesus to flee from them, but they were wrong in this. Jesus stepped forward in full view!

They may have anticipated that Jesus was gathering together men to defend His kingdom but that is a whole other time.

Jesus knew everything that was about to happen to Him.

Jesus was ready, willing, and able to die for our sins!

When they called for Yeshua, Jesus stepped forward and said, "I Am" He!

John could not help but to tell us that Judas the traitor was also there with these men!

Just at the authority of these words of Christ this entire group of men fell to their knees.

Psa 27:2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

There should be no doubt to anyone that the Lord Jesus Christ allowed Himself to be taken prisoner also becoming the focus of attention allowing His disciples the opportunity to escape. This was at least as important, or the church could not have begun had these men been captured at this time.

It is very possible that this was to Judas, his last chance to repent!

Also there was probably some confusion amongst these men.

So Jesus asked them again.

*****Joh 18:7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

Joh 18:8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

Joh 18:9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

They had been sent to arrest Jesus the Nazarene and so Jesus made certain that they knew it was He that they had come for.

1) The first thing we notice is that without understanding, this mob began to obey the things Jesus said to do.

2) The second thing we notice is, that Jesus will never lose any of His disciples, we are all secure in Christ Jesus.

We should understand that it was Christ alone who suffered and died for our sins. Had any of His disciples had to suffer and die at this time then it could not be said that Jesus was the only one who suffered and died for our sins.

We know that not even Peter was seized when he had cut off the ear of Malchus.

It seems like none of these men were willing to defy the commands of the Lord. He was not pleading with them, He was commanding them to leave His disciples alone and take only Him.

It is certain that these disciples were in imminent danger that ended with the Words of our Lord Jesus!

Then John gives us one more reason none of the disciples were captured:

Joh 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

We can readily see that we need to pay attention to the Words of the Lord!

Jesus was taken by this mob first to Annas and then to the High Priest

*****Joh 18:19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

Joh 18:20 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.

Annas, who had been the High Priest, was the father-in-law to Caiaphas the High Priest at this time. Annas had somehow been able to hold on to the power of the High Priest through his son-in-law and then three other sons and at least one grandson, for many years.

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

Act 4:5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

Act 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.

Anything or anyone who could affect this relationship with Rome was truly an enemy of these evil men.

Annas held a great authority in Israel at this time, even though he was detested by the people.

We could say that this evil man was another one who was used to fulfill the Word of God just as it was written!

It was Annas who owned the Bazaars that were set up on Temple grounds that sold animals for sacrifice and stalls for money changers.

Annas first questioned Jesus about His disciples, but Jesus would not respond.

Annas then questioned Jesus about His doctrine.

The Lord Jesus responded by saying, He had no secret doctrine. Everything He had taught His disciples, He had also preached in public.

No doubt Jesus recognized the spies that had been sent to keep an eye on Him and Jesus simply said, "ask them".

*****Joh 18:21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

The Lord Jesus Christ refused to answer foolish questions that had no meaning.

Have you noticed that the Lord refuses to respond at all, if we are too ignorant to believe what He has said.

Psalms 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Psa 22:24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

One of the most foolish things we can do is pray without "Faith"!

When we reject the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have crossed a line that many will never cross to return to the truth!

The one sin that cannot be forgiven is the sin of unbelief!

When we ask of the Doctrine of Jesus Christ, we will get an answer, faith must be in the answer!

When we do not allow Jesus to prove He is who He says He is, we have already rejected His proof.

When we do not allow Jesus to justify His claims, we have rejected God!

When we do not believe that Jesus has the answers to life and abundant life, then we deserve Hell!

Joh 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Joh 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

Joh 12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

When the world rejects the truth it causes hatred to the truth!

When the sin of the world is pointed out the world answers with hatred and much more evil!

*****Joh 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?

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

We should also understand that under Jewish Law a person never had to admit their guilt. That burden was entirely in the hands of those who were trying to bring some one, to justice.

This trial of the Lord Jesus Christ was a mockery to Jewish Law!

It was also illegal to have a night court. All criminals were to be tried during the daylight hours in full view of the public.

They had first met in the living quarters of Annas, also breaking the law. All cases were to be tried in the courtroom of the Sanhedrin.

It was also so Passover week and no trials were to take place during this time of festivities.

The truth is these leaders were only trying to devise charges that would condemn Jesus to death.

To these hard-line Jew, Jesus was guilty of blasphemy, because He said He was equal with God. In Jewish Law, he would be stoned to death.

Under Roman Law Jesus would go to the Cross for insurrection against the government of Rome because He was the King of the Jews and this brought the death penalty by crucifixion.

If the Romans could be convinced that Jesus was trying to become King of the Jews, then insurrection would bring the death penalty!

Jesus was innocent of all charges!

No matter what the Jews thought, they knew that this evil world would never accept Jesus as God nor King of the World.

The world stood up and slapped Jesus in the face and are still doing this today!

The Jews in the general public, again denied their own prophets and listened to men who were hypocrites.

The truth is religion allows mankind to continue in his own ways and pretty much do as they please and reject that any god should interfere in their lives.

This world has never gotten better it has gotten worse than this picture of the world at the trial of Jesus.

2Ti_3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

When we expect more from our world, we are deceiving our own selves!

Just today I read where the head of the Catholic Church in California said that there was more than one way to get to Heaven. He showed his foolishness!

Religion will take you to Hell!

Today far too many are willing to sacrifice the truth, just so they are not seen as the enemy of the world.

The world has been on trial since this trial of Jesus and the world continues to come up short, because the world rejects the truth!

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Jesus continues to tell the world if He is a liar then the world is right but if Jesus is the truth then why beat on our Savior.

