Bent Oak Church

Arrested, Jesus was taken before Annas and Ciaphas. They were looking for anything that would allow them to request his execution by Rome. Jesus demonstrated that his work was not like theirs: manipulative, secret, and politically motivated. As Jesus gave his defense, outside Peter was denying him. We take a closer look at these men, their motives, and how Christ rises above it all.

Having concluded his last meal with his disciples, Jesus moved out of Jerusalem and onto the Mount of Olives to pray. John tells us he knew what was ahead. John also tells us that Jesus turned and step forward to meet it. Jesus would not run or fight, but as he told Peter, he would take the cup God was handing him. 

Jesus concluded his longest discussion with the disciples with a prayer. He prayed for them knowing that he was just moments from being arrested and put to death. But Jesus's prayer was for more than just those disciples, he prayed for all believers who would believe. He prayed, knowing that they would face a hostile world but that God would make them sanctified by his word. 

Jesus concluded his upper room discourse with the promise that the Spirit of truth would help them overcome the world and receive peace and joy this world could not take from them. Jesus's followers would suffer, face persecution, and even be put to death, but in all things, they shared in his power to overcome this world. The same offer is made to us as well.

Jesus continued to encourage his disciples not to let their hearts grow weary. He did so by turning to a well-known Old Testament image, the vine. Jesus encouraged his followers to abide in Him, as the branches hold fast to the vine.

Jesus had instructed his fearful disciples not to let their hearts be troubled. He had given them reminders of why they could have hope even as they faced loss. But Jesus gave them far more than advice. Jesus promised that there was a helper who would soon come to their aid. He promised them the Holy Spirit. In this week's sermon, we take a look at the identity and work of the Holy Spirit in their lives and in ours. 

Jesus had informed his disciples that he was preparing to leave them and that where he was going they would not be able to go. After sacrificing so much to follow Jesus, the disciples struggled to accept or understand what Jesus was doing. Unnerved by his prediction, they were missing Jesus's point.Jesus instructed them not to let their hearts grow troubled. But he also gave them images to help do that work. In this week's message we take a look at Jesus's command and those images. 

Having concluded his public ministry, Jesus turned his attention to his closest followers. He gathered his disciples for a meal, knowing that this arrest was imminent. There was so much they must have had on their minds and wanted to discuss. But as they ate, Jesus got up and began to wash their feet.John offers us two ways of responding to Jesus's action, Judas and Peter. By their reactions, we come to recognize how difficult it can be to receive what we too are being offered.

Jesus concluded his public ministry by explaining that now was not the moment of judgment but salvation, but he also warned that the truth he had given them would one day judge them. They had seen his miracles and heard his teaching. Many believed, but there were many who, knowing who he was, still would not follow. John tells us they loved the glory that comes from men more than the glory that comes from God. 

Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds showing save the king. His disciples must have felt overwhelmed by this public show of support. If ever there was a moment of glory surely it was this. But Jesus spoke of a different glory to come, a glory that could only be shown by his death.Jesus teaches us to reconsider what glory means and why God's promise to glorify himself is so important to the way we measure things in this world.