Podcasts about Caiaphas

This sermon examines Jesus' trial before the high priest and Pontius Pilate, highlighting His unwavering commitment to speaking the truth openly rather than in secret. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, contrasting spiritual authority with earthly political power and rejecting any notion of violent revolution. By analyzing Jesus' interactions with Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate, the text illustrates how believers are called to live transparently and boldly for their faith without fear of societal rejection or persecution. The narrative also uses Peter's denial as a cautionary example of the difficulty in maintaining one's profession under pressure, urging Christians to let their lives clearly reflect their allegiance to Christ. Ultimately, the message encourages the audience to stand firm on biblical truth, recognizing that all earthly authority is subordinate to God's sovereign will.

NO OTHER NAME - ACTS 4:1-12 - BRIAN SUMNER - 2026ACTS 4:1-12 "Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.Addressing the Sanhedrin5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSUMNEROFFICIALTo listen to Brians Podcast, click below.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Purchase Brians Marriage book at https://www.amazon.com/Never-Fails-Da...Brian is a full time "Urban Missionary" both locally and internationally with a focus on MISSIONS - MARRIAGES - MINISTRY. Since coming to faith in 2004 doors continued opening locally and internationally to do more and more ministry with a focus on Evangelism, Outreach Missions, Marriage, Counsel, Schools, Festivals, Conferences and the like.  Everything about this ministry is made possible because of people personally partnering through the non profit. God Bless and thank you. †Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW

Stoning Stephen? Jesus: King and high priest; What the Pharisees had wrong about Moses; "Leaven"; "Circumcision" ritual; Witchcraft; Unmooring metaphor from meaning; Tree of Life; Justin's apology explaining how the kingdom works; Pliny the younger; Scillitan martyrs trials; Conflict between Christianity and the "world"; Christ's government; "word": rhema vs logos; Genius of Jesus; Yeast?; Christian checklist; Mystery (Secret) Babylon; Idolatry; Terah; Melchizedek (Righteous king); Old testament long lifespans; Blessing of Abraham; Human resources; Is Jesus Christ your king?; Do you eat at the table of another?; Benefits; Benefactors; "Temples"; Swearing by the genius of Caesar; "Son of God"?; "Religion"; Government dole; Reward of unrighteousness; Freewill offerings; Charity; "Corban"; vs forced offerings; Deception; Cursing leaders; Doing what Christ said to do; Prov 1:14 One purse; Ownership of YOU; NY Muslims and Communists?; Prov 23:1; Imaginary wisdom; Humility; Christ's coming upon a cloud - to Caiaphas; Ananias?; Privy council?; Appetite for benefits; Seek His kingdom and righteousness - First; Following Christ's commands; Reasons God won't hear you; Repentance; "We the People"; Your salvation?; The "name" of Jesus; New testament prophecy; Ez 11:3; "Israel?"; Civil law; Micah 3:3; Flesh eating?; Following the money; Children of Israel; Sitting in faith; Bless/pray for leaders; Ex 22:28; "gods"; Violating God's law; Commissioner of care; The way back; Becoming Israel; Caring via faith, hope and charity; Loving neighbor as self; Lev 19:14; Stumbling block; Biting one another; Letting God open your eyes; Choosing good and righteousness; Mt 5:44 loving your enemies; Lk 6:28; Rom 12:14; 1 Cor 4:12; James 3:10; 1 Pe 3:9; Judging?; Usurping God; Jude 1:11 going after the way of Cain, Balaam, Core; Lk 16:9; "mammon"; Trusting Caesar; or Trusting Christ; Holy Spirit guidance; Mt 5:19; Not Okay to eat at table of rulers; Leaven = oppression; 2 Cor 6:14; Saving others; 1 Cor 6:9; No forcing; Avoid covetous practices.

Scripture: Matthew 26:57-75 Date: July 12, 2026 In this sermon we discuss Matthew 26, focusing on Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin and Peter's denial in the courtyard. The pastor presents Jesus' silence before false witnesses, his confession before Caiaphas, and the condemnation and mocking that follow as the fulfillment of Old Testament passages about the suffering Messiah.The sermon also contrasts Jesus' faithfulness with Peter's repeated denials and bitter repentance after the rooster crows. It concludes by emphasizing Jesus as judge, savior, and advocate, and by calling listeners to repentance, faith, and bold confession of Christ. Topics: Matthew 26, Sanhedrin, Peter's denial, Caiaphas, false witnesses, suffering Messiah, Old Testament fulfillment, rooster crowing, repentance, bold confession Chapters 00:00:03 — Jesus on Trial 00:04:47 — False Witnesses Gather 00:06:50 — Christ Stands Silent 00:07:40 — Peter Denies Jesus 00:13:28 — Silent Servant of God 00:20:30 — Verdict and Sentence 00:22:32 — Peter's Bitter Tears 00:29:35 — Jesus Prays for Peter 00:32:58 — Restoration and Hope 00:34:39 — Our Trial Before God 00:37:43 — Rooster of Remembrance

At this point in the narrative, Jesus is confronted by a mob comprised largely of chief priests and Pharisees who wish to have Jesus killed for blasphemy. They arrest him, tie him up, and take him Annas, a man of considerable influence who was a former high priest and the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was serving as high priest that year. They press Jesus for information on his teachings, but he simply responds that he's been teaching in public for all to hear, so there shouldn't be any confusion about what he's said. It is during this exchange that Peter denies Jesus three times as waits in the wings for a result. Later, the Jews take Jesus to Caiaphas, then to Pilate the roman governor over Judea. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Is the Bible only a collection of legends, or is it grounded in real history? Biblical archaeology has uncovered places, inscriptions, buildings, and burial sites connected with people, places, and events described in Scripture.You will learn about a few of the discoveries connected with Nazareth, Bethlehem, Capernaum, the Pool of Bethesda, Peter, Caiaphas, Pontius Pilate, and Roman crucifixion. These discoveries do not save us or prove Christian faith in a laboratory only Jesus can save. But archaeology can demonstrate that the Bible speaks about real people, real locations, real political leaders, and real historical settings.Scripture names cities, rulers, religious leaders, political tensions, and physical landmarks that could be investigated. From the five colonnades described in John 5 to the inscription bearing Pontius Pilate's name, biblical archaeology helps illuminate the historical world in which Jesus lived, suffered, died, and rose again.The Christian gospel is not merely an inspiring idea. It is good news about what God has done in history through Jesus Christ.SUBSCRIBE to our channel / @binmin_org JOIN the NEWSLETTER at https://binmin.org/newsletter/SUPPORT Binmin with a tax-deductible gift HERE - https://binmin.org/donate00:00 Is the Bible a Collection of Legends?00:26 What Archaeology Can and Cannot Prove00:53 The Bible Steps Into Real History01:15 Real People, Leaders, and Empires01:42 Nazareth and Bethlehem02:07 The Bethlehem Seal02:20 Capernaum and the House in Mark 202:34 The Pool of Bethesda03:02 Archaeological Evidence Connected to Peter03:27 People From Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion03:45 Alexander's Ossuary03:57 Caiaphas and Pontius Pilate04:25 Archaeological Evidence of Roman Crucifixion04:40 The Cross Happened in Real History04:51 Your Next Step05:32 The Main Point05:47 Connect With BinminJOIN the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ NEWSLETTER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. SUPPORT Binmin with a tax-deductible gift⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CONNECT WITH BINMIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Binmin.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Questions?: info@binmin.orgPODCAST RESOURCES: More from Binmin:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Binmin.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEAVE A REVIEW on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple podcasts

No Other Name Acts 4:1-12 NKJV 4 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. 5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone, which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” What Are You Expecting To Receive From God? Many Who Heard The Word Believed By what power or by what name have you done this? John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Solo Gratia Solo Fide Solo Christo 1 Timothy 2:5: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

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Monday, 20 July 2026   So they answered Jesus and said, “We do not know.” And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. Matthew 21:27   “And answering, the ‘Jesus', they said, ‘Not we have known.' He said to them, also He, ‘Nor I, I tell you in where-such authority these I do.'” (CG)   In the previous verse, the leaders of Israel, pondering among themselves, realized that if they said John's authority was from men, the multitude might come after them. With them being stuck in a hard place concerning Jesus' question, Matthew next records, “And answering, the ‘Jesus', they said, ‘Not we have known.'”   The leaders of the nation were wholly incapable of making a simple proclamation concerning John as proposed by Jesus in His question to them. The answer was something that was as evident as the nose on a person's face if John's role was evaluated from their own Scriptures. But because they lacked any intestinal fortitude at all in relation to standing on the authority of Scripture, while at the same time standing at odds with Jesus' ministry, they were unwilling to answer His question.   Because of that, Matthew next records Jesus' emphatic response to these leaders, “He said to them, also He, ‘Nor I, I tell you in where-such authority these I do.'”   The leaders had a right to question Jesus. However, they did not have a right to a response from Jesus if they could not answer His question to them about John. Because John testified that Jesus was the Messiah, and because they could not validate John's source of authority through open confession, they no longer had a right to question His authority further.   Life application: When a person is summoned to appear before Congress, he is required to show up. The Congress has this authority. Likewise, the leaders of Israel had the authority to question Jesus. However, if those in Congress asked a question about a matter they themselves could not properly answer, it would make no sense for the person being interrogated to have to answer that same question.   Jesus worked within the framework of Israel's laws and culture, never subverting them but using them in a manner that was acceptable to anyone in the society. We possess the same rights in the nations where we live. It is true that some nations deprive their citizens of various rights. Some nations also allow rights that exist to be ignored.   There is often nothing that can be done in such circumstances. We just have to live with the unrighteous conduct that is targeted against us. This is what Jesus had to suffer. During His trial before the leaders of Israel, the rights He possessed as a citizen of Israel were denied Him. An internet search immediately pulled up the following:    Procedural and Timing Violations Nighttime Proceedings: Capital trials were strictly forbidden from being conducted at night. Jesus underwent preliminary trials before Annas and Caiaphas, and a final condemnation before the Sanhedrin, all occurring before dawn.  Premature Scheduling: Courts were not permitted to convene before the morning sacrifice was offered. All three religious trials were concluded before this ritual took place.  Holiday Timing: No legal proceedings for capital cases were allowed on the eve of the Sabbath or during holy festivals, such as Passover. Jesus's trials occurred during this prohibited period.  Lack of Delay: Jewish law required a night to pass between a death sentence and its execution to allow for reconsideration; Jesus was condemned and executed within hours.  Judicial and Evidentiary Infractions Bribery: The acceptance of Judas Iscariot's thirty pieces of silver constituted a bribe, which invalidates any subsequent legal proceedings under Mosaic Law.  Self-Incrimination: The accused was not permitted to ask self-incriminating questions. The High Priest directly asked Jesus if He was the Messiah, leading to His own statement being used as the primary evidence for conviction.  Lack of Defense: The accused was denied the right to counsel or representation. Furthermore, the court refused to allow Jesus to call witnesses in His defense.  Invalid Indictment: The Sanhedrin originated the charges itself rather than investigating accusations brought by independent witnesses.  Proper procedure required two agreeing witnesses to formulate an indictment publicly. Sole Judge: The High Priest examined Jesus privately before the full court assembled, violating the rule that capital cases require a full panel and public examination. Acclamation Verdict: In capital cases, judges were required to vote individually. Jesus was condemned by acclamation (unanimous shout) rather than a formal, recorded vote.  Jurisdictional Errors Lack of Authority: The Sanhedrin lacked the jurisdiction to execute capital punishment under Roman rule; only the Roman governor had the authority to impose death sentences.  Charge Substitution: When brought before Roman authorities, the religious charge of blasphemy was replaced with political charges (treason, subverting the nation, and forbidding taxes) to secure a Roman conviction. (Brave Browser Generated Response)   Despite all of this, Jesus submitted to the ruling authorities, knowing that the tortures ahead were necessary to restore us to our heavenly Father. Today, take time to consider the love of God that would prompt Him to do what He did for us. When we face our own times of injustice, if we have the ability to appeal, we should use it.   However, it may be that we will have to endure unfair verdicts and unjust treatment as Christians. If we do, let us consider it an honor for the sake of His glorious name –   “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” Acts 5:41   Lord God, may we honor the glorious name of Jesus Christ our Lord in all we say and do. If we find we must bear injustice because of our faith in Him, strengthen us through the trial and give us wisdom to proceed in the manner that will most glorify You. Amen.  

