Rev. Richard A. Bolland
Unit 1: The Woman at the Well
Unit 2: Nicodemus
Unit 3: The Pharisees
Unit 4: Peter
Unit 5: Jesus Encounters the Demoniac
Unit 6: Jesus Encounters Pontius Pilate
Encounters with Christ
Rev. Richard A. Bolland
Unit # 1: The Woman At the Well (John 4:1-42)
I. THE BEGINNING OF A PARALLEL TALE:
A. What happens between Jesus and the woman at Jacob's well.
B. What happens between the twelve and the people of Sychar.
II. JESUS DECIDES TO RETURN TO GALILEE VIA THE SAMARITAN GHETTO: (John 4:1-5)
A. Jesus has been driving the local Judean Pharisee crazy with his success.
1. Not only was John the Baptist gaining followers, but Jesus was gaining even more. (See John 3:22-36)
2. Things seemed to be getting out of control from the Pharisee's point of view. Why?
3. Why is it so important for us to maintain control in our lives? In finances? In career? In family? In Church?
4. Wasn't control the issue in the Garden of Eden? Control of what?
B. Jesus travels to Galilee via Samaria.
1. What was the customary trail taken by Jews to get from Judea to Galilee or Capernaum?
2. South side of Chicago Syndrome...Have you ever been there?
a. What reception would you expect?
b. Could there be danger?
c. Are there people with whom you'd rather not associate? Why?
3. Samarians:
a. A mixed-blood race resulting from the intermarriage of Israelites left behind when the people of the northern kingdom were exiled and Gentiles brought into the land by the Assyrians.
b. A bitter hostility existed between Jews and Samaritans in Jesus' day.
c. Their theology was also a "half-breed" theology from the Jews point of view and was quite similar to that of the Sadducees:
1.) Accepted only the Pentateuch.
2.) Shared an expectation of a coming Messiah
4. Why is it that we frequently save our greatest hatred for those closest to us?
5. Why was it necessary for Jesus to pass through Samaria?
III. PARALLEL CONFRONTATIONS BETWEEN JEW AND SAMARITAN. (John 4:7-8)
A. Jesus confronts the unnamed woman at Joseph's Well.
B. The Twelve confront the Samaritans in the town of Sychar.
IV. THE ENCOUNTER WITH THE WOMAN AT JOSEPH'S WELL. (John 4:9-26)
A. A Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well:
1. In the hot Middle East, the time to go to the well is in the cool of the day - the morning and the evening, not the heat of the day.
2. Why is the woman here at noon, (the sixth hour)? What are the possibilities?
a. Water drawing is a communal sport in the Samaritan & Jewish culture of the time.
b. A place to gather with friends, share the local gossip.
c. It was probably better than "Sally Jesse Raphael".
d. Why would someone want to avoid the main social event of the day?
e. Fact: This woman is a disreputable woman cast out by her society and could be considered a prostitute.
B. How does Jesus react to her?
1. He _______________ with her.
2. Two social taboos have just been broken:
a. Men don't speak with women in that society unless they are married or family, but never in public and especially, unescorted.
b. Jews don't speak with Samaritans.
3. Jesus engages her in a spiritual conversation using a drink of water as a starting point:
a. "Will you give me a drink?" - Jesus
b. Please notice: Jesus didn't start by asking her if she was saved...but He'll get there. Subtlety is a virtue!
c. It was known by the Samaritans that the Jews believed that if they used a drinking vessel handled by a Samaritan that they would become ceremonially unclean since all Samaritans were considered unclean.
d. Is there any hint that Jesus is participating in the prejudice of the Jews against the Samaritans?
C. How does the woman respond to Jesus?
1. In verse 9, what emotions do you detect?
2. Mostly, at this point, she seems puzzled by this man.
D. Jesus gives her time to converse before getting to more serious matters.
1. What is the single most pressing moral issue for this woman?
2. What issue is of greater importance which has direct connections to the first issue?
E. Jesus "ups" the spiritual ante: "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
1. He announces that He is somebody special, peaking her curiosity.
2. He indicates that He has a mysterious and amazing gift for her...Living Water.
F. The woman seems unsure of the agenda of this discussion or of the intentions of Jesus.
1. Is there possible sarcasm in her response to Jesus?
2. If she is suffering under the misconception that Jesus is a potential "customer", Jesus quickly brings up the issue to quell it.
G. First Jesus tries to clarify that He is interested in speaking about spiritual matters in verses 13-14.
1. Never thirsting again is a wonderful concept, especially in a desert country like Israel.
2. Now Jesus raises the issue of eternal life.
H. Does the woman get it yet? Does she understand clearly that Jesus wants to speak of spiritual matters?
1. What problem does she think Jesus could solve for her if He were to grant her this gift? (v. 15)
2. Now Jesus seeks to clarify further His intentions by telling her to "...call your husband and come back."
3. She replies, "I have no husband." She may be telling a potential "customer" that she is available, so Jesus now leaves no doubt concerning His intentions and brings up her major moral problem.
