The Most Corrupt Trial in Human History
Those who seek to stand in judgment of Jesus Christ concerning His deity, His teaching, and His works bring themselves under the judgment of God and His holy Word. This is the terrifying truth Jesus communicates to the high priest Caiaphas and his colleagues.
An Arrest at Midnight
Those who are consumed with their own power are unconcerned about justice. This is true even when those in power profess to follow God. There is no better illustration of this than when Jesus stands before Annas, the influential former high priest of Israel.
A Mob, a Sword, and the Promise of Peace
God’s plans for us are not always easy. In fact, they are usually very challenging. But when we understand, as Jesus did in the garden of Gethsemane, that what comes to us from God’s hand is His will, we can accept it with the peace of knowing that His will is always best.
The Kiss of Betrayal
No human plans or preparations can alter God's plan or limit His power. When Jesus is confronted by Judas and a large band of soldiers who have come to arrest Him, He does not resist but demonstrates to all He is all-powerful and in complete control.
Drinking the Cup of God's Wrath
What Jesus experienced in the garden of Gethsemane is beyond our ability to fully comprehend. But the model He gives us is very clear: When we come before the Lord in times of anxiety, pain, uncertainty, and decision, our foremost desire should always be for His will to be done.
Going Through Gardens Called Gethsemane
Prayer is the appropriate response to every agonizing situation in life. But that does not mean either the situation or prayer itself suddenly becomes easy. Jesus' prayer in the garden demonstrates the great emotional struggle it can be to align our will with God’s will.
Listening to Jesus Praying for Us
Jesus' prayer in John 17 shows us how important purity and unity are to the church. There can be no true unity apart from purity in life and purity in doctrine. As we all strive for such purity by the Spirit's power, we will experience unity and the answer to Christ's prayer.
How to Keep from Falling Away
The trials and challenges of life just keep coming, but they do not have to overcome us. We can survive them courageously and ultimately with joy when we have the right perspective on God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the power of prayer.
How to Handle the World's Hatred
To stand with Christ is to stand against a hateful world. That means we will experience persecution; but we will never do so alone. Other believers will join us, and the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit will enable us to be a powerful witness to the unbelieving world.
A Friend of the King
We are to serve the Lord by loving and serving others, and by being an example and a witness to others. Serving the Lord is our calling. Knowing the Lord as our Friend is our privilege and joy.