June 28, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon   In this sermon-style episode Hiram walks through Mark 14–15 and the life of Barabbas to show how the Gospel confronts each listener personally. Using the betrayal, Jewish trials (Annas, Caiaphas), and Jesus' appearance before Pilate as the backdrop, the sermon explains why the crowd demanded Barabbas instead of Jesus and how envy and deception drove that choice. Hiram outlines three clear parallels between Barabbas and every person: (1) we are guilty and condemned (drawing on Mark, Matthew, Luke, John, Psalm 51, Romans), (2) the world lies to us and deceives us about what will truly satisfy (referencing Genesis, 1 John, Hebrews, and cultural examples), and (3) Jesus steps into our place—taking the punishment we deserve so we might be offered forgiveness and new life (explained with Luke 23, 2 Corinthians, Isaiah 53, and other texts). The episode surveys many biblical cross-references (Isaiah, Psalms, Romans, Galatians, Hebrews, John, 1 Peter) and contemporary illustrations—like Project Innocence and modern cultural temptations—to show the timelessness of the message. The preacher emphasizes self-examination, the danger of rationalizing sin, and the need to see ourselves in Barabbas rather than only in the crowd condemning him. Key takeaways: honest confession of guilt, awareness of worldly deception, and the central Christian claim that Jesus took our place on the cross. The episode closes with a pastoral invitation to respond—repentance, confession of Christ, baptism, and pastoral support for those struggling with sin. Guests: none.   Duration 28:57

Series: N/AService: Lord's Supper EulogyType: EulogySpeaker: Ralph Walker

Click here to WATCH LIVE STREAM Worship Service on our Youtube Channel. That You May Believe, Part 23  John 11:45-12:11   The conflict of wonder.    Scripture Reading:    John 11:45-48 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”     John 11:49-50 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.”     John 11:51-53 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.    John 11:54-57 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.    Acts 2:22-24 Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.    Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.    Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.    The conflict of worship.    Scripture Reading:    John 12:1-3 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.     John 12:4-6 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.     John 12:7-8 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”     Luke 9:23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”     Galatians 6:14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.     Mark 14:9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.    Psalm 116:12-14 What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, 14 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.    The conflict of witness.    Scripture Reading:    John 12:9-11 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.    Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.    2 Corinthians 2:14-16 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?    Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.    The Lord's Supper    Scripture Reading:    1 Corinthians 11:23-28 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.    Respond | Connect | Next Steps The post John: That You May Believe appeared first on Charleston Baptist Church.

Peter and John heal a man crippled from birth, and their reward is arrest. By the time the guards haul them in, the number of believers has grown to about five thousand, and the temple authorities have seen enough. The next day the two apostles stand before the same council that had condemned Jesus, with Annas and Caiaphas presiding. The order is blunt: stop speaking in this name. Peter and John refuse, because they cannot keep silent about what they have seen and heard.  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 4:1-31. To learn more about Christ Lutheran, visit clc-in.org. The book of Acts picks up where the Gospels leave off. Jesus has risen. He has ascended. And now what? Acts answers that question. Luke tells the story of how the Holy Spirit built the Church from a handful of frightened disciples in Jerusalem into a movement that reached Rome itself. Along the way, you get Pentecost, the first sermons, the first martyrs, the conversion of Paul, the first church councils, shipwrecks, riots, and the persistent, stubborn work of God through Word and Sacrament even when His people didn't have a plan. If you've ever wondered how we got from Easter morning to the Church you sit in today, this is the book. Tune in for this new series on Thy Strong Word with Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors as we open up the Book of Acts.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Introduction: The Great ReversalThe book of Acts shows us that God has a sense of humor. There are parts when you laugh, and then you weep at the same time. Here we find Peter and John. These are blue-collar fishermen with no formal rabbinic training. They are not trained in rhetoric or any fancy talk. They are called to stand before the rulers, or Israel's ruling council. These are men who know how to mend nets, not argue fine points of Torah. And yet the God who chose a stuttering shepherd to confront Pharaoh now places these ordinary men before the extraordinary powers of Jerusalem.The religious elite thought they had solved their Jesus problem by crucifying him. "Sacrifice the one, save the nation," Caiaphas had calculated. But now that "one" has risen, and his followers are standing in Solomon's Portico proclaiming Christ and healing people, they have to see that their plan failed. Luke reports that five thousand converts were saved that day. The Sanhedrin had a plan, but their plan did not rule the universe.The Arrest (When the Gospel Offends Everyone)The gospel is an equal opportunity offender. The Sadducees we could label as the religious liberals who denied the supernatural. They are offended because Peter proclaims resurrection.The Pharisees, whom we could classify as the religious conservatives obsessed with purity, are offended because this crucified criminal is being declared the Messiah.The gospel cuts across our categories. It challenges the conservative tendency to control God's work ("He must operate within our parameters") and the liberal tendency to domesticate God's work ("Surely he doesn't actually intervene in history").But notice the apostles' posture. Their goal is not to offend both sides. They're simply asking: "How do we glorify Christ?" When your gaze is fixed on Jesus, you become simultaneously more courageous and more humble. You speak clearly without being condescending, boldly without being arrogant. The preaching of the Gospel is a key that truly opens and closes the kingdom of God by God's power.The Defense (The Spirit's Apologetic)Peter opens his mouth, and something unexpected happens. This is the same Peter who choked in a servant girl's presence, and who denied Christ three times. In fact, Peter opened his mouth once, and Christ said, “Get behind me, Satan.” Peter is the last man you want holding the microphone when you are under pressure.But now, "filled with the Holy Spirit," he delivers a masterful defense that shocks the Jewish council.He doesn't hide behind theological nuances. He names "Jesus of Nazareth” as the messiah. Yes, the town of Nazareth is a humble town. The leaders do not see this as symbolizing Christ's humility, but as a way to discredit Christ's messianic credentials. After all, nothing good comes from Nazareth. (John 1:46)Peter identifies Jesus of Nazareth, but also accuses the leaders when he exclaims, "You crucified him." But he doesn't stop there. He proclaims the great reversal: God raised him. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. The new Christian temple is built around and in Christ.This is the heart of Christian apologetics. It's about Spirit-empowered testimony to the person of Christ, "Apart from him, there is no salvation.” Jesus alone has defeated death. He alone can make the broken whole. He alone is the great healer.The Dilemma (When Evidence Isn't Enough)The Sanhedrin's response is almost tragically comical. They can't deny the miracle that has transpired. The crippled man is standing right there, "holding fast to Peter and John." Five thousand new believers aren't exactly subtle. So what do they do? They try to suppress the message. "Stop speaking in this name."Notice the logic: they assume the gospel's power depends on its messengers. Silence the apostles, and the movement dies. They fail to see that the message itself has power. Christ works through his message. They fail to see that what they sought to destroy God raised. We might think that Christ has abandoned his people. However, this is the living Christ, reigning from heaven, building his church through his Spirit. Clearly, Christ's promise in Luke 21:15 is confirmed, “I will give you a mouth and wisdom.”Peter's response is both respectful and unmovable: "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." The apostles will not and cannot deny who sent them. The gospel spreads not through political maneuvering but through ordinary people who have encountered the extraordinary grace of Jesus. The leaders should take on the yoke of Christ.Conclusion: Who Do You Say That He Is?The narrative leaves us with the same question Jesus once asked his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" The crippled beggar wasn't merely healed, but he was "saved.” He was made whole, completed in Christ. This is the offer: not just a better life, but a new life.The religious leaders saw Jesus as a problem to be managed. The apostles saw him as the Savior to be proclaimed and embraced. We are called to clearly see Christ and take his yoke upon us. Do you see him as your Lord? The same power that made the lame man walk is the same power to give us true life and communion with God. Take hold of Christ. Find your wholeness in him.

 John 18:11-40We read John 18 closely, tracing how the Gospel portrays Jesus as calm and purposeful during arrest, interrogation, and the first steps toward crucifixion. We test translations and historical context to see how small word choices shape big theological claims about truth, power, and an inward kingdom.• Rereading the garden arrest and the meaning of “I am he”• Debating why the arresting party falls to the ground and what that signals about control• Unpacking first-century naming conventions behind “Jesus of Nazareth”• Asking why John names Malchus and what that suggests about sources and memory• Clarifying Simon, Peter, disciple, and key Greek terms tied to learning and identity• Examining the Annas and Caiaphas exchange as an example of coercive authority• Discussing Ioudaios and how translation choices can fuel anti-Semitic misreadings• Following Peter's denials and the narrative weight of the cockcrow• Exploring Pilate, Roman power, “What is truth,” and basileia as realm or inward state• Rethinking Barabbas as an insurrectionist rather than a mere robberThe quote in our introduction is from Chapter IV of Penn's No Cross, No  Crown.A complete list of our podcasts,  organized into topics, is available on our website.We will be publishing video interviews with Conservative Friends on YouTube.  See our YouTube channel.  The first interview is with Susan Smith. To learn more about Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), please visit  ohioyearlymeeting.org. Those interested in exploring the distinctives of Conservative Friends waiting worship should consider checking out our many Zoom Online Worship opportunities during the week here. All are welcome! We also have several Zoom study groups.  Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.   Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes.   Contact us through our website.