I Jesus uses His omniscience, (a divine attribute), to tell the woman about her own, messed-up life. (vv. 17-18)
1. Nothing but the truth about the Law will bring a person in readiness for the Gospel...Guilt must be admitted.
2. There is no more confusion on her part regarding the intentions of Christ.
3. Jewish law held that a woman might be divorced twice or at the most three times. If the Samaritans had the same standard, the woman's life had been exceedingly immoral and apparently she had not married her present partner or was engaged in the "business" of prostitution.
J. The woman quickly attempts to change the subject to an on-going religious debate between Jews and Samaritans...Where is the proper place to worship.
1. Has any one ever used this particular tactic when our sins have been exposed?
2. Jesus doesn't dodge the question, even though it's off the subject and uses it to get back on the subject later.
a. Mount Gerizim was the probable site on which both Jacob and Abraham had built altars to God and according to the Samaritan scriptures, it was also the site on which Moses had commanded that an altar be built and therefore, it was considered an appropriate, if not the only place for the Samaritans to worship God.
b. The Jews insisted, (quite correctly), that the temple in Jerusalem was the proper place of worship. Part of the problem here is the Samaritan rejection of the writing of the Prophets beyond the Pentateuch.
c. Jesus refers to this when He says, (v. 22), "You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews." Does this sound "politically correct"?
1.) Loving people requires that the truth be spoken clearly and kindly.
2.). Many want the LCMS to "water down" the truth of the Scriptures so as not to exclude anyone or offend anyone but the truth is not negotiable either for Christ or for us.
3.) Jesus lays the issue to rest by noting that the place of worship will become irrelevant in the future. (v. 23-24)
4.) What is necessary is that the true worship of God must be in keeping with God's nature...He is a non-confinable spirit.
d. There is a direct connection between Christ and the truth. (John 14:6) This is essential to proper Christian worship.
e. One last attempt to evade the issue of the woman's "husband" problem is made: By her statement concerning the Messiah she walks into Jesus's velvet trap.
K. Jesus makes the first announcement of His Messiah status in the New Testament to this woman of disrepute: (v. 26)
1. What comfort can we find in this action of Christ?
2. Why didn't Jesus go to Jerusalem and make a grant announcement to the religious authorities?
3. How does his announcement take the wind out of this woman's attempt to avoid her moral dilemma?
V. WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON WITH THE DISCIPLES WHILE ALL THIS WAS HAPPENING AT JACOB'S WELL?
A. What purpose did the Twelve have for going into town?
1. How do you suppose they felt about this task?
2. How do you suppose they were received?
B. Here too a confrontation between Jew and Samaritan was happening:
1. What would your reaction be to twelve black men going from shop to shop in downtown Pagosa Springs?
2. What would the reaction be to twelve white policemen strolling around in a Puerto Rican neighborhood?
3. Human reactions have not changed because of time and space.
C. What was the opportunity of the Twelve?
1. Instead of looking only for food, couldn't they have used their Lord's example: "Do you have any bread?...Let me tell you about a man out at the well who is the bread of life."
2. Do we as individuals or as a church seek every opportunity to use our daily situations to speak a message of hope to the lost? Why? Why not?
3. Can't you just imagine how the Twelve approached their task of obtaining food: "We want some bread." they said to the baker who may have responded, "What would Jews want to buy bread from Samaritans for?". To which the Twelve may have replied, "Just shut-up and give us some bread, half-breed."
D. The Twelve are surprised to find Jesus talking with a Samaritan woman.
1. Jesus had broken the cultural taboo, but apparently they hadn't.
2. They might even have been embarrassed by Jesus' behavior, but didn't say anything.
3. Jesus had broken cultural barriers to convey the Gospel!
4. What it the only time this had happened? Can you think of others?
5. If the Twelve had obtained bread in an unChristian way, it would be no surprise that Jesus reject the offer of food from them. (vv. 31-32)
6. Jesus instructs the twelve that His food is to do the will of the Father. This is said in such a way as almost to imply that they had not done the will of the Father when they were in town.
E. Jesus redefines the mission field for His ministry:
1. The Jews in general and the twelve specifically believed that the mission field for the Messiah was to be the Jewish people and nation.
2. Who does Jesus say is included in the mission field?
3. If, even the Samaritans are included, then who else?
F. Jesus now talks about the Samaritan woman as the one who is reaping the harvest in Sychar:
1. What has she been doing since the twelve returned with the food?
2. What gave her message about the man at the well credibility?
3. She has been doing what the twelve should have been doing.
G. What is the result of the woman's testimony? (v. 30 & v. 39-42)
VI. WHAT LESSONS ARE GIVEN US IN THIS ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST?
A. Not even the Lord Himself would refrain from speaking about spiritual things with any person regardless of their station in life.
B. No one can witness to the faith who sees him/herself as superior in any way to those who are the audience.
C. A faithful witness does not compromise the truth, but speaks it kindly and winsomely.
D. Every disciple is called to touch the lives with which we come in contact in the normal day-to-day activities of life. We all have that ability because the Spirit of God is in us, will lead us, and speak through us.
