FBC Daily Devotions

Read John 18:28-40.

As I was reading through this passage, a number of random observations came to mind. It is ironic that:

1. A leader of a Gentile nation (Pilate) is more honest in his judgment of Jesus than the Jewish leaders. How pride and wreckless determination can create so much blindness!
2. The Jewish leaders needed to use Gentile law to rid themselves of Jesus. If the Jews thought so lowly of the Gentiles, how much lower did they stoop to kill Jesus?
3. One man held the destiny of the other in his hands. Who held whose?

There is a lot going on here. The interaction of the different people make for a very interesting story. Pilate pressured by the Jews; Jesus knowing the certainty of His death; the disciples nowhere to be found; the crowds angered and disappointed in Jesus. Yet in each of these people(s), there is a little bit of us to be found. Who hasn’t felt the pressure to act against Jesus? Who hasn’t felt the fear of being associated with Jesus? Take some time today to consider how you can relate to the people in this situation, and then remember that Jesus died for you and for the people in this dramatic story.

Read John 18:12-27.

This passage actually contains two intertwined stories. There is the story of what is happening inside and what is happening outside. Jesus and His disciple (most agree it is John) are on the inside facing the high priest, Annas. Peter is outside warming himself over a fire waiting from a short distance to see what would happen to Jesus. Two disciples with two different responses to Jesus’ arrest and unknown future.

John was known by the high priest. How could he run and hide? He was identifiable. Peter was unfamiliar. He could hide among the people and watch from the sidelines. John perhaps wants the support of a fellow disciple so he talks to the doorkeeper to let Peter in (v. 16). Peter responds with a denial of knowing Jesus, leaving to suffer alone with Jesus.

Two disciples. One alone with Jesus; the other alone without Jesus. Where would you rather be?

This week we remember the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. It was perhaps the longest week of Jesus’ life and the most dramatic in terms of extreme. Beginning the week, He was lauded as the Savior of the nation, and mere days later, crucified as a criminal. Truly, the week tested Jesus and found Him to be pure, holy, and true. The week also tested His closest friends, the disciples.

As we reflect on Jesus’ week, let it be your own week as well. Put yourself into the sandals of one of the disciples. Transport yourself back in time and imagine you were there… because you were.

We will be reading John’s account of Jesus’ last day with the disciples prior to His death. As a sidenote, Lyanne and I are out of of town until Wednesday, and so the devotions this week will rely heavily on your reading and meditating on the Scriptures. From time to time, my schedule does not always allow me to devote the time I would like to these devotions, but I am confident that the Holy Spirit will work through your efforts of spending time with Him and His Word.

Today, please read John 18:1-11, Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. As you read this passage, reflect on what might be the thoughts of Judas in that moment. Reflect on Jesus, who knew this was coming. Spend time praying that God would open your eyes to the relevance of this passage in your life.

Thinking back over Sunday’s message, what are some things that you could apply this week to your life? Pray that God would guide your decisions and steps.

REVIEW

Looking back over the week, what are some of the things God impressed upon you? Take some time today and pray that God would help you make any needed changes in your life a reality.