Peter Goeman talks with Paul Weaver about biblical archaeology and his new book, Faith-Affirming Findings: 50 Archaeological Discoveries that Validate the Historicity and Reliability of Scripture. They discuss how archaeology helps illuminate the world of the Bible, strengthens confidence in Scripture, and answers common skeptical claims about figures and events such as David, Sennacherib, Caiaphas, Pontius Pilate, Luke, Paul, and the destruction of Jerusalem.Get Paul Weaver's book here:https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Affirming-Findings-Archaeological-Discoveries-Historicity/dp/0825448859/Watch the accompanying Faith Affirming Findings archaeology playlist here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRLT8RbUb3vSiKplCbL0vYyEFChJnU9kVVisit Paul Weaver's Bible and Theology Matters YouTube channel here:https://www.youtube.com/c/BibleandTheologyMatters## Timestamps00:00 — Archaeology, Scripture, and why truth does not fear inspection02:01 — Introducing Paul and his work in Bible teaching and archaeology07:22 — What is Faith Affirming Findings?10:48 — Why say archaeology “affirms” the Bible rather than “proves” it?13:10 — Is biblical archaeology mainly for believers or unbelievers?17:26 — What are the benefits and limitations of biblical archaeology?24:25 — How should archaeology relate to biblical interpretation?26:53 — The Tel Dan Stele and evidence for the House of David36:33 — Sennacherib, Lachish, and the failed conquest of Jerusalem42:14 — The Pool of Siloam and archaeology from the time of Jesus47:51 — Archaeological evidence related to Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection54:43 — Luke's historical accuracy, Paul, Gallio, and the Arch of Titus01:00:48 — Why were some discoveries left out of the book?01:02:52 — How pastors, teachers, and Bible study leaders can use these resources01:05:48 — Final takeawayIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leaving a review on Itunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rating it on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also find ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Bible Sojourner on Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠petergoeman.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ shepherds.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.

In John's Gospel, just after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered to conspire against him. They wanted a way to get rid of him. Caiaphas, the high priest, unbeknownst to himself, accidentally says something prophetic: that Jesus would die for the nation. John then adds his own inspired commentary... but not only would Jesus die for the nation but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. To gather into one the children of God...Jesus died to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. Sin separates us from God and from people. In our separation, we attempt to create counterfeit community based on superficial connections. In 1 John 3:11-24, John makes clear that the children of God are connected on a much deeper level; our spiritual union with God makes us one family. So, who are the children of God? How do people know we are his disciples? Love is the mark of a true believer, love that is rooted in truth and that is oriented toward action by the power of the Holy Spirit. ------------------------------------------- Connect with us on Social Media⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Vimeo⁠⁠------------------------------------------- Download our App⁠⁠Apple App Store⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Google Play Store⁠⁠

Matthew Week 141   Matthew 26:1-5 ESV   When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, 2 "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified."   3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. 5 But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people."       Matthew 16:21 ESV   21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.       Matthew 17:22-23a ESV   22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day."       Matthew 20:17-19 ESV   17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 "See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day."     Matthew 2:13 ESV   13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him."     John 10:31-33 ESV   31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?" 33 The Jews answered him, "It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God."       Matthew 26:5 ESV   5 But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people."     Matthew 26:6-13 ESV   6 Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste?9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor." 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her."       Acts 2:23 ESV   23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.       John 12:1-8 ESV   Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, "Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."       John 11:26-26a ESV   25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.       John 11:45 ESV   45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him,       Matthew 26:14-15 ESV   14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, "What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.      