Before there could be any discussion, Annas sent Jesus bound as a criminal to Caiaphas the High Priest of that day who obeyed his father-in-law rather than God!

Peter was a witness, but Peter was denying our Savior.

Jesus was then led into the "Judgment Hall" of Pilate but they would not enter because they would not be able to partake in the Passover Meal if they defiled themselves with these Gentiles.

You see the Passover meal could not be eaten until the Passover Lamb was killed.

This was the only law of Moses that they had tried to keep on this day.

We already know that if you choose the Law then you have to follow all the Law.

Pilate went out to them.

*****Joh 18:29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?

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

Pilate was the Roman procurator which meant that he was directly responsible to the Emperor for the administration and the financial management of all Judea.

The Jews despised Pilate and Pilate despised the Jews!

One of the many reasons Pilate was so hated was that he had started a new water project, but he had stolen the funds for it from the Temple.

Annas and his sons had gotten riches from the Temple themselves. No love lost between these men.

One crook robbing another crook!

These also had the same hatred for Jesus, and they insisted to Pilate that if, Jesus was not guilty then they would not have brought Jesus to him.

We might want to understand that these hard-line Jews, had threatened to report Pilate to Caesar many times but up to now they had not done so and to do this could cost Pilate his job. They held this over the head of Pilate.

The truth we can understand as Christians, no one has the right to "judge" God!

The story of Jesus was one and it was simple.

God had sent His Son into this world to save the world from itself!

God has the only right to "judge" this world.

Joh 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

Joh 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Joh 8:25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.

Joh 8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

Malefactor means a criminal. Jesus had been tried in an illegal court, under illegal conditions, and sentenced to death for being innocent of all charges.

Pilate first wanted nothing to do with this travesty of justice.

*****Joh 18:31 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:

Joh 18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

Just that very year, Rome had taken away the power of these Jews to carry out capitol, punishment or Jesus would never have reached this point. These Jews would have already murdered Him!

It is amazing how God the Father stays in silent control of this world!

And the real truth is that these Jews had to force Rome to crucify Jesus with lies and threats!

The Jews were not allowed to execute anyone on the Sabbath, but this also included all "feast days".

The Lord had already said "If I be lifted up":

Joh_12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Joh 12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

We should all be able to see that in all these steps to the cross, the Lord knew all along how these things would happen and Jesus did not need to speak at all!

We should also be able to see that the Roman domination of our world at this particular time was used to fulfill the promises of God!

We should not wonder if our Heavenly Father is in control of our world or at least that He knows what is going to happen before it happens!

Luk 9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

Luk 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Luk 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Then Pilate wanted to hear what Jesus had to say:

*****Joh 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

Joh 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

We must all understand that at the words of Jesus, we must all make a choice.

We will be held accountable for every decision we make about Jesus!

You see it is in our own heart that we must decide, if Jesus is who He says He is. We cannot just depend on what others have said!

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

We can be led to the Lord but only the Lord can save us! He will not unless He looks into our heart for the truth!

The Jews had already rejected the Lord Jesus, some even thinking He was the true Messiah.

Who does the world usually listen to? The man who is in power, or fame, and wealth.

This is still the truth of our world today.

I feel as if God is giving us one more chance to stand up for the truth in our world today. As Christians we have the power of influencing our government in the right way, but Christians will not vote the truth of the Scriptures or they will not vote at all.

They seem to forget that we will all stand before the Lord Jesus Christ one day, and He will judge only by the Word of God and not some butchered up version many use today!

Is Jesus the King of the Jews?

When the Lord Jesus Christ returns to this earth, after the rapture of the Church, He will set up His Kingdom and He will rule for 1000 years upon this earth.

Isa 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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Zec 14:10 All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.

Zec 14:11 And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.

Zec 8:3 Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent of all charges brought against Him by these Jews!

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

Joh 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.

Remember Pilate had no interest in Jewish questions because he despised the Jews.

Pilate did ask "what had Jesus done to turn these evil men against Him"?

Pilate had no understanding of Biblical things.

Pilate had no knowledge of a Messiah.

As far as Pilate was concerned, Caesar was the God of this world and in a sense, Pilate was right because Caesar was of the family of Satan.

As far as Pilate was concerned, he held the power of his master!

As far as Pilate was concerned, the Jews were the scum of the earth.

As far as Pilate was concerned, Jesus had to be guilty of something, but Jesus was innocent of all charges!

Jesus answered that He was not from this world!

There was no greater answer that could have been given!

Jesus had first come to this world to destroy the works of Satan, therefore providing salvation to each believer.

Jesus had come in peace and He could not be moved from His calling!

Zec 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.

Pilate then asked, are you a king?

You see if Jesus declared to be a king then Pilate knew he could kill Jesus!

*****Joh 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.

Joh 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.

The fact remains that the flesh side of our Savior was a descendant of David and therefore, He was the true King of the Jews.

We also know because of a curse of God, Jesus would never sit on the throne, for Joseph was in the line of Solomon.

Jesus would be king because Mary was a descendant Nathan another son of David and therefore fulfill prophecy!

Jesus had not come into the world to take this position at this time.

Jesus had come to tell the world the truth of God!

All those who wanted to know the truth need only to listen to the Words of Jesus Christ!

The world is full of people searching for power and fame, wealth and possessions.

There is no path to peace that can also deliver these goals!

The only path to peace is to surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace!

By definition the truth is anything that is not false.

The truth is that Jesus Christ was our substitute who was nailed to the Cross and no one could take His place.

He came to die for me!

Jesus came to die for you!

Jesus Christ did everything His Father commanded Him to do, just as we are to do today!

Amen

Let's Pray!