Outsiders: Jesus at the Center

2017-03-26 
Charles Billingsley 

Today we begin a 4 week sermon series called “OUTSIDERS.”  In this series we will take a look at the heart and the mindset of 4 different characters in scripture who had a front row seat to the events of the Passion week and even played significant roles in the crucifixion narrative.  None of these characters were followers of Christ, but each one of them encountered Him directly, and each one was impacted by the grace of our Lord.  We will reach a finale to this series on Easter Morning as we examine the response of the Roman centurion at the foot of the cross.  This week we begin in the Garden of Gethsemane, where, after three agonizing hours of prayer, Jesus is confronted and arrested by a small army led by His betrayer, Judas.  But, Judas is not in charge of this mission.  The man in charge is named Malchus, the servant of the High Priest.  Malchus has been commissioned to bring Jesus in for trial and execution.  He’s just there to do His job…but ends up face to face with grace.

Scripture memory verse:
John 3:17 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

John 18:1-11

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”

5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?”

And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”

10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”

1. The Power of Jesus is Undeniable

2. The Love of Jesus is Unconditional

3. The Grace of Jesus is Indescribable