They Boldly Spoke the Word of God Acts 4 by William Klock Chapter and verse breaks in the Bible are not part of the original text.  Chapter breaks were added about eight hundred years ago and verses about five hundred.  There's an old biblical studies urban legend that Robert Estienne, the French printer who published one of the early New Testaments with verse division, marked them out while riding on horseback from Paris to Lyon, explaining the often frustrating way they cut through thoughts and sentences.  Chapter breaks can be just as annoying.  I say this because last week we left off our study of Acts at the end of Chapter 3, but the end of Chapter 3 isn't where this story ends.  You'll remember that this story about Peter and John and the lame man followed right on the heels of Pentecost.  Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray when they met a lame man begging at the temple gate.  “Silver and gold have I none,” said Peter, “but such as I have I give.  In the name of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, get up and walk!”  And he lifted up the man the man began to jump up and down and to praise God.  And as everyone began to gather around, Peter began to preach.  He reminded them of their own story, of God's promises going all the way back to Abraham, and how all those promises were fulfilled and how the story was brought to its climax in the death and resurrection and ascension of Jesus. I won't repeat everything I said last Sunday, but needless to say—and even if you aren't familiar with the story—you probably knew that trouble was coming.  But that pesky chapter break.  It saved you from an hour-long sermon, but it also cut the story in half.  So we'll pick up after the break, with Chapter 4, now.  [It's page 1083 in the pew Bibles.] Luke continues: “As they were speaking to the people, along came the priests, the chief of the temple guard, and the Sadducees.  They were greatly annoyed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming that the resurrection of the dead had begun to happen in Jesus.  They seized them and put them under guard until the next day, since it was already evening.  But a large number of the people who had heard the message believed it and the number of men grew to five thousand.” The idea of the resurrection of the dead was a big deal for the Jews and you'd think that announcing that it had somehow begun in Jesus would be good news.  And obviously it was for the thousands who believed.  Not so much for the Sadducees.  They were sad, you see, because they didn't believe in the resurrection of the dead.  Okay, not really.  Their name goes back to Zadok, the high priest in the days of David and Solomon.  That name, Zadok, is also related to the Hebrew word for righteousness.  So the Sadducees thought of themselves not only as the sons of Zadok, but also as the righteous ones.  And in the First Century, they controlled the priesthood.  They were aristocratic and they were in power and people like that don't usually like revolutionary ideas, and if there was there was a great revolutionary idea alive in Judah, it was the idea of the resurrection of the dead.  Resurrection means that things are broken and that God will, one day, come to set things to rights—and that implied that the Sadducees were part of the problem needing to be set right.  So they're upset at Peter's preaching.  The Pharisees didn't like this talk either.  As far as they—and everyone else who hoped for resurrection—were concerned, all God's people would be raised from the dead at the end of the age.  The idea that Jesus was raised all by himself was like heresy.  And, of course, if Jesus had been raised, it meant he was the Messiah and they refused to accept that idea.  So no matter how many eyewitnesses there were to the risen Jesus, it had never happened, so far as they were concerned. But back to the Sadducees.  They controlled the priesthood and the priests were the gatekeepers of Israel.  And this talk about Jesus as Messiah and his being resurrected, which means he'd initiated the age to come already, that was the sort of talk that might spark a revolution.  And, of course, a revolution was what was already happening as the gospel and the Spirit were beginning to do their work.  But just as they hadn't recognised it in Jesus, the leaders of Israel refuse to recognise it now and they have Peter and John locked up for the night.  Even still, Luke goes to the trouble to make the point that thousands believed anyway.  The gospel cannot and will not be stopped! Verse 5: “On the next day their rulers, the elders, and the scribes gathered in Jerusalem, along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family.  When they'd stood them in the midst, they asked, ‘How did you do this?  What power did you use?  What name did you invoke?'  Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit.  ‘Rulers of the people and elders,' he said, ‘if the question we're being asked today is about a good deed done for a sick man, and whose power it was that rescued him, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that this man stands before you fit and well because of the name of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead.  He is the stone which you builders rejected, but which has become the head cornerstone.  Rescue won't come from anyone else.  There is no other name given under heaven and among men by which we must be rescued.'” Do you remember that scene in Luke 11 where Jesus is confronted after casting out a demon?  “You can only cast them out, because you're one of them,” they accused him.  The same thing is happening again.  I think Luke wants to highlight that what's happening here might be an “act” happening through the apostles, but it's still ultimately Jesus acting.  Or the Spirit, which amounts to the same thing.  Luke makes a point of saying that Peter was full of the Spirit when he answered the accusation.  So just like Jesus, when the council asks them in whose name they healed the lame man, not only is Peter bold to announce that it's Jesus of Nazareth, they boldly assert that he is the Messiah—the one they crucified, but whom God raised from the dead.  So Peter is reasserting everything: It's Jesus.  Yes the one they crucified.  And this isn't just about a lame man walking again, this is about the resurrection of the dead.  It's about the fact that Jesus is Lord and that the revolution has begun.  The age to come, new creation, the kingdom of God is here.  In fact, they quote Psalm 118 at the council to explain it all.  Psalm 118 is a psalm of the temple.  It's about people going up to the temple to celebrate God's new day to claim his rescue, his salvation.  It's a psalm about God's life-giving power and it's about God bringing his people through trouble and rescuing them from danger. It's a psalm about trusting in God's mercy and it's a psalm about God's victory over the powers of the world.  “It is better trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man…than to put confidence in princes,” says the Psalmist (vv. 8-9). So they're saying, “It's Jesus.  He really is the Messiah and he really has inaugurated God's new age.  But then it's like they're deliberately poking a stick in these folks' eye.  The Sadducees (and the Pharisees, too, and most people) were all about the temple.  It was the embodiment of Israel's hopes for God's rescue and for the fulfilment of his promises to one day come again to dwell with his people.  And so this whole episode started with a man who'd been sitting in the temple gate for years, hoping for a rescue, yet never healed, and now suddenly healed by Peter and John—in the power of Jesus.  So that's the first thing.  It says that God has, in fact, returned to dwell with is people, but instead of being in the holy of holies, he's indwelling the disciples of Jesus.  And then, in case they hadn't made the connection, Peter, inspired by the Spirit, quotes Psalm 118 at them.  Yes, the hope of God's return is happening—in Jesus.  Yes, God is now present in his temple—but that temple isn't made of stone, it's these Jesus people.  And yes, God has come to rescue us just as he promised, to set this broken world to rights, to wipe away the tears—through Jesus.  And at the same time, it would be hard for the council to miss the hint that the mortal princes, the people from whom God's people need to be rescued are not the pagan nations, but the Sadducees and elders and scribes who are rejecting Jesus.  (Yes, the pagan nations, too, but first, God's got to deal with the corrupt leaders of his own people.) It's the same thing Peter has been preaching, first on Pentecost, then to the crowd who gathered around the lame man when they saw him jumping up and down.  Every time, Peter grounds God's salvation in Jesus as the fulfilment of his promises and of Israel's story.  Every time, it's the announcement that Jesus is Lord; that he's come to rescue his people; and every time, it's a call to repentance and faith.  This sort of situational astuteness and gospel boldness is what it looks like to be full of God's Spirit.  And the council recognised this, even if they didn't want to admit what (or who) it was.  Verse 13: “When they saw how boldly Peter and John were speaking and realised that they were untrained, ordinary men, they were astonished and they recognised them as men who had been with Jesus.  And when they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply.  They ordered them to be put out of the assembly while they conferred amongst themselves.  ‘What can we do to these men?' they said.  ‘This is a spectacular sign that has happened through them.  All Jerusalem knows it, and we can't deny it.  But we certainly don't want it to spread any further amongst the people.  So let's threaten them with awful consequences if they speak anymore in this name to anyone.'  So they called them in and gave them orders not to speak at all or to teach in the name of Jesus.” It's comical and I think that's what Luke intended.  It's like they've completely missed the significance of what Peter and John have seen.  They've seen Jesus risen from the grave.  They saw him ascend to his throne.  They heard everything he said.  They saw everything he did.  And now they're doing the same sorts of things themselves in his name.  They know, without a doubt, that in Jesus God has come, that Jesus is Lord, that the kingdom is now, and that the days of the principalities and powers, the old temple, and its priests are numbered.  Peter and John know which is the winning side…without a doubt.  Threatening them isn't going to change that. Brothers and Sisters, we really need to think on that.  Don't just read Acts and let it go in one ear and out the other.  Stick a finger in one ear if you have to, but let this sink in.  Because you and I have just as much reason to be as confident as Peter and John.  No, we aren't eyewitnesses to the resurrection or the ascension, but we have every reason to believe the accounts of them.  Someone a while ago asked me about difficulties with the creation accounts in Genesis and with the history of the Exodus.  There are difficulties in the Bible.  There are hard philosophical questions for which I haven't yet found the perfect answer.  But I do know that Jesus rose from the dead.  I've heard all the arguments against it.  And they don't hold up.  I don't want to get into those details here, because that's not what our text today is about.  My point is simply that we have every reason to believe that Jesus rose from the dead and just like St. Paul, confronted by that inescapable reality, we have to accept that Jesus is the Messiah and that the rest of it all is true—even we have to wait til the New Jerusalem to understand the ins and outs of exactly how some of it is true.  It's true.  As Matt reminded us last week: Christ has died.  Christ is risen.  Christ will come again.  And not only do those three facts change everything, they ought to give us confidence and boldness to proclaim the good news that Jesus is Lord, that God has come to our rescue, and that his kingdom is now.  I'm not terribly concerned, for example, about Bill C-9.  But even if I were, I'm not going to let it stop me proclaiming the good news.  Because Jesus is King and in him the resurrection of the dead has begun.  And that truth ought to be as revolutionary for us as it was for Peter and John and the King and his Parliament and his Prime Minister ought to be just as afraid of this resurrection revolution as the Sadducees, the elders, and the scribes were. So Luke goes on in verse 19: “But Peter and John gave them this reply: ‘You judge,' they said, ‘whether it's right before God to listen to you rather than to God.  As far as we're concerned, we can't stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.'  Then they [the council] threatened them some more, and let them go.  They couldn't find any way to punish them because of the people, since everyone was glorifying God for what had happened.  After all, the man to whom the sign of healing had happened was over forty years old. Brothers and Sisters, don't stop talking about what you have seen and heard.  Peter and John were witnesses to the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.  You know what you're a witness to?  You're witness to the transforming power of those events.  Somehow most Christians seem totally unaware of this witness.  Maybe it's because we're so oblivious to our own history.  Maybe we need to read up on history so that we'll be aware of the power of the gospel.  The very thing that Peter and John looked forward to is now—at least partially—in our past.  Luke says there were five thousand believers in those days just after Pentecost.  Brothers and Sisters, today there are 2.6 billion.  They lived in a world in which no one outside Judaea had ever heard of Jesus.  We live in a world where Jesus is known the world over.  They lived in a little Jewish pocket surrounded by pagan nations so mired in moral filth it's hard for us to image the depth of depravity, because even as bad as might think the world is today, it has been so dramatically transformed by the gospel.  Our world, even the secular parts of it, value things like mercy and compassion, because of the transforming power of the gospel.  Brothers and Sisters, we live in a world that has been radically transformed by the power of the gospel.  If Peter and John had reason to be confident, you and I have even more. But notice, too, what they do when faced with opposition.  Verse 23: “When they had been released, they went back to their own people and told them everything that the chief priests and the elders had said.  When they heard it, they all together lifted up their voices to God.  ‘Sovereign Lord,' they said, ‘you made heaven and earth and the sea and everything in them.  And you said through the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David, your servant, “Why did the nations fly into a rage, and why did the peoples think empty thoughts?  The kings of the earth arose and rulers gathered themselves together against the Lord and against his anointed Messiah.” It's true, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the nations and the peoples of Israel, gathered themselves together in this very city against your holy servant Jesus, the one you anointed, to do whatever your hands and your plan had foreordained to take place.  So now, Lord, look on their threats and grant that we, your servants, may speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand for healing, so that signs and wonders may come about through the name of your holy servant Jesus.'” It would do us well—and it would do the kingdom well—if we responded to opposition the way the disciples did.  We need to pray more and fret less.  There is a battle raging in the world.  Jesus has won the decisive victory, but that doesn't mean that the powers of this old age aren't trying to maintain their grip.  They're like the bad guys in the movies, hanging on to the edge of the cliff with their fingers—doomed, but unwilling to give up.  To pray is to stomp on their fingers and to send them falling.  Pray.  Pray the psalms.  Pray Psalm 2 the way they do here.  This was Israel's prayer, but Jesus and the events surrounding those first Christians reoriented it.  They cry out with the Psalmist: Why do the nations rage?  Why do the peoples think with empty thoughts? The kings of the earth have huddled together against the Lord.  Except this time Israel herself had become one of the nations, her priests huddled together with Pontius Pilate.  They'd crucified Jesus.  And yet the disciples, in their prayer, also acknowledge that God is sovereign.  Remember that for Jews to quote a line from a Psalm was to call to mind the whole thing.  And in Psalm 2, yes the nations raged and their kings gathered together against his anointed, but then—do you remember Psalm 2?—God laughs at them, because they're fools.  And God establishes his king on Mount Zion.  The once raging nations become his inheritance.  And Peter and John and the rest knew that in Jesus this psalm was being fulfilled.  The Psalm concludes addressing those kings, “Now therefore, O Kings, be wise” and just so the disciples pray, “Now therefore, Lord, look on their threats and grant that we, your servants, may speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand for healing, so that signs and wonders may come about through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”  Brothers and Sisters, pray the Spirit-inspired scriptures back to God and things will happen.  Luke writes in verse 31: “When they had prayed the place where they were gathered was shaken.  They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they boldly spoke the word of God.” We should learn this prayer.  When the principalities and powers of the old age push back, pray this prayer.  When the local council or the legislature or Parliament or the King or the courts push back, pray this prayer.  When the gospel gets you in trouble with your family or at school or in your work, pray this prayer.  When you become discouraged, if you're struggling to keep the faith, if you're wrestling with sin, if you feel cornered by the world, the flesh, and the devil, pray this prayer.  Remember that you are a witness to the power of the gospel in the world.  And pray this prayer. And immediately Luke shows us the church—not just boldly proclaiming the good news—but also living it out as a community.  Luke shows us the church as the working model of God's new creation in the midst of the old.  Luke shows us the church being the new temple: the place of God's presence and the fulfilment of his promises of abundance and generosity.  Look at verses 32-37.  I was tempted to save these for next week as they lead us into Chapter 5.  I actually think they could warrant their own sermon.  But look at them now: “The company of those who believed had one heart and one soul.”  Remember Paul telling the Philippians to “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Messiah Jesus”?  Be of one Jesus-like mind.  That plays out in all sorts of ways and Luke shows us one here: “Nobody said that they owned their property; instead they had everything in common.  The apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power and great grace was upon all of them.  For there was no needy person among them, since any who possessed lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sale, and placed it at the feet of the apostles, who then gave to each according to their need.  Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, to whom the apostles gave the surname Barnabas, which means ‘son of encouragement', sold some land which belonged to him, brought the money, and laid it at the apostle's feet.” As I said a few weeks ago when we looked at Chapter 2, this doesn't mean they became a bunch of proto-Marxists.  Luke's point is that they became a family that live out the generosity and abundance of God's new creation.  We know from what we read later, that they had their own homes in which to meet.  And the focus of their charity was on the truly indigent, especially widows—on people notably with no family to take care of them.  And Paul will warn in his own letters that the able-bodied should get jobs instead of mooching off the community.  Again, the point here is that they very visible became the community in which torah itself was being fulfilled.  They've become the land of overflowing with milk and honey.  They've become the people who truly love their neighbours.  They've become the new temple in which God has returned to dwell with his people.  And they're doing and being this community right in Jerusalem: showing up the old Israel, exposing the priest and the council, showing that the old temple and its sacrifices are done.  God has fulfilled his promises and he's done so in Jesus and in the people who gathered around him in faith. And, Brothers and Sisters, we ought to be the same sort of new creation, heaven-on-earth community here.  As in Peter and John's day, the powers that be will tell us to go away and concentrate on heaven while they run the earth.  They'll warn us not to shove our religion down anyone's throat, while they, of course, will do their best to shove their materialism, their commercialism, their hedonism down our throats.  They'll get frustrated with us when we refuse to worship in their temples to money and power and sex and politics and war.  And when that happens, Brothers and Sisters, pray.  And remember that Jesus has died, Jesus has risen, and that Jesus will come again.  Be shaped by that story.  Be confident, knowing that God has and is and will fulfil his promises.  Be bold knowing that the gospel has power and that we live in a world transformed by that power, even if everyone ignores it or denies it.  Pray.  Remember.  Be bold.  And then remember that we are the family of the Messiah, marked out by his powerful name in our baptism and that in those baptismal waters, he's plunged us in to his Spirit.  He has made us new and we're not the family meant be and to bring and to live out his new creation, to live out heaven on earth in anticipation of the day when Jesus finally sets it all to rights.  We are the family that refuses to stop singing his praises and proclaiming his glory.  That's what we were created to do in the first place.  That's what Jesus has rescued us to do right now.  And it's what all creation will one day, by his grace, do again. Let's pray: O Lord, hear us in your mercy, we pray, and grant that we, to whom you have given the desire to pray, may be defended and comforted by your mighty aid, and strengthened in all dangers and adversities, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Join us as we dig deeper into last Sunday's sermon from Pastor Marcus Lane "The Gospel on Trial" and hear from Amy Duncan and Nate Zuellig on "Cornerstone". Digging Deeper Questions: How does the notion that "the word does the work" shift how you approach the calling to take part in God's mission?   Have you ever encountered the accusation or felt like Christianity is exclusive? How does the nature of grace help address this concern?   How might the life of the early church challenge you to grow in generosity? Scripture Reading: Acts 4:1-22, 32-37 1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.   5 On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."   13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, "What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name." 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.   32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. Intro/Outro Song: "Only One" Nate Zuellig ULC Artist In Residence    "Cornerstone" Hillsong CCLI Song # 6158927   CCLI License # 11254293