E. God's Gospel cannot be confined to a nation, culture or race. It is for all people because all people are treasured by Christ.
Encounters with Christ
Rev. Richard A. Bolland
UNIT # 2 NICODEMUS
I. THE JEWISH SECTS:
A. The Pharisees:
1. Along with the Torah, they accepted as equally inspired and authoritative all material contained within the oral tradition, (the Prophets).
2. On free will and determination, they held to a mediating view that made it impossible for either free will or the sovereignty of God to cancel out the other.
3. They accepted a rather developed hierarchy of angels and demons.
4. They taught that there was a future for the dead.
5. They were champions of human equality.
6. The emphasis of their teaching was ethical rather than theological. Proper conduct was the key to life now and in the life to come.
7. There roots came from an anti-Hellenistic movement of the second century BC which reacted against the adoption of Greek customs among the people of Israel by promoting a strict adherence to the Mosaic Law.
B. The Sadducees:
1. The accepted only the Pentateuch or Mosaic law as authoritative and denied that the oral teachings were authoritative or binding.
2. They interpreted the Mosaic law more literally than did the Pharisees.
3. They were very exacting in Levitical purity.
4. They attributed every spiritual decision to free will.
5. They argued there is neither resurrection of the dead nor a future life.
6. They rejected a belief in angels and demons.
7. They rejected the idea of a spiritual world.
8. They probably originated during the Hasmonean period (166 -63 B.C.) and they met their demise with the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
C. The Essenes:
1. They followed a strict observance of the purity laws of the Torah.
2. They were notable for their communal ownership of property.
3. They had a strong sense of mutual responsibility.
4. Daily worship was an important feature along with a daily study of their sacred scriptures.
5. Solemn oaths of piety and obedience had to be taken.
6. Sacrifices were offered on holy days and during sacred seasons.
7. Marriage was not condemned in principle but was avoided.
8. They attributed all that happened to fate.
9. Their beginnings can be traced to the same period as the Pharisees from whom they separated (Maccabees 2:42; 7:13). They were very strict and zealous Jews who took part with the Maccabeans in a revolt against the Syrians, c. 165-155 B.C.
D. The Zealots:
1. They opposed payment of tribute for taxes to a pagan emperor, saying that allegiance was due only to God.
2. They held a fierce loyalty to the Jewish traditions.
3. They were opposed to the use of the Greek language in Palestine.
4. They prophesied the coming of the time of salvation.
5. The originated during the time of Herod the Great c. 6 B.C. and ceased to exist in A.D. 73 at Masada due to mass suicide rather than surrender to the Romans.
II. NICODEMUS.
A. A Pharisee
B. A member of the Council of the Sanhedrin.
C. He appears only in the Gospel of John.
III. THE NIGHTTIME MEETING WITH JESUS: (John 3:1-2)
A. Why do you suppose Nicodemus sought out Jesus after dark?
B. What is there in Nicodemus' words that indicates that, unlike his fellow Pharisees, he grants Jesus divine credibility?
1. Have you ever had to take an unpopular stand among your peers?
2. What risk(s) was Nicodemus taking?
C. Nicodemus states the obvious: Jesus performed miraculous signs, therefore, He is from God.
1. Why didn't his fellow Pharisees figure this out?
2. What's the difference between Nicodemus and the others?
3. Have you ever refused to believe the obvious or seen other who have? What examples can you think of?
4. What does divine power always accomplish?
IV. JESUS SURPRISES NICODEMUS AND SHATTERS AN ERRANT CONCEPT: (John 3:3-9)
A. As a good Pharisee, what was Nicodemus' hope for the life to come?
B. That Nicodemus was a sincere "seeker" after spiritual truth is reflected in the response of Jesus to Nicodemus' opening statement in verse 3.
1. What does this seemingly "right angle turn" in the conversation do for Nicodemus?
2. What are some of the ways that Jesus does the same thing for us?
C. NOTE: In the Greek the phrase gennhqh anvqen is more literally translated: "born from above" which has a similar, but quite different meaning than "born again".
D. Who is the "we" in verse 2? (Mark 15:43)
E. What is Nicodemus' reaction to Jesus' statement? (v.4)
1. Do you detect surprise? Shock? Disbelief? Incredulity? Wounded pride?
2. Does Nicodemus "get it"?
F. Jesus, as the Master Teacher, having gotten His student's attention, now begins to clarify His statement on a theologian's level.
1. Pharisees are learned men and Jesus is willing to address people where ever they are in their station in life.
2. Is there a lesson here for the Church? What is it?
3. In what way is Jesus' response "custom designed" for a seeker who is depending on his own behavior for his salvation?
4. In verses 3, Jesus proposes the impossible. Why?
5. In verses 5-8, Jesus begins with "amhn, amhn" "truly, truly I say to you..."
a. What follows is of supreme importance.
b. Salvation or to, "enter the kingdom of God..." occurs from forces outside of one's self...Born of water (Baptism) and of the Spirit, (never separated from water baptism).
c. This is a spiritual re-birth that is an act of God, not man!
d. Please note the confirmation that Baptism brings rebirth...It is not merely a symbol, nor is it an act of man.
e. Here too, the sovereignty of God in eternal election is underlined in verse 8...God saves those of His choosing and does not coerce anyone into the kingdom of God.
f. We must be made into spiritual beings if we are to be citizens of a spiritual kingdom...This is a work external to us.
