THE KING’S BUSINESS
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(cf. Matthew 26:63-66; Mark 14:61, 62; Luke 22:67-70) ; Political (before Herod and Pilate), the charge being insurrection, claiming to be the K ing-of the Jews (Mat thew 27 :11; Mark 15:2; Luke 23 :l-3 ). Thus we learn who was crucified and why. 2. Jequs before Pilate, 18:28-19:18. ' The charge before Pilate was that of insurrection, rebellion,.revolution—the claim to be King o f the Jews (18:33, 37, 39; 19:12, 14, 15). The study o f Pilate as a typical character is interesting and instruc tive. Some day the picture will be reversed and it- will be Pilate before Christ. Jesus and Barábbas—A wonderful lesson in the doctrine o f substitution! Peter’s denial (18:15-18, 25-27) will be considered in connection, with chapter 21. III. The Execution and Burial of Jesus, 19:16-42. The death o f Jesus is a fulfilment of Scripture (19:24, 28, 36, 37; cf. Psalm 22;- Isaiah 53; Zechariah 12:10). 1. The Crucifixion, 19:17-22. How different are the modern views from the scriptural view o f fhe death of Christ! The Scriptural Definition of the Death of Christ. The Scriptures set forth the death oí Jesus Christ in a fourfold w ay: First. As a ransom (Matthew 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18'; 1 Timothy 2 :6 ; Galatians 3:13). The meaning o f a ransom is clearly set forth in-Leviticus 25:47-49: To deliver a thing or person by paying a price; to buy back a person or thing by paying the price for which it is held in captivity. So sin is like a slave market in which sinners are “sold under sin” (Romans 7 :1 4 ); souls are under sentence o f death (Ezekiel 18:4). Christ, by His death, buys'sinners out o f the market, thereby indicating complete deliverance from the service o f sin. He looses the bonds, sets the prisoners free, by paying a price—that price being His own precious blood. To whom this ransom is paid is a debat able question: whether to Satan for his captives, or to eternal and necessary holi ness,-to the divine law, to the claims o f
disciples by Christ (vv. 8, 14), received by believers (v., 8), believed (v. 8), kept (v. 6), is truth (v. 17), the means o f sanctifica tion (v. 17), the means o f salvation (v. 20). C. THE CLIMAX AND TRIUMPH OF UNBELIEF — THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS CHRIST, 18:1-19:42. Glorification through the cross. The self-manifestation o f Jesus Christ as -the suffering Saviour. I. The Arrest of Jesus, 18:1-12. This significant event occurred after prayer. Most o f the great events o f Jesus’ life are' associated with special seasons of prayer (cf. Luke 3:21; 6:12; 9:29; 22:44; 23:34; Hebrews 5:7 ). What a contrast between Jesus and the disciples who slept instead o f praying (Matthew 26:36-46) and who consequently failed in their duty. For a full account o f what took place in the garden compare Matthew 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-52; Luke 22:39-53. Jesus surren dered Himself up to death voluntarily (18:4; cf. 10:17, 18); His hour had come. He could have delivered Himself from the hands o f His enemies had He chosen to (cf. Matthew 26:53, 54; Luke 4:29, 30; John 7:44-46). What a wonderful per sonality and dignity Christ must have had, judging by the effect o f his conduct on the soldiers (18:5, 6). How tenderly Christ protected His dis ciples. Do we ask why? The answer is twofold: (10.:27-29; 17:12; and 1 Corin thians 10:13). Peter’s impetuosity affords Christ the opportunity o f teaching that His kingdom is not to be inaugurated by force (2 Cor inthians 10:4). II. The Trial of Jesus, 18:13-19:16. For a complete account o f the trial of Jesus compare the parallel accounts (Mat thew 26:57-27:28; Mark 14:53-15:19; Luke 22:54-23:25)/ 1. Jesus before the High Priest, 18:13, 14, 19-24. Here are two trials': Religious (before Annas and Caiaphas), the charge being blasphemy, claiming to be the Son o f God
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