Dive into the shadows of history with Fr. Assisi Saldanha, C.Ss.R., in this gripping episode of "Who's Who in the Bible." Explore the lives of the enigmatic High Priests, Annas and Caiaphas, the architects of the conspiracy against Jesus. This deep dive moves beyond the surface, blending archaeological evidence—like the discovery of the Caiaphas ossuary—with theological reflection. Discover how their quest for political survival and power set them against God's divine purpose. Were they villains, or caught in a web of their own making? Join Fr. Assisi as he bridges the ancient world and our own lives, inviting us to reflect on our own moments of betrayal. Don't miss this profound journey—subscribe and watch the full series today!

Justice is defined as "getting what you deserve according to the law." The religious leaders, in an illegal trial, condemned Jesus to death. The religious leaders would get what they deserve as justice would befall them, Jesus would get what he deserved as he stepped into the place of the lamb, yet we would not get what we deserve--GRACE! Matthew 26:57-75Mark 14:53-72Luke 22:54-71John 18:12-27www.messagetokings.com

We Should Stand Boldly Before Accusers, Do We? Acts 4:5-7 5The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - John 18:1-19:42 | Betrayal, Peter's denial, Jesus before Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate, scourging, cross, "It is finished," burial.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - John 18:1-19:42 | Betrayal, Peter's denial, Jesus before Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate, scourging, cross, "It is finished," burial.

The Fall of Peter — and Every Disciple David Mathis Download John 18:12-27,So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.Our world loves a rise-and-fall story. History has its Julius Caesars, its Napoleon Bonapartes, its Richard Nixons. In recent years, we've watched the great rises and falls of athletes like Lance Armstrong and Tiger Woods, of film producers Harvey Weinstein, of comedians Bill Cosby.In fact, our world loves these fall stories so much that we like to have a hand in making them. In our sin, we have a twisted appetite for accelerating the rise, and then piling on to exacerbate the fall.The Bible also has its great fall stories. The big one is the Fall of humanity in Genesis 3. But Abraham has his fall. And the people of Israel, fresh off deliverance from Egypt and receiving the law, make a golden calf, led by their first high priest. And we find the rise and various falls of Saul, David, Solomon, and with them the fall of the kingship in Israel and the nation itself.This morning we come to the fall of Peter.Four Lessons from Peter's FallTwo parallel tracks unfold in this passage as Jesus is arrested and separated from his disciples: Jesus moves toward the cross, to Annas, to Caiaphas, to Pilate.In the meantime, the disciples scatter, as Peter, chief among them, denies three times that he knows Jesus.For the first time, we have the breaking of fellowship between Jesus and his disciples. The shepherd is struck; the sheep scatter. Jesus must go to the cross alone. No sinner can assist him in this work, to rescue sinners.The heart of this passage is the back-and-forth contrast between Jesus and Peter. John's point isn't that we point fingers at Peter but that every disciple is like Peter. The contrasts are stark: Jesus says, I am; Peter says, twice, I am not. Peter stands with bad company warming himself, while Jesus shivers in the cold alone. Peter tries to protect himself; Jesus exposes himself to harm. Peter's nerve fails, while Jesus is steady and composed under great pressure. Jesus stands; Peter falls.The point is the contrast. The shame of Peter is a foil to the stunning glory of Jesus. But here's the angle of approach I'd like for us to take this morning. I want to learn from Peter's fall.Humility learns from the failures of others. I think what God has for us this morning, at least in part, is to learn from the fall of Peter as it sits side by side with the shining faithfulness of Jesus.So, let's follow the arc of Peter's fall with four lessons.1. Stay Awake.By that, I mean stay awake spiritually. Just this week, with Peter's fall on my mind, I came across Mark 13:33–37 and was surprised how much this was exactly what Peter needed:Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or [get this:] when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.Jesus gave Peter many warnings. We saw in John 13:36, Peter says: “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus says, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.”Here's how Jesus warns Peter in the Gospel of Luke, 22:31–34:“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”This is vintage Peter with these strange ups and downs.One moment: You are the Christ! Then: Never, Lord!One moment: Don't wash my feet! Then: Wash my whole body!One moment: I will lay down my life for you! Then Jesus says: No, Peter, I'm laying down my life for you — and all the while you'll be denying me three times.After so many warnings, what happens in the garden? Peter falls asleep. He's not alone: James and John do too. Jesus warns them: “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Then, sleeping again, Peter is startled awake as soldiers approach. He's caught off guard. He draws his sword and cuts off the ear; Jesus rebukes him; the disciples scatter.So, the first lesson from Peter is to heed Jesus's warnings to stay awake. That is, no spiritual sleeping. No spiritual vacations. No coasting or autopilot. Satan targets his attacks on us at the times he thinks we'll be least ready.So, are you awake this morning? Have you been awake this week? Spiritually awake. Are your eyes open to spiritual reality? Are your ears attuned daily to Jesus's word? Are your lips whispering prayers? Are you walking arm in arm with Christ's people? Or are you falling asleep?2. Beware your perceptions of social pressure.To be clear, Peter's denials are sin. Great sin. And his sin comes out in a particular circumstance: the questions of strangers. Peter's fall is not one of isolation; it's a failure of nerve in the face of what he's assuming other people are thinking. (And not just others but strangers.)Peter wants to protect himself. His master is in grave danger, and Peter assumes the disciples must be in danger too. But the reason I emphasize Peter's skewed perception is the presence of John.The best explanation of this enigmatic “other disciple” is that this is the author's humble way of telling a story he's in but it's not about him. Verse 15 mentions “another disciple.” Verse 16: “Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.”The key word is “also”: Verse 17: “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?”Verse 25: “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?”What's the “also”? It assumes this other disciple. The high priest and his people know John, and they know he's a disciple. Which is why they ask Peter, “Hey, you're not also a disciple, are you?” And the form of their question helps Peter deny it: “Surely, you're not with this Jesus too, are you?” The way they ask the question cues Peter up to deny it. But the denials are Peter's. People will do that, you know: “You're not one of those Christians, are you?” They're setting you up to say, Of course not.The reason we know Peter's perception was mistaken is it turns out nobody crucified John. The high priest and the people know that John is a disciple. But it's Jesus they want. So, John's presence, as a known disciple, shows how Peter's perception of what the strangers think was off. His fear was misplaced; Peter was off balance and misreading the situation. And even if he had read it right, that's no excuse for disowning his Master — not once or twice, but three times, and that after being warned so clearly. Then comes verse 27: the rooster crows. And Peter comes awake to his sin.What happened next to Peter? John doesn't tell us; he knows we have the other three Gospels. But before we go there, let's glean this: beware what thoughts you let dance in your head about what people think, especially strangers you do not know. Sometimes people, even strangers, catch us off guard at the strangest times with significant questions about our faith, the Bible, Christianity, our church, and they cue you up for the groupthink answer, whatever the context. Be ready for that. Don't give in. Pushback. Ask a question back. Or just give them the honest, straightforward, wisely worded truth that they need to hear to fry their categories.One more thing to add here, from one of your pastors: Be so careful with online and social-media impressions of what the masses are thinking. The two-dimensional, algorithmic online environment is highly distortive. It is a hall of mirrors and radicalizing extremes. People who grow more and more highly online do not grow more balanced in their assessment of other people's perceptions; they begin to lose touch with reality.So, stay awake, and beware your perceptions of social pressure.3. When you've failed, look Jesus in the eye.Now we pick up, from the Gospel of Luke, what happens once the rooster crows. This is an awesome moment. Luke 22:60–62:“Immediately, while [Peter] was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.”So, the rooster crows. Both Jesus and Peter hear it. Peter reflexively looks at Jesus. And Jesus turns and looks at Peter. They lock eyes. What must this have been like for Peter?Was it utterly devastating? I don't think it was. I expect there was a lot in that look. I'm sure it was not an easy moment for Peter. He is startled wide awake. He is humbled. He goes out and weeps bitterly. But Peter doesn't hang himself. Somehow this is a healing devastation. It's an empowering humiliation. Yes, his soul is flooded with shame and conviction, but it leads to repentance and life.Peter's fall is so different than Judas's. It was so good for Peter that he looked Jesus in the eye. Imagine how much Jesus communicated in that look, without any words — Jesus's foreknowledge of Peter's fall, his clear warnings, his righteous anger, his genuine grief, his profound compassion, and his transforming power.Jesus not only had said Peter would deny him. He also said,“I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”Not “if you turn,” but “when you have turned.” Peter, you will turn. I have prayed for you. I will see to it, that you will turn; you will rise from this fall, so much so that you will strengthen your brothers.Yes, Peter had failed Jesus, and that was worth mourning. But now, freshly humbled, he also has a commission from the sovereign Christ. Peter locks eyes with Jesus and finds renewed strength to persevere and even strengthen the brothers.And oh what courage we'll come to see in Peter. His story will not be a rise and fall; it is a fall and rise. Which comes not because of his faithfulness but Jesus's.Jesus's Rise to the CrossSo, now we need to put our lessons on hold for a few minutes, and pick up Jesus's part of the story in verses 19–24. Remember: as Peter falls, Jesus stands.For me, the big question in verses 19–24 is, Wait, hold on, who is the high priest?It's confusing on the surface. Verse 13 says Jesus comes first to Annas, “the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.” Then we have John's reminder in verse 14 about Caiaphas's prophecy (which we saw last fall back in 11:50: “it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish”).Then the focus shifts to Peter in verses 15–18, then back to Jesus in verse 19: “The high priest (is that Caiaphas?) then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.” Jesus answers,“I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret.”This high priest is trying to get Jesus to incriminate himself, without any witnesses. So, Jesus asks in verse 21:“Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.”In other words, ask my disciples; there are plenty of witnesses. And the irony is that just as Jesus is saying his disciples can witness for him, Peter is failing so miserably by denying him.At this, Jesus is struck, unjustly, by “one of the officers standing by,” who says, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus responds with a question, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”Then comes the surprise in verse 24: “Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.” Wait a minute: Jesus hasn't gone to Caiaphas yet. He's been standing before Annas till now? If that's the case, verses 19 and 22 have called Annas the high priest. But John said in verse 13 that Caiaphas “was high priest that year.” So, who is the high priest? Is it Annas, the father-in-law, who's been high priest before? Five of his sons have served yearlong terms, including now his son-in-law Caiaphas. Annas is the patriarch. He's the boss high priest; his sons and son-in-law take turns filling the role, but Annas is the one who holds the power. So, is he really the high priest?Or is it Caiaphas who formally holds the office? The Old Testament had said the high priesthood was to be for life. But the Romans have limited that seat of Jewish power by enforcing these one-year terms. So, technically, Caiaphas is high priest that year. Is he really the high priest?I don't think this confusion is by accident. I suspect John wants us to see that yes, Annas is in some sense high priest, and yes, Caiaphas also is in some sense high priest. But when you ask who's really high priest in John 18, what's the answer? It's not Annas. It's not Caiaphas. It's the man who stands before them, bound like a sacrifice. This man has chosen to be here, and he goes willingly to the cross as the true high priest who offers the true and final sacrifice.And the reason Jesus goes to the cross is not for sins of his own, but for disciples like Peter. Jesus's work as high priest and his sacrifice makes it so that disciples who have failed can lock eyes with him, and not only feel conviction, and not only grieve their failures, but so that they can see in his eyes, “I'm for you. Yes, you have failed me, but I love you, and I have made provision for your sin by the sacrifice of myself. You need not stay devasted. You too can turn.”When Jesus locks eyes with you in your sin, it's appropriate to weep. But not tears of despairs. Tears of repentance. When Jesus looks at you, be like Peter, repent; turn; don't reject Jesus and make your sin worse with self-sabotage; honor the achievement of his cross; acknowledge that he came to rescue sinners; get over yourself and receive his rescue. Which leads to our final lesson.So, stay awake; beware your perceptions of social pressure; lock eyes with Jesus when you've failed. And finally…4. Receive his sacrifice and his Spirit.Peter's faith didn't fail. He wept, and he turned. Which meant he received Jesus's sacrifice — for him, for John, for you, for every disciple.The work of Jesus as both high priest and sacrifice means he covers and deals with the just payment of our sin. And it is the finishing of his life-work of perfect righteousness which becomes ours in union with him by faith. And Jesus's sacrifice doesn't only forgive sins, and give us righteous standing before God, but the risen Christ also pours out his Holy Spirit (as we'll celebrate next week on Pentecost) to dwell in Peter, and dwell in us.Which gives us another piece of the complex picture of how Peter fell: he didn't yet have the Holy Spirit. Not like he would after Pentecost.When the Spirit comes, Peter will be awesome. He will rise indeed as the chief spokesman to proclaim what God has done in Jesus. And this Peter, and this John with him, will stand before this same Annas and Caiaphas and the whole Jewish council, and full of the Holy Spirit, say,“there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. . . . Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:12, 20)Brothers and sisters, when you fall, know that in Jesus you can rise. Remember Peter. Do not presume on grace when tempted to sin. But when you have sinned, keep company with Peter in the aftermath. Lock eyes with Jesus. Go to him in his word, and in prayer, and through a Christian brother or sister. Own your sin; grieve it; and receive the purifying, empowering grace of his gaze, in his sacrifice and in his Spirit.Grace for You AlsoI don't know how this sermon is landing on you this morning, whether God is bringing to mind some failure, some fall, in private. Maybe in the past. Maybe it's a live, unresolved fall right now, and this message is for you, to lock eyes with Jesus, own your sin, and see the purifying grace in his eyes.Or perhaps you're thinking of this time in our city, and in our church, and how you've responded when someone caught you off guard with, “You're not also at Cities Church, are you?”Jonathan has more to say about our moment next Sunday. But Peter's full story says to those who have been like him, and failed Jesus in some way: there is grace for you in the same place Peter found grace.Which brings us to the Table.Did you catch that quick detail in verse 18, that “the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire”? That's an odd detail: charcoal fire.The only other charcoal fire in all the Bible is just three chapters later in John 21. Jesus has risen. He appears to his disciples while fishing, gives them a miraculous catch of fish, and when they come ashore, verse 9, “they saw a charcoal fire in place.”This is the public restoration of Peter. Jesus means to use this flawed man, oh does he. He failed three times by a charcoal fire, and now Jesus gives him three matching opportunities to declare his love, and receive the commission to feed Jesus's sheep.However you've fallen short of what Jesus is worth, let this Table be your charcoal fire this morning. This is a table of restoration, of fresh grace and fresh resolve and fresh dedication.