V. FACED WITH AN IMPOSSIBLE SITUATION, NICODEMUS ASKS, "HOW CAN THIS BE?" AND JESUS MAKES THE SOLUTION CRYSTAL CLEAR:
A. Nicodemus' question is about as honest as we humans can get when faced with the incomprehensible grace of God.
1. Suddenly, every preconception, theological solution and customary practice Nicodemus has ever know has been torn from under his spiritual "feet".
2. His question, then, is most appropriate! Nicodemus is asking of the manner of the new birth from above...What is the way which leads to its ownership or possession.
B. Nicodemus is revealing his real ignorance of the many prophesies and passages that begin in Genesis concerning salvation by grace, hence, Jesus says in verse 10: "You are Israel's teacher...and do you not understand these things?"
1. God has not kept His plan of salvation a secret in the Old Testament writings.
2. God has one and only one plan.
3. God expects us to learn about Him and to retain what we have learned!
C. Spiritual truth is spiritually discerned. (vv. 11-12)
1. Those who are unspiritual cannot understand nor comprehend the grace of God.
2. Becoming a spiritual person is the exclusive work of God in Christ. (vv. 13-15)
3. This spirituality is a free gift apprehended by the gift of faith.
D. God's love is the compelling motivation for God taking action on our behalf. (v. 16)
1. "God so loved..." = the greatest love.
2. "the world..." = the greatest object of love.
3. "that he gave his only begotten Son..." = the greatest gift.
4. "that whoever..." = the greatest number.
5. "believes in him..." = the greatest simplicity.
6. "shall not perish..." = the greatest rescue.
7. "but have eternal life." = the greatest life.
E. Jesus' purpose in His coming was to save us! (v. 17)
F. Jesus and a person's relationship with Jesus is the one true division of all humanity.
G. Such faith produces fruit in keeping with the light of life, Jesus Christ!
VI. THE AFTERMATH: What Ever happened to Nicodemus?
A. We do not see Nicodemus' response to this incredible oration of God's grace in Christ, but we do see the results of this faith.
B. John 7:50 - Nicodemus stands up for Jesus before the Sanhedrin.
C. John 19:39 - Two believers care for the body of Jesus Christ.
Encounters with Christ
Rev. Richard A. Bolland
Unit # 3: The Pharisees
I. THE QUANDARY OF CONFRONTATION:
A. The Bible tells us that as brothers and sisters in Christ we are to be, "...speaking the truth in love." (Ephesians 4:15)
1. When does such "truth speaking" become painful? With a fellow congregation member? With a friend? With a family member?
2. Define what speaking the truth in love is like?
B. One of the single most difficult decisions we make is when love must take the form of confrontation.
1. Confrontation can be done in a kindly way. (John 3:1 ff.)
2. What would prompt us to be more direct in our challenge?
C. When did Jesus never stop to be kind with respect to confrontation?
1. Matthew 8:28-33
2. Mark 1:23-46
3. Mark 16:9
D. Do you see a pattern here? What is it?
III. JESUS CONFRONTS THE PHARISEES ON THE TEMPLE GROUNDS: (John 8:12-47)
A. This passage takes place when Jesus makes His final visit to Jerusalem.
1. He has already been specifically targeted by the Sanhedrin for death.
2. The Pharisees have been dogging Jesus' steps constantly attempting to trap or discredit Him.
3. This conversation occurs immediately after the woman caught in adultery is brought by the Pharisees for Jesus to condemn. (John 8:3-11)
B. Once again, the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees come to Jesus to question His credentials: (vv. 12-13)
1. Jesus makes a true claim, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
2. The Pharisees challenge Jesus' statement on the basis, not of the content of His statement, but on the grounds that He has no corroborating witnesses and therefore, His testimony is not valid.
a. They were claiming that Jesus' testimony had no authority in itself.
1.) Here is God in the flesh and the men confronting Him have the gall to tell Him that what He says is invalid.
2.) This Jesus is the same who, with the Father, said, "Let there be light."
b. The Pharisees are using a passage in Deuteronomy 17:6 & 19:15 as a way of discounting the Christ.
1.) Deut. 17:6 - Speaks of a man accused of idolatry in Israel who should be put to death by stoning, but not without an investigation supported by two or three witnesses.
2.) Deut. 19:15 - Is a more general statement that no one who commits any crime should be judged as guilty unless there is a testimony of two or three witnesses.
c. Has any criminal charge been laid against Jesus? (John 7:32, 45)
1.) In the light of this arrest warrant having been issued is this demand for witnesses a valid one?
2.) What is the proper forum for the bring forth of witnesses?
