Given, Not Taken (John 18:1-27)

Introduction
I've heard it said that Jesus was a good teacher that was at the wrong place at the wrong time. He was a victim of jealous men and that was why he died. Many people believe that his death was a martyr's death -- that he had no choice in the matter. But Jesus himself had predicted details of his death on numerous occasions. And went willingly to Jerusalem knowing full well that he would not leave before suffering an agonizing death.

In John 18, we see Jesus and his disciples retreating to a very familiar garden. This place may have been owned by a wealthy friend of Jesus, we are not certain, but as John points out, this was a location very familiar to Judas. And yet, Jesus went there knowing full well every intention in the hearth of Judas.

Remember past attempts on Jesus' life? Attempted stoning. Soldiers sent to arrest him. All of the past attempts had been futile. Futile, not due to the lack of desire on the part of those in pursuit of his life. But futile due to the fact that God's appointed time had not yet arrived.

Jesus' primary purpose in coming to earth was to bear the sins of humanity. His life of perfection (in every way, both ceremonially and morally) uniquely qualified him as the only sufficient sacrifice for sin. His divinity uniquely qualified him as the payment for an infinite debt owed on behalf of sinners. And so, Jesus' death is not a tragic end to a promising rabbinical career. His death is a necessary offering and the only means by which anyone is afforded a relationship with God.

The Pursual (John 18:1-11)
God's plans are always accomplished His way in spite of appearances.
What are you doing to try and defend Jesus? Are you certain you're in God's will?
How are you underestimating the power of God? And what do you plan to do about it?
What unpleasant course has God called you to that you might be trying to get out of?

The Trial (John 18:12-14, 19-24)
Each person must choose either faith or unbelief.
What types of questions do you ask and what do those questions tell you about your interest in the truth?
How important is truth to you? What are you doing to ensure you remain in the truth?
How might your current direction in life be leading you out of God's will and into an inevitable fall?
Which description fits you: a life of faith or a life of unbelief?

The Denial (John 18:15-18, 25-27)
Without repentance there is no forgiveness.
How have you denied Jesus either by words or by silence?
Where are you right now in relation to God's will for your life?
If you are not in God's will, what do you need to do to change that?