This sermon centers on Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin and highlights how the accusations against Him actually reveal the unfolding story of God's plan across three major eras: the Old Covenant, the New Covenant, and the Age to Come. The message begins by reflecting on Peter's earlier attempt to defend Jesus with a sword, showing that God's kingdom is not advanced through human force but through spiritual surrender and trust in Christ. As Jesus is brought before Caiaphas and falsely accused, the religious leaders misunderstand His statement about destroying and rebuilding the temple, believing He referred to the physical temple in Jerusalem. The sermon explains that Jesus was actually speaking about His own body, revealing Himself as the true Temple of God where God's fullness dwells. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled and replaced the old covenant system of worship centered on a physical location and animal sacrifices, inaugurating the New Covenant where believers themselves become the temple of the Holy Spirit and can worship God anywhere in spirit and truth. The message then points forward to the Age to Come, where Jesus' declaration about the “Son of Man coming on the clouds” connects to Daniel's prophecy and Revelation's promise of Christ's return. Though the Sanhedrin rejected Him and accused Him of blasphemy, Jesus boldly declared His divine identity and future reign. The sermon concludes by calling believers to live holy and expectant lives, remembering that the same Jesus who was mocked and rejected will one day return in glory, remove the curse of sin forever, and restore humanity to perfect fellowship with God as originally intended.

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus  (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: John 11:47–52 - So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. [48] If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” [49] But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. [50] Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” [51] He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, [52] and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Underwrite one daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: Subscribe to the SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish Subscribe to the HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi Subscribe to the CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/   ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.

What if someone is interceding for you right now at the throne of God? Pastor Marcus reveals how the Old Testament high priest carried the names of God's people on his shoulders and heart—a beautiful shadow pointing to Jesus, our ultimate High Priest who bears your name before the Father this very moment. Through Aaron's elaborate priestly garments and the dramatic confrontation between Caiaphas and Jesus, discover how Christ perfectly fulfills every priestly role, offering himself as both sacrifice and mediator. Ready to approach God's throne with bold confidence, knowing Jesus intercedes for you? Lean in and discuss this transformative message about your precious identity in Christ's heart!

An arrest. A sermon. A challenge. A response. The stones didn't come from the faithless ones. Just ask Caiaphas.   Acts 7:55–60 |1 Peter 2:2–10 | John 14:1–14

Jesus called himself the Son of Man more than any other title, referencing Daniel's vision of one who receives eternal dominion from God. This wasn't just claiming humanity - Jesus was declaring himself as the ultimate victor over all creation. His victory provides us with the only way back to God and shows us how to live through love and perseverance. Even in his darkest moment before Caiaphas, Jesus proclaimed his triumph, demonstrating that true victory often looks like defeat to the world. Derek Redmond's 1992 Olympic story illustrates this perfectly - when his father helped carry him across the finish line, love and perseverance created a victory more meaningful than any gold medal.

In John 11:47–57, the chief priests and Pharisees convene the Sanhedrin in response to Jesus raising Lazarus, fearing that His growing influence will lead many to believe in Him and provoke Roman intervention against the nation. Caiaphas, the high priest, argues that it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish. From that day forward, they plot to kill Him, prompting Jesus to withdraw to Ephraim with His disciples. As Passover approaches, many wonder whether He will appear.

In John 11:47–57, the chief priests and Pharisees convene the Sanhedrin in response to Jesus raising Lazarus, fearing that His growing influence will lead many to believe in Him and provoke Roman intervention against the nation. Caiaphas, the high priest, argues that it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish. From that day forward, they plot to kill Him, prompting Jesus to withdraw to Ephraim with His disciples. As Passover approaches, many wonder whether He will appear.