C. Jesus responds to the accusations:
1. Jesus answers the charges in two ways:
a. First, what He says is true because of who He is! (v. 14)-
b. Their problem is, they (the Pharisees) don't have a clue who they are or where they are coming from or where they are going! (v. 14)
c. Secondly, what He says is true because He does have a witness... the Father who always stands with Him...Want anyone more credible than that?
2. On the basis of the Deuteronomic Law, Jesus is still uncondemned. Basically, Jesus is pointing out that they are unfit to ask the question, let alone make an accusation that things are being done improperly.
D. Proving once again that they did not listen to Jesus the Pharisees ask Him, "Where is your father?"
1. Jesus properly identifies the Pharisees by telling them the truth about them- selves: "You do not know me or my Father." (v. 19)
2. Old Saw: There is no one more blind than he who will not see.
a. The Pharisees are hearing Jesus words, but not hearing.
b. They are seeing Jesus miracles, but not seeing.
c. They have read the prophesies concerning the Messiah, but will not recognize their fulfillment in spite of their exact fulfillment.
d. They are even given a personal audience with the Messiah and they condemn Him.
e. They are self-defined unbelievers by their words and by their actions.
3. Verses 20-22 confirm their inability to understand what is going on.
a. Jesus still attempts to tell them the truth: "You are from below; I am from above. You are of the world; I am not of this world." (v. 23)- Unbelief cannot comprehend spiritual things.
b. Jesus still attempts to clarify their status for them: "I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." (v. 24)
4. The Pharisees still don't get it! "Who are you?", they ask. (v. 25)
5. Jesus is beginning to get real exasperated, "Just what I have been claiming all along...I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him I tell the world."
D. Still, the Pharisees underline the truth of what Jesus is saying when the passage says, "They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father..."
1. Verses 28 - 30, outline Jesus' relationship to the Father...AGAIN!
2. Verse 30 speaks of many putting their faith in Jesus:
a. Is there more than one thing to believe about Jesus?
b. Verse 31 describes the "Jews who had believed him." In what sense?
IV. JESUS ATTEMPTS TO TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT SAVES A PERSON. (John 8:31-58)
A. Have you ever noticed that some of the finest things that Jesus said were addressed to unbelievers?
1. Nicodemus heard John 3:16.
2. The unbelieving Pharisees heard Jesus say, "I am the light of the world".
3. Here the same unbelieving crowd hears, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (v. 31-32)
B. Indignantly the Jews insist that they are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves to anyone." Really?
1. Not to the Egyptians?
2. Not to the Babylonians?
3. Not to the Romans?
C. Now Jesus points to their greatest slavery...the slavery to sin. (vv. 34-38)
1. You are slaves to sin, the question is who can free you?
2. Only the Son, not a fellow slave, can free you. (v. 35-36)
3. Unbelief always seeks to kill Jesus.
4. Who is, "...your father" in verse 38?
D. Doing what your father does. (vv. 39-47)
1. OK, so you claim that Abraham is your father, then why don't you do what Abraham did?
a. Abraham believed God.
b. Abraham listened to God when He spoke.
c. Abraham did the deeds of God in obedience to His will.
d. Abraham was righteous because of his faith in the coming Messiah.
2. What did the Pharisees do?
a. They disbelieved God even when He spoke to them face to face.
b. They refused to listen to Him when He spoke.
c. They did not do the deeds of God in disobedience to His will.
d. They believed in their salvation by virtue of their genetic connection to Abraham...They were saved because of who they were.
3. OK, so who is the father of the Pharisees? Whose deeds are they doing?
a. They sought to murder Christ.
b. They were liars.
c. They made false claims against the Christ:
1.) You are possessed by a Demon.
2.) You cast out demons by the power of Beelzebub.
3.) You are a Samaritan.
4.) You have broken the Sabbath Laws.
5.) You are not the Christ.
4. Jesus clarifies who their father is:
a. Jesus tells the truth...He is greater than Abraham.
b. Jesus tells the truth...He is the way of salvation.
c. Jesus tells the truth...He is glorified by the Father.
d. Jesus tells the truth...His is the great "I am"!
