Bible Study - Seeker's Group -March 1st, 2002
John Chap.18
Questions
1. How would you respond if a group of people falsely accused you of a
crime and even called the police to arrest you?
Our group answers:
a.Runaway
b.Countercharge them
c.Wait for Justice
d.Ask if I am wrong indeed
Some reactions we may have: a.Weep b.Anger
2. What are Jesus's answers? and What are the reaction of the soldiers?
18:4 Then Jesus, having knowledge of everything which was coming on him,
went forward and said to them, Who are you looking for?
18:5 Their answer was, Jesus the Nazarene. Jesus said, I
am he. And Judas,
who was false to him, was there at their side.
18:6 And when he said to them, I am he, they went back, falling to the earth.
Because Jesus is speaking the truth, and his words are power. When we think "What is truth?" -one aspect is that truth never changes. Think how many times we wouldn't identify ourselves in the face of trials, and our Dear Lord , always keeps His way of love and truth, even to this day.
3. Was Peter right in his effort to help Jesus out (V.10-11)? Why?
Our interesting response: Peter is [animal courage;reckless courage;foolhardiness] (Translated from 匹夫之勇), it is foolish not to run in the face of 600 soldiers that are looking for you
A careful look at these verses:
John 13:36 Simon Peter said to him, Lord, where are you going? Jesus
said in answer, Where I am going you may not come with me now, but you will
come later.
13:37 Peter said to him, Why may I not come with you even now? I will give
up my life for you.
- Peter really loves Jesus in our human terms!
More verses:
John 21:15 Then when they had taken food, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon,
son of John, is your love for me greater than the love of these others? He said
to him, Yes, Lord; you are certain of my love for you. He said to him,
Then give my lambs food.
21:16 Again, a second time, he said to him, Simon, son of John, have you any
love for me? Yes, Lord, he said, you are certain of my love for you.
Then take care of my sheep, said Jesus.
21:17 He said to him a third time, Simon, son of John, am I dear to you?
Now Peter was troubled in his heart because he put the question a third time,
Am I dear to you? And he said to him, Lord, you have knowledge of all things;
you see that you are dear to me. Jesus said to him, Then give my sheep food
- We can see how deep is the love between Peter and Jesus!!!
Our conclusion at this point: Peter is doing the right thing because of love.
4. What were Peter's answers when people asked if he was a disciple? What was his idea before this trial? What are the contrasts between Peter and Jesus?
Peter denies for 3 times, greatly contrast to John 13:37
Why Peter denied out Lord for 3 times?
our answers:
a. love himself, it is human nature
b. because Jesus is not at his presence, and Jesus is his source of courage at in v.18:10
What are the contrasts between Jesus and Peter?
Jesus: Peaceful,Stable,full of love,truth, no darkness(v.18:22-23)
Peter: fear,unfaithful(v.18:17,25,27)
Think: when you love someone, can you love more
than Peter? Can we keep our promise?
Wenquan's responses: Many times, it was impossible to
keep promises
-Why? Because our love is of human, and flesh.
But, Praise God, His love conquers!
5. v 33-38 Did Jesus really answer Pilate's question, "Are you a king then?" -Please think about the definition of King
Pilate was tempting Jesus, - if Jesus said "I am the king", the Pilate
can put him to death, because it is against the Roman authorities in Israel;
on the other hand, if Jesus said no, it is not of the truth.
What is the definition of king?
Our Conclusion: He reigns, he has the power, spiritual power/physical power
Is Jesus King then? Is this world his Kingdom? Where is his kingdom then? Whose
kingdom is it of this world?
Jesus is the Light, He has all the power heaven and earth. But this world is
not his kingdom, sin reigns this world after one man has sinned.But Praise God,
Jesus is the Light of this world, all the people that believe in Him get the
Light, the Light of truth, life and love.
6. How will this study change the way when you face a time of testing in your own life?
-we can not depend on our human flesh and love, as Peter did; our only way is to believe in Him, trust and obey.