EPISODE 154: REACTION TO EXPOSURE OF EVILDouble Edged Sword PodcastHebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword..."================================================================================EPISODE OVERVIEWIn this powerful episode, we dive into Acts 16:19-24 - the dramatic aftermath of Paul and Silas casting out a demon from a young fortune-telling girl. When her masters realize their profitable business is destroyed, they don't repent. They retaliate. They stir up racial hatred, lie to the authorities, and violently assault the apostles.This ancient story holds a mirror to our modern world: when evil, false gods, or personal sin are exposed by truth, many respond not with humility but with anger, revenge, and denial.================================================================================KEY SCRIPTURES REFERENCED- Acts 16:19-24 - The beating and imprisonment of Paul & Silas after the demon is cast out- Proverbs 12:15 - "The way of the fool is beautiful in his eyes... but he who listens to counsel is wise."- 1 Timothy 6:10 - "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil."- Matthew 26:65 & Mark 14:63 - Caiaphas tears his robe at Jesus' true claim - the magistrates tear theirs at lies- Matthew 27:26 - Pilate has Jesus scourged- John 15:18 - "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you."- John 9 / Matthew 20 - The healing of the blind man and the Pharisees' refusal to see================================================================================MAIN TAKEAWAYS- When evil is exposed, the natural (unregenerate) response is often revenge, not repentance.- Fear of the Lord produces humility and teachability; absence of it produces arrogance and violence.- Demons know the truth and tremble at the name of Jesus - yet many in the church today deny His exclusive lordship.- Financial loss or wounded pride often reveals the true god a person serves.- We must learn to stop, examine ourselves, and receive correction instead of immediately defending our position.- The same spirit that stirred the crowd against Paul & Silas is active today - stirring division, racism, and hatred when truth threatens comfort or profit.- Only the name of Jesus Christ has power over demons. All other names are powerless.================================================================================NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE"No one will have shame unless they have the fear of the Lord.""When you have been exposed, corrected, and debunked factually... you go to another level because then there's no shame.""The demons only shudder when they hear the name Jesus Christ.""You can rebuke a demon in the name of Muhammad, Vishnu, Buddha, or Krishna - and he will laugh at you. Only the name of Jesus makes him flee.""If you don't accept this as true... don't dare preach Scripture. You're bringing more condemnation upon yourself."================================================================================WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN CONVICTED?When the Holy Spirit uses Scripture (or this podcast) to convict you:1. Don't switch off or log out - stay and listen.2. Pray and ask the Lord to help you examine your heart.3. Seek counsel from a spiritual mentor or priest if needed.4. Repent and walk the path of reconciliation - like the prodigal son.5. Change - genuine conviction always leads to transformation.================================================================================CONNECT WITH USLove this episode?Please rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform and share it with friends and family!================================================================================"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit..."- Hebrews 4:12

JOHN 18:28-40 - JESUS'S KINGDOM - BRIAN SUMNER - 2025JOHN 18:28-40 "Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. 29 Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.”Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” 32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.Taking the Place of Barabbas39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber."To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSUMNEROFFICIALTo listen to Brians Podcast, click below.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Purchase Brians Marriage book at https://www.amazon.com/Never-Fails-Da...Brian is a full time "Urban Missionary" both locally and internationally with a focus on MISSIONS - MARRIAGES - MINISTRY. Since coming to faith in 2004 doors continued opening locally and internationally to do more and more ministry with a focus on Evangelism, Outreach Missions, Marriage, Counsel, Schools, Festivals, Conferences and the like.  Everything about this ministry is made possible because of people personally partnering through the non profit. God Bless and thank you. †Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW

Warning: Not everything that looks like the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit - and the Church needs to know the difference!Healings, prophecies, tongues, signs, and wonders are on the rise in the Church, but so is deception. We have to ask: Can the demonic actually counterfeit the gifts of the Holy Spirit? In this episode, we explore Scripture, church history, and theology to give you a serious, grounded answer.From the sorcerers of Pharaoh's court mimicking the miracles of Moses (Exodus 7:11–12), to the witch of Endor who brings up Samuel from the dead (1 Samuel 28), to the slave girl in Philippi whose spirit of divination produced accurate prophecy (Acts 16:16–18), the Bible is remarkably frank that the enemy is in the business of imitation. Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), and his servants are no different.Working through passages like Deuteronomy 13, Acts 16:16-18, Matthew 7:21-23, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11, and 1 John 4:1-3, the guys walk through a biblical framework for discernment. Doctrine matters. But so does character, track record, submission to a local body, and the spiritual gift of discernment of spirits. They also wrestle with one of the strangest categories in Scripture: unbelievers who traffic in real spiritual power. Balaam. Caiaphas. The judges. The slave girl in Philippi who prophesied accurate things by a python spirit. What do we do with that? The answer isn't to run from the supernatural, but rather to pursue maturity so you can recognize the real thing.The goal isn't fear. It's discernment. Moses didn't stop demonstrating God's power just because Pharaoh's magicians could mimic a few signs. And the church today shouldn't either. We pursue the genuine. We hold it up against the false. And we trust that Yahweh is still greater than the gods of Egypt.0:00 – Introduction5:13 – Counterfeit Miracles Defined7:45 – Pharaoh's Magicians Examined13:08 – Discerning True vs. False19:36 – Slave Girl, Deuteronomy 1331:37 – Unbelievers Trafficking Holy Spirit47:38 – Eschatological False Prophets54:04 – Personal Experiences Shared58:09 – Biblical Evidence Summary1:00:54 – Closing: Christ-Centered GiftsINTRODUCTION TO DELIVERANCE MINISTRY:https://www.theremnantradio.com/intro-to-deliverance-ministry___________________________________________INTRODUCTION TO DELIVERANCE MINISTRY eCoursePRESALE: $100 OFF through May 1 LEARN MORE: https://www.theremnantradio.com/intro-to-deliverance-ministry Subscribe to The Remnant Radio newsletter and receive our FREE introduction to spiritual gifts eBook. Plus, get access to: discounts, news about upcoming shows, courses and conferences - and more. Subscribe now at TheRemnantRadio.com. Support the showABOUT THE REMNANT RADIO:

JOHN 18:1-27 - JESUS ARRESTED - BRIAN SUMNER - 2025JOHN 18:1-27 "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?”Before the High Priest12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.Peter Denies Jesus15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man's disciples, are you?”He said, “I am not.”18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.Jesus Questioned by the High Priest19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck[e] Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.Peter Denies Twice More25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?”He denied it and said, “I am not!”26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed."To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSupport the showSUPPORT THE SHOW

JOHN 18:1-27 - JESUS ARRESTED - BRIAN SUMNER - 2025JOHN 18:1-27 "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?”Before the High Priest12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.Peter Denies Jesus15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man's disciples, are you?”He said, “I am not.”18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.Jesus Questioned by the High Priest19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck[e] Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.Peter Denies Twice More25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?”He denied it and said, “I am not!”26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed."To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSupport the showSUPPORT THE SHOW

“They took Jesus, and led Him away.” — John 19:16 He had been all night in agony, He had spent the early morning at the hall of Caiaphas, He had been hurried from Caiaphas to Pilate, from Pilate to Herod, and from Herod back again to Pilate; He had, therefore, but little strength left, and […]

This episode is going to be a little different. No background music. No closing summary and calls to action. Why? Because we're grappling with the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?” in this conversation. Dr. Chris Croghan and Lars Olson do an incredible job calling out how everyone involved in Christ's final moments sinned against Him. From the betrayal to the power dynamics to the self-preservation, every single person called for Jesus to be crucified. Why did Jesus have to die? Because everyone demanded it. Including you. God repeatedly tells us His name is mercy. We don't believe Him. The only way you'll believe it is if His blood is on your hands. John 18:1–19:42: 3 So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” 5 They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” 28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” 9 But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.” 15 They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

What really happened during the trials of Jesus before His crucifixion? In this powerful episode of the Bible and Theology Matters Podcast, Dr. Douglas Bookman joins Dr. Paul Weaver to unpack the religious and political trials of Jesus Christ in remarkable detail. Discover the roles of key figures like Annas, Caiaphas, and Pontius Pilate, and how their decisions shaped one of the most pivotal moments in history.You'll gain deeper insight into:The three stages of Jesus' Jewish trial before Annas, Caiaphas, and the SanhedrinThe illegal procedures and violations of Jewish law during the trialWhy Jesus was first taken to Annas before CaiaphasHow the religious leaders sought a charge of sedition against RomeThe political tension between Jewish authorities and Pontius PilateWhy Pilate repeatedly declared Jesus innocentThe theological significance of Jesus being crucifiedHow the crucifixion proves both the death and resurrection of ChristThis episode brings together all four Gospels to give you a complete and compelling picture of Jesus' trial, revealing both the injustice He endured and the divine purpose behind it.Whether you're a Bible student, teacher, or simply seeking to understand the Gospel more deeply, this discussion will strengthen your faith and expand your understanding of Scripture.#JesusTrial #CrucifixionofJesus #BibleTeaching #TheologyPodcast #ResurrectionEvidence, #ChristianApologetics #BiblicalHistory #BibleAndTheologyMatters

Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 Title: Through the Envious Eyes of Caiaphas Scripture: Matthew 26:57-68, 27:18; John 11:49-50 Sermon by: Pete Deison Sermon Series: Holy Week 2026: Through the Eyes of...

Discovered by accident in November 1990 just south of Jerusalem's Old City, the Caiaphas Ossuary is one of the most significant finds from the New Testament era. When construction workers uncovered a 1st-century tomb in the Jerusalem Peace Forest, archaeologist Zvi Greenhut found several limestone ossuaries inside—one bearing the name “Caiaphas.” Many scholars have explored a possible connection to the high priest mentioned in the Gospels, making this artifact an intriguing link between archaeology and Scripture. What can this discovery really tell us?-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DONATE: https://evidence4faith.org/give/WEBSITE: https://evidence4faith.org/NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/hpazV5BOOKINGS: https://evidence4faith.org/bookings/CONTACT: Evidence 4 Faith, 349 Knights Ave Kewaskum WI 53040 , info@evidence4faith.orgMy goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. - Colossians 2:2-3CREDITS: Developed & Hosted by Michael Lane. Produced & Edited by Isabel Kolste. Graphics & Publication by Isabel Kolste. Additional Art, Film, & Photography Credits: Stock media “Memories” provided by mv_production / Pond5 | Logo Stinger: Unsplash.com: Leinstravelier, Logan Moreno Gutierrez, Meggyn Pomerieau, Jaredd Craig, NASA, NOASS, USGS, Sam Carter, Junior REIS, Luka Vovk, Calvin Craig, Mario La Pergola, Timothy Eberly, Priscilla Du Preez, Ismael Paramo, Tingey Injury Law Firm, Dan Cristian Pădureț, Jakob Owens | Wikimedia: Darmouth University Public Domain, Kelvinsong CC0 | Stock media “A stately Story (Stiner02)” provided by lynnepublishing / Pond5