5. Naturally, for telling the truth, the Pharisees attempt to kill Jesus on the spot.
Encounters with Christ
Rev. Richard A. Bolland
Unit 4: Peter
I. PETER, THE FAITHFUL SERVANT OF CHRIST. (Matthew 26:31-35)
A. The virtue of iron-clad loyalties:
1. Have you ever issued statements of unwavering loyalty to someone or something?
a. Marriage vows c. Pledge of Allegiance
b. Military oaths d. Confirmation Vows
2. Is there a single vow or oath that we have not been tempted to break or have actually broken it?
3. Peter was a man of strong positions and admirable in many ways:
a. Matthew 4:18-20 c. Matthew 16:13-17
b. Matthew 14:25-29 d. Matthew 26:31-35
B. Peter, the privileged apostle:
1. He was the first to confess Jesus as the Christ.
2. He was the one on who's confession the Church would be built.
3. He is frequently referred to as, Peter and the Disciples.
4. He is the one who provides leadership for the early Church (Acts 1:15-26)
5. He is the one to preach on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:14-40)
6. He is the one who leads the other eleven apostles in the ministry in Jerusalem.
7. Legend has Peter crucified up-side down in Rome, 64AD.
II. PETER, THE UNFAITHFUL SERVANT OF CHRIST.
A. But Peter was also a man of great contradiction:
a. Matthew 14:30-31 c. Matthew 26:50-56
b. Matthew 16:21-23 d. John 18:10-11
B. Peter's long night of darkness and his fall from grace:
1. Jesus warned Peter of what was to come. Luke 22:31-34
2. Doesn't Peter's denial sound a lot like the promises we make to God in our prayers and then later regret we said?
C. Peter's first denial: (Mark 14:66-70) (John 18:15-16) The Servant Girl ask two questions.
1. Peter and another disciple (perhaps John himself) go to the high priest's courtyard following at a distance.
2. There is a servant girl at the door who speaks to John and gains permission to enter the door.
3. This servant girl asks, "You are not one of his disciples are you?" (John 18:17) and then asks a follow up statement: "This man was with him." (Luke 22:56)
a. What answer was expected?
b. What answer was given?
c. It is a cold evening and the two disciples gather around the courtyard fire to keep warm.
1.) Who else was gathered around that fire?
2.) Was this a dangerous place for Peter to be?
D. Peter's second denial: (John 18:25)(Matt. 26:73)(Mark 14:70)(Luke 22:58)
1. By this time the charges are coming fast and furious and Peter's replies with mountain intensity, "Man, I am not!" (Luke 22:58) and "I neither know nor understand what you are talking about!" (Matt. 26:72)
2. have you ever been under fire in a crowd of people making charges against you? Do they all talk in turn?
E. Peter's third denial: (Luke 22:59)(Mark 14:70)(Matt. 26:73)
1. This confrontation seems to take place a while later (perhaps as much as an hour) while the trial of Jesus before Caiaphas is in view and still underway.
2. A relative of Malchus (the guard who's ear was severed by Peter) charges: "Didn't I see you in the garden with Him? You certainly must have been with Him, for you are a Galilean". (Luke 22:59)
3. Then some bystanders chimed in: "You certainly are one of them, for you are a Galilean." (Mark 14:70)
4. Now panic is setting into Peter and he responds with cursing and swearing, "By God, I don't even know the man you're talking about!" (Mark 14:71)
IV. NOW JESUS ENCOUNTERS PETER IN THE DEPTHS OF HIS NEED. (Matt. 26:75) (Mark 14:72)(*Luke 22:60-62)(John 18:27)
A. Jesus encountered Peter with His Word, "Before the rooster crows twice..."
B. Jesus encounters Peter with a look. (Luke 22:60-62)
1. It seems that this look from Jesus was all that was needed to communicate everything Peter needed to hear.
2. Can you recall a special "look" that one of your parents or your spouse gives you that makes all other communication unnecessary?
C. Does this encounter between the "enemy camp" and Peter tell us anything about the people of God hanging out with the children of the world?
1. What are the dangers?
2. What are the possibilities?
3. Is the purpose of the gathering important?
D. Are their times in our lives when we are absolutely sure we've "blown it" with God?
1. What message of hope from Peter can you have?
2. Is there any sin or sins that the grace of God in Christ is unable to forgive?
Encounters with Christ
Rev. Richard A. Bolland
Unit # 5: Jesus Encounters the Demoniac (Mark 5:1-20)
I. A TRIVIA QUESTION FOR YOU: Who was the first missionary Jesus ever sent out?
A. Was it an apostle? One of the 72? A devoted follower? Someone with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures?
B. Jesus found him in a cemetery (No kidding!).
C. The first missionary sent by Jesus was a raving lunatic!
II. BACKGROUND INFORMATION - SPIRITUAL WARFARE?
A. Is there really an invisible, spiritual war underway?
1. If not, why do the Scriptures specifically speak of demons and demon possession 55 times in the Bible?
2. If we want to accept the existence of good angels, why would we, at the same time deny the existence of evil angels?
3. Since we know that legions of angels fell with Satan after conducting a "civil" war in heaven (Rev. 12:7-9).
4. Ephesians 6:10-13 and I Peter 5:8 certainly describe an arena of warfare.
5. What else can you call the confrontations of Jesus with demons?
B. What about demon possession?
1. Is this what some theologians have said it is; an ancient way of describing mental illness?
2. Is this what the plain words say it is, a possession of a human being by an evil angel or angels.
3. What does Matthew 16:18 describe?
Mat 12:43 "When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.
Mat 12:44 Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.
Mat 12:45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."
III. BEHOLD THE PATHETIC TERROR:
A. This is the man you did not want your daughter to bring home!
1. Read the account from Luke 8:26-27
a. He was ____________________.
b. He could not be ____________________.
c. He was a __________________ to himself and others.
d. He lived among the ___________________.
