The Beginning Of The End (Message 4)

Two Lessons for This Series:

Even in the last HOURS of His life before the cross, Jesus was INTENTIONAL about fulfilling His Father’s plan.

Although this is the beginning of the END of Jesus’ life, it is also the end of many OTHER things that are VERY important.

This Week’s Lesson

Jesus was under control and in control throughout the CHAOS of His arrest and Peter’s denials. Peter was controlled by FEAR. From the interactions between Jesus and Peter, we learn that FAITH brings an end to the CONTROL of fear.

I. Setting the Stage for the Drama

The Timeline. The two scenes take place under the cover of DARKNESS.

The Locations. In the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives and in the courtyard of Caiaphas’ House.

The Characters. Jesus is the MAIN character of the Passion drama. But, let’s get to know two other key figures - PETER and CAIAPHAS.

a. Peter - A FISHERMAN who was one of the first DISCIPLES chosen by Jesus. (Matthew 4:18)
• His given name was “SIMON.” Jesus gave him the name, “PETER” = “ROCK.” (Matthew 16:16,18)
• His personality was a mixed bag of apparent EXTREMES. Bold and CONFIDENT one moment. TIMID and weak the next.
• He became the LEADER for the Church and was MARTYRED for preaching, “JESUS IS LORD.”

b. Caiaphas - The Jewish HIGH PRIEST who served during the time of Christ’s ministry and death and beyond.
• Organized the plot to KILL Jesus.
• An ardent champion for the JEWISH people and their religion.
• An unwitting PROPHET of Jesus’ death. (John 11:49-52)

II. Scene 1 - At the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22: 47-53)

Why did Jesus come here? Jesus left the Upper Room taking PETER, James, and John with Him to the Mount of Olives/Garden of Gethsemane to pray a specific and INTENSELY personal prayer. (Luke 22:39-46)

What happened here? Judas arrived with a mob of soldiers who were charged to arrest Jesus. When the soldiers approached Jesus, a VIOLENT incident broke out. PETER sliced off the right ear of the high priest’s servant, Malchus. Jesus corrected the CHAOS. (John 18:10; Luke 22:50-53)

III. Scene 2 - In the Courtyard at Caiaphas’ House (Luke 22: 54-62)

Why was Jesus brought here? Before Jesus was brought to Caiaphas to be EXAMINED, He was examined by ANNAS, the High Priest’s father-in-law.

What happened here? Three people IDENTIFIED Peter as “one of Jesus’ followers.”

a. He distanced himself from Jesus with three DENIALS.
b. The ROOSTER crowed.
c. Jesus LOOKED at him and Peter left “CRYING bitterly.”

Here is where we make our CONNECTION with Peter. Both of his responses are consistent with how we are wired to respond in the face of a threat - FIGHT or FLIGHT.

IV. Peter’s Response in the Garden and the Courtyard - Fight or flight

In the Garden. Peter’s FIGHT instinct kicked in when Jesus was taken into custody.

a. He was PROTECTING Jesus.
b. When Jesus shouted, “No more of this!” the chaos STOPPED. Jesus’ didn’t come to overthrow rulers, but to overthrow the CONTROL of sin and death.

In the Courtyard. Peter’s FLIGHT instinct took off when he was identified as one of Jesus’ followers.
a. He was protecting HIMSELF.
b. His self-protective instincts, although understandable, show a lack of FAITH. But, it would GROW.
c. Peter (and John) would have his own day in front of Caiaphas. They were told to never “speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 4:18;19-20)

V. Some Thoughts about Protecting Christ and His Church

God created us as beings with EMOTIONS.

Don’t get PREOCCUPIED with protecting JESUS, especially with VIOLENCE.

Set apart Christ as Lord in your HEARTS and your FAITH will grow over time.
1 Peter 3:15-18 - “…in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. Keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

Traditional View of Holy Week

Sat
Palm Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Good Friday
Sat
Sabbath
Easter Sun

Rides into Jerusalem as king
Teach
Teach
Teach
Teach
& Last Supper
Tried and Crucified
In the Tomb
Risen

Sabbath

Day of Preparation
Pass-over

Another View of Holy Week

Sat
Palm Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Good Friday
Sat
Sabbath
Easter Sun

Rides into Jerusalem as king
Teach
Teach
Teach
& Last Supper
Tried and Crucified
In the Tomb
In the Tomb
In the Tomb
Appears to followers

Sabbath

Day of Preparation
Passover
Feast of Unleaved Bread
Rises after 6 p.m.

Walk The Talk

What was the most interesting part of this text and why?

What did you learn or remember?

Why is this the “end of the control of fear?”

What was your best thought or lesson from this study?

What is the Holy Spirit asking you to do or not do?