The Betrayal - a sermon teaser from Mar. 20

This morning’s text is the beginning of John’s Passion – it is the term used to describe the series of events that leads up to the crucifixion of Jesus. Of course, Mel Gibson’s version of the passion focused on the physical violence of Jesus’ death, as well other films.
We must point out, that the book is far better than the movie – on many counts. In fact, most of the information put into a visual clip is at best partial if not misleading. As Reformed minded believers, we know that for other reasons, a visual gospel can never do justice to the audible and written word. It is the Word that is inspired.
Our visual oriented culture might have difficulty grasping the power of this, but it is the Word which is blessed by God, and used to open hearts, where the Spirit works to bring new life. It is the Written Word of God that is God- breathed and powerful – “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Heb. 4:12
We also have four gospel accounts, each powerful and descriptive of the one event, each giving a glimpse and insight into the movement of Jesus towards the Cross. John gives us dramatic detail of the Garden arrest. Jesus and his disciples had crossed the Kidron Valley towards Jerusalem.
Like King David, who with his men had gone into exile, was now returning to claim his kingdom. “Now Judas, the betrayer, knew the place, because he had met with his disciples there often.” It was no accident that Jesus was there – it was a divine arrangement.
Judas did not come alone. He brought what must have been a large company of Temple servants and Roman soldiers – caring torches and weapons. The two groups who would later trump up charges in their respective courts were ready for a fight. They might have encountered armed resistance.
What John wrote next is powerful.
John 18:4 (ESV)
Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?"
You see, Jesus knew. He did not need to ask the question.
He already knew the answer, not because it was a good hunch, but he knew why Judas left the table. He knew what Satan put into his heart.
He knew the reason the High Priest sent the guards. He knew why the Pharisees conspired with the Sadducees. He knew why it was there in a garden that he was betrayed. It was because he knew his mission from before Adam and the rest of man betrayed the honor, the goodness and the love of God in the Garden of Eden.
This was why he was sent from the bosom of the Father – he was sent not to be loved, but to be rejected – to face the worst kind of rejection – betrayal - the kiss on the cheek that says with cruel hatred – I wish you dead.
And Jesus was still willing to enter the fray of betrayal and hatred – of men’s love for sin and rejection of all that is holy.
Jesus always knew his destiny - He left the bosom of the Father – the glory of heaven – as God in the flesh to enter our world of sin - he went willingly.