2. Over all, this was a scary, incredibly pathetic man.
B. Compare the condition of this man with any other unbeliever.
1. What do you see that is the same?
2. What's different?
3. Which needs a Savior worse?
C. Who are the pathetic terrors in your life? What do they need?
IV. CHRIST ENCOUNTERS - NOT THE MAN - BUT THE DEMONS: (MARK 5:6-13) (LUKE 8:27-33)
A. Demon seeks the Savior out. Why?
1. His recognition of who Jesus is is immediate. Why?
2. His greeting is not a salutation, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High...This is a scream, ("...he fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice..."
3. He plea to Jesus is one of terror, "...I beg you, don't torture me!", "...swear to God that you won't torture me." (v. 7b)
B. Why would any entity seek out his mortal enemy?
1. For the purpose of surrender to an overwhelmingly superior force.
2. To negotiate terms of surrender in order to avoid an even worse fate.
C. Jesus asks the demon his name:
1. Fact: Demons have names...they are known to God because He created all His angels.
2. Fact: Even though an enemy, the demons have no option but to answer Him.
D. The demoniac responds, "My name is Legion for we are many."
1. In Luke 8:31 it adds: "And they begged Jesus not to order them into the Abyss.
a. The Abyss is the place of eternal confinement for Satan and his angels/demons.
b. There is an appointed time for Satan and his demons to be confined for eternity in the Abyss, but that time is not now, but on the Day of judgment.
2. Obviously, it is quite possible for more than one demon to inhabit a human being at a time.
3. This pathetic man has absolutely not identity of his own any more. His will is totally subordinate to those evil spirits possessing him.
E. What is the nature of the demon's desire not to be sent out of the district?
1. Could they be in trouble with the "boss". Soldiers who have abandoned their post?
2. A second attempt to stay out of the Abyss?
3. A sneaky way to stay on their evil mission?
F. The demons request to enter into the heard of swine...about 2,000 animals.
1. Why are their so many pigs around with so many Jews?
2. Swine are considered an unclean animal which the Jews could not eat.
3. Please note: The demons require Jesus' permission before they can be allowed to enter the swine.
G. The swine demonstrate the demons ultimate intention toward their former host.
1. The mission of Satan's demons is to totally destroy people.
2. "Satan was a murderer from the beginning." (John 8:44)
3. Perhaps Jesus is demonstrating that the filth of Satan and his ilk deserves a host no better than an unclean critter.
H. The local pig-punchers run off to tell their bosses that a problem has developed.
V. THE AFTERMATH: (Mark 5:14-20)(Luke 8:34-39)
A. The locals get excited!
1. A crowd comes to see Jesus, but we're told that they are not happy campers!
2. They've come, not to see the man who could do such miracles, they've come to run Jesus out of town on a rail!
a. When push comes to shove, monetary stability can even overcome the wonder of an incredible miracle!
b. It was probably the local pig ranchers union.
B. The healed man now begs to go with Jesus.
1. Probably a genuine desire to be with his Savior and Lord.
a. Should this not be the desire of all who have been delivered from Satan and his cronies?
b. Why do we, whose rescue is less dramatic, have less enthusiasm to leave everything and follow Him?
2. It is also possible that the desire to be with Jesus was accompanied by a desire to get away from a crowd of angry pig-punchers...both could be true.
C. But Jesus commissions the man with every believers charge...Go and witness to the grace of God...beginning in his own home.
Encounters with Christ
Rev. Richard A. Bolland
Unit
# 6: Jesus Encounters Pontius Pilate
(Mt. 27:11-26; Mk. 15:1-15,
Lk. 23:1-7, 13-25; Jn. 18:28-40)
I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A. Pontius Pilate served as Prefect of Judea from 26 - 36 A.D.
1. It is doubtful that Tiberias Caesar would have left him in office for that extended period of time unless Pilate was considered to be reasonably successful.
2. Palestine was a very difficult province to govern and Pilate seemed to have handled several bad situations as best he could under the circumstances.
B. Three important instances preceded Pilate's encounter with Christ on Good Friday:
1. The Affair of the Roman Standards.
a. Pilate's troops marched into Jerusalem carrying medallions with the emperor's image or bust among their regimental standards.
b. This provoked a five-day mass demonstration by the Jews due to this violation of Jewish law concerning graven images.
c. Pilate finally relented and ordered the standards removed.
2. Later, Pilate ordered an aqueduct built connecting cisterns near Bethlehem to improve Jerusalem's water supply.
a. Unfortunately, Pilate paid for the project using funds from the Temple treasury.
b. This sparked a bloody revolt that was finally quelled only by Roman force.
3. On another occasion Pilate set up several golden shields in his Jerusalem headquarters which bore no images at all, only an inscribed dedication to Tiberias.
a. Again, the people protested, but Pilate held firm.
b. The Jews sent a formal protest to Tiberias.
c. Tiberias sent a very testy letter to Pilate ordering him to transfer the shields to a Roman temple in Caesarea and warning him to uphold all the religious and political customs of his Jewish subjects.
d. This particular incident is critically important to understanding Pilate's conduct at the trial of Jesus.
II. THE ROMAN TRIAL.
A. Preparations for the trial indicate that Pilate had some advance notice that Jesus of Nazareth would be coming before him.