Following the raising of Lazarus, the political intrigue around Jesus grows as Caiaphas speaks prophetically that it is better that one man should die for all the people. (Lectionary #256) March 28, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Gospel John 11:45-56 Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to kill him. So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples. Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?” Reflection Caiaphas marks a significant change in the attitude of the Pharisees and scribes to Jesus. They were doing everything they could to discredit him, or to try to kill him, get rid of him, so people would stop following him. But even the Pharisees had a difficult decision to make. How could they do such a thing without any authority, without any assurance that they were doing the right thing until someone gave them a way out? Hey, it's okay to kill someone if you're trying to save people. So instead of discrediting Jesus, they said, Oh, now we can say we're saving the Jews from the Romans. It worked. And the plot was set. Closing Prayer Father, what we are longing for in the fullness of your presence within us is the gift of the Holy Spirit wisdom to help us to make moral decisions. Guide us with that wisdom as we choose what is true, what is life giving, what we need to turn toward, what we need to turn away from. You died to give us that gift, help us to use it. And we asked this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032826.cfmJesus no longer walked about in public, hiding behind the veil because the people of God were not spiritually seeing Him. They were still viewing reality with worldly, materialistic eyes. The chief priests and Pharisees feared that if everyone proclaimed Jesus King, the Romans would crush their nation and take away their land. Ironically, they were partially correct; in 70 A.D., the temple was destroyed, and the Jews were dispersed. Yet, Jesus was offering a way out of this fear by establishing not a worldly kingdom, but a spiritual one that would bring true peace by grafting all nations into the Tree of Jesse.Jesus came to gather the dispersed children of God—not just the Israelites, but all who are predestined for heaven. He established a new Israel, founded not on the twelve tribes of old, but on the twelve Apostles. As seen in Revelation, the walls of the heavenly Jerusalem rest on twelve foundation stones bearing the names of the Apostles. This foundation endures forever. Through the prophet Ezekiel, the Lord promised a new Exodus, gathering His people from all nations to make them one nation with one prince: Christ, the Son of David. He is the one Shepherd for them all.In the Old Testament, when a king left on a mission, he gave his keys to his steward. Jesus gave the keys to the kingdom of heaven to His steward, Peter, the Rock upon which the Church is built. Peter's successor, the Pope, and the successors of the Apostles, the bishops, continue to shepherd the faithful. There is to be no division. Never again shall there be two nations or two kingdoms. The Church is one, completely united in the Holy Spirit. Just as a soul animates a body, the Holy Spirit unites the many members of the Church. When members are paralyzed by mortal sin, they hang limply, but they can be cured through repentance and confession.Despite this divine design, divisions persist. Since the Protestant Reformation, there have been countless splits. In the United States alone, there are over 1,200 denominations; worldwide, estimates exceed 30,000. Each claims the Holy Spirit guides them, yet the Holy Spirit is not a relativist or schizophrenic. He is the bond of love and truth. True unity requires one form of worship, one set of sacraments, one faith, and one government. Diversity is beautiful, but it must not mean division.We cannot fall into the error of Caiaphas, who viewed things materially. The high priesthood was meant to be for life, yet corruption led to yearly rotations. Jesus wants us to see beyond worldly eyes. He established a new covenant, an everlasting one based on His body and blood. Christ is the new Temple; we are temples of God. God no longer dwells in a geographical location like Jerusalem. The Book of Revelation unveils this new age where God dwells in the Church, the Body of Christ.We must stay within the boat, the Bark of Peter, as we journey to our promised land. Amidst global division, we must remember Our Lady, who kept her children united just as she formed the Body of Christ in her womb. Saint Maximilian Kolbe taught that if we do not want Mary as our mother, we cannot have Christ as our brother. Saint Cyprian of Carthage added that if we want God as our Father, we must have the Church as our mother. May we remain united as one body, diverse yet one, under the one Shepherd who leads us to our one Father in heaven. ★ Support this podcast ★

Read OnlineMany of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” John 11:45–48Tomorrow we begin Holy Week with Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Today's Gospel recounts events shortly after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, which took place in Bethany, near Jerusalem—just days before He would ride into the city on a donkey, greeted with shouts of “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (John 12:13).During the final months of His life, Jesus often stayed out of the public eye to avoid those plotting His death. However, He briefly emerged to perform His final recorded miracle: raising Lazarus from the dead. This miracle became the decisive moment that prompted the Pharisees to actively plot against Him. Some witnesses reported it to the authorities, and the Sanhedrin feared Jesus' growing popularity would provoke a Roman persecution upon the Jews. At the high priest Caiaphas' suggestion, they decided it was better for Jesus to die than for the nation to suffer.As high priest, Caiaphas spoke prophetically—even unknowingly—about Jesus' death, saying, “It is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish” (John 11:49–50). Commenting on this, Saint Augustine teaches: “This passage shows that the Spirit of prophecy can even work through wicked people to reveal future events” (Tractate 49 on the Gospel of John).Knowing that God's omnipotent power can use even evil actions to accomplish His divine plan should console us when we encounter injustice or malice in our own lives. Jesus was never a victim of circumstance; He remained in full control of His mission. At His arrest, He reminded His disciples: “Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father, and He will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53).Jesus could have commanded the angels to overthrow the Sanhedrin and the Roman authorities, taking His place as an earthly king by force. But instead, He chose to submit to the Father's will, allowing the malice of Caiaphas to set His Passion in motion. Though Caiaphas acted with selfish intent, God, in His providence, used this evil act to advance His plan of salvation for all who would turn to Him in faith.This insight is essential as we enter the “Holy Weeks” of our lives—those times of trial, suffering, or injustice that we do not always fully understand. When we encounter crosses, it is easy to see them as obstacles to joy and peace. But Romans 8:28 reminds us: “All things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” Every cross, injustice, or hardship is within God's providential care, just as Holy Week was. When we trust Him, even the evil we experience can be transformed into a path toward God's glory and for our good.Reflect today on the perfect wisdom of God's plan, which used even the sins of wicked people to bring about salvation. Consider any crosses, sufferings, or injustices you currently face. Instead of giving in to anger or despair, have faith that God can use them for good. If you remain in God's grace, trust that whatever He permits in your life is an expression of His almighty power and love, working all things for His glory and your good. Just as Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, knowing that great suffering awaited Him, so too must we turn our eyes to our own “Jerusalem”—to the challenges and difficulties we encounter—and trust that God will work all things for good. All-powerful Lord, nothing deterred You from fulfilling Your Father's will. Your mission was to save many souls and to do so through the instrumentality of both the good and the wicked. Evil was conquered because You, in Your goodness, drew even greater good from it. Please help me to imitate You and to participate in Your glorious victory over sin and death by uniting every injustice and suffering I endure with Your Passion so as to achieve Your glory and victory in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: The Judgment of the Sanhedrin: He is Guilty! by  Nikolai GeSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

What if the moment Jesus is condemned to death is actually the moment He reveals who He truly is? As we prepare for Palm Sunday, Dr. Sri takes a deep dive into Gospel of Matthew and the dramatic trial of Jesus before Caiaphas. Far from a simple courtroom exchange, this scene is steeped in prophecy, symbolism, and divine revelation. _ _ For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

Welcome to Day 2824 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2824 – Great Deeds, Strong Faith, Big God – Luke 5:12-26   Putnam Church Message – 02/22/2026 Luke's Account of the Good News - “Great Deeds, Strong Faith, Big God.”    Last week, we continued our study of the ministry of Jesus Christ with a message titled “What It's Like to Fish With Jesus,” where we learned that fishing with Jesus looks nothing like fishing alone. Today, we continue with the thirteenth message in Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ in a message titled “Great Deeds, Strong Faith, Big God.” Our Core verses for this week are Luke 5:12-26, found on page 1598 of your Pew Bibles. Follow along as I read. SCRIPTURE READING — Luke 5:12-26 (NIV)  Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy 12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.[a] When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 Then Jesus ordered him, “Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man 17 One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” 21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, ‘Get up and walk'? 24 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” Opening Prayer Father, we come before You aware that our vision of You is often too small. We confess that we shrink You down to the size of our schedules, our worries, and our expectations. Enlarge our vision today. Open our eyes to see Your authority, Your compassion, and Your power to forgive. Give us strong faith in a big God. Through Christ our Lord, Amen. When God Gets Too Small And it happens so subtly. / Israel had done it. / The Pharisees had done it. Even sincere believers can do it. By the time of Tiberius Caesar, Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate, Annas, and Caiaphas, God had been reduced to a cosmic scorekeeper — tallying good deeds, deducting points for bad behavior, enforcing Sabbath rules, inspecting hand-washing rituals, policing technicalities. God had become predictable. / Manageable. / Containable. / Small. And then Jesus walked into their world — and suddenly God began growing again. Luke 5:12–26 is not merely about miracles. / It is about vision. / It is about authority. /It is about discovering that God is far bigger than we imagined. Today we see: • A great deed • Strong faith • A very big God And the question Luke leaves hanging over the entire scene is this: Will our vision of God expand… or will we shrink Him back down? Main Point One: A Big God Touches the Untouchable (Luke 5:12–16) Let's begin with the leper. Luke tells us: “In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy…” (Luke 5:12, NLT) Not a mild case. / Not a recent diagnosis. / “Advanced Case or Covered” — literally full of it. In the ancient world, leprosy was not just a medical condition. / It was social death. / It was religious exclusion. / It was isolation. Leviticus 13 required the leper to live outside the camp. / To cry out “Unclean!” / To avoid contact. |Imagine the loneliness. / Imagine the silence. / Imagine the years without touch. / He had likely not felt a human hand in years. And then he sees Jesus. And he falls on his face and says: “Lord, if You are willing, You can heal me and make me clean.” (12) Notice what he does not say. / He does not question Jesus' ability. / He questions His willingness. / Ability wasn't the problem. / Acceptance was. And perhaps that's where some of us live. / We don't doubt that God can. / We wonder if He will. / Or if He wants to. / Or if we are worth touching. And then Luke records something breathtaking. “Jesus reached out and touched him.” / He touched him!  / Jesus could have spoken the word from across the street. / He healed from miles away in John 4. / He commanded demons with a phrase. / But here — He touches. Why? Because the miracle was not only physical. / It was relational. / The leper didn't just need cleansing. / He needed restoration. / He needed to feel accepted. / And in that moment, God got bigger. / The Pharisees saw uncleanness. / Jesus saw a man. Ancient Perspective In Jewish thought, leprosy symbolized sin. / It was visible corruption. / Outward manifestation of inward decay. / When Miriam was struck with leprosy (Numbers 12), it was associated with rebellion. / When Naaman was cleansed (2 Kings 5), it was seen as divine mercy. Rabbinic tradition even said curing leprosy was as difficult as raising the dead. / In other words, this was beyond human ability. / Which is exactly where Jesus operates. Object Lesson — Hold up a glove. Without a hand inside, it is lifeless. / Shapeless. Useless. / But when a hand enters it — suddenly it moves, grasps, functions. The leper's life was like that glove. / Empty. / Isolated. / Untouchable. Until God entered his story. / The difference was not in the glove. / It was in the hand. Modern Analogy There are “lepers” today. / Not with skin disease. / But with stigma. / Addiction. Failure. / Public scandal. / Divorce. / Depression. / Bankruptcy. / Shame. Society and even some churches say: Keep your distance.  Jesus says:  Come here. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us: “We do not have a high priest who...

Acts 4:1-221And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,2greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.3And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.5On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem,6with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders,9if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,10let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well.11This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.12And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.14But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.15But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another,16saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.17But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.19But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,20for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”21And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.22For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.