1. He had his ivory official magistrate's chair moved outside the palace to a raised dais overlooking the plaza to the east, which had filled with a large crowd.
2. This outdoor location was done in order to accommodate the people who would have defiled themselves for the Passover had they entered the pagan headquarters.
B. The charges are brought: "We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King." (Luke 23:2 NASV)
1. These charges, of course, had nothing to do with the theological charges brought by the Sanhedrin Council.
2. These charges are custom designed to alarm a Roman Governor, for they echoed sedition and treason.
3. These charges where half true and half a lie - Jesus never told anybody not to pay their taxes to Rome...He did, however, claim to be the Christ.
C. After the charges are made, Pilate enters his palace and summons Jesus inside away from the crowds. (John 18:33-38)
1. His first question of Jesus is recorded in all four Gospels, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
2. Jesus responds, "Is that your own idea...or did other talk to you about me?"
a. If it is Pilate's own question it is really, "Are you a rebel?"
b. If was from the Jews, the question is, "Are you the Messianic King?"
3. Pilate reply denies that it is from the Jews and asks what it is that he has done.
a. He already heard the charges that Caiaphas and the boys had brought, so why ask again?
b. Note: Jesus now admits the one true charge by returning to the claim of kingship.
4. Jesus, while admitting that He is a King, clearly demonstrates that His Kingship is no threat to Rome, "My kingdom is not of this world but is a Kingdom of truth.
a. Pilate responds, "What is truth?"
b. What lies behind Pilate's question? Sarcasm, jesting, honest questioning?
5. What is the result of Pilate's private interview with Jesus? (Jn. 18:38)
a. Pilate clearly understood that Jesus was no threat to Rome.
b. He clearly perceived that Jesus was not guilty of the charges leveled against Him.
c. Having heard the evidence, Pilate issued a verdict of "Not guilty."
d. That should have been the end of it! But the Jews kept protesting the verdict. (Luke 23:5-6)
e. Pilate obviously keeps trying to appease the Jews and upon finding out that Jesus is a Galilian, he sends Him off to Herod. Why?
III. PILATE DECREES A "CHANGE OF VENUE."
A. Pilate did have the authority to try the case of Jesus because the crime was committed in his jurisdiction, Jerusalem - the forum delicti.
1. However, so as not to, once again, inflame the situation, Pilate sees a way out of his dilemma by sending Jesus off to Herod.
2. It was Herod Antipas who had brutally embarrassed Pilate by sending the letter of protest to Tiberias over the golden shield affair virtually placing Pilate on probation with Caesar.
a.) Sending Jesus to Herod was clearly a gesture of reconciliation and an unmistakable courtesy.
b.) It clearly got Pilate off the hook with the Jews.
B. Jesus' encounter with Herod was brief.
1. This was one of the sons of Herod the Great who had ordered the slaughter of innocents at Bethlehem.
2. This was this Herod who ordered the death of John the Baptist.
3. It was this Herod who married his brother's wife Herodias whose dancing daughter was Salome.
4. Is it any wonder that Jesus would not give the man the courtesy of a word during his hearing before this counterfeit king?
C. Please note that Pilate's message of courtesy was recognized in Luke 23:12.
IV. BACK TO PILATE FOR FINAL JUDGMENT.
A. Pilate is trying to do the right thing regarding Jesus when He is returned from Herod's palace.
1. To appease the Jews, Pilate has Jesus flogged and is abused by the Roman soldiers.
2. Again, Pilate passes judgment: Not guilty! (John 19:4)
3. But the chief priests and their officials stirred-up the cry, "Crucify! Crucify!"
a. There were about 3,000 temple employees.
b. Under the authority, these employees may well have been the crowd yelling for Jesus' crucifixion...Not necessarily the people who were shouting "Hosannas" on Palm Sunday!
B. Now the Jews change tactics and site the true charge against Jesus. (John 19:7)
1. What is the reason for Pilate's increasing fear in verse 8?
2. Pilate retreats into his palace as asks Jesus, "Where do you come from?"
3. Why doesn't Jesus answer him?
C. A sudden insight into where governmental authority originates: (John 19:10-11)
1. Pilate states his authority over Jesus' life and death.
2. Jesus finally answers: The only authority you have comes from God.
D. This prompts Pilate to try repeatedly to free Jesus.
1. Who is the judge here?
2. If Pilate does indeed have the authority to free Jesus, why doesn't he do it?
3. Pilate makes the Jews an offer they shouldn't refuse: Barabbas
E. The Jews play their trump card: "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar."
1. Is there an implied threat here?
2. Could this be connected to the Golden Shield Affair?
3. Suddenly, all these Jews, who hate Rome with a vengeance, are shouting at the top of their voices, "We have no king but Caesar!"
F. Things now go from bad to worse. (Matthew 27:24)
1. In what must have looked like Deja Vu, a riot seems to be beginning.
2. Pilate can almost feel the hot breath of an angry Caesar.
G. Sadly, after the events of that terrible Friday, there is never another mention of Pontius Pilate again.