A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
I. ATTACK
A. BATTLE
Mt 26:47 While He was saying this, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and sticks, sent by the chief priests and the elders of the people.
1. CROWD
2. CHIEF PRIESTS
B. BOLDNESS
1. CONSEQUENCE
Jn 18:4-6 But Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am.” When Jesus said to them, “I am,” they fell backwards to the ground.
2. CONSIDERATION
Jn 18:7-8 So again He questioned, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am. So, if you seek Me, let these men go.”
II. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
A. BETRAYAL
1. CODE
Mt 26:48 Now the betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “I will kiss the one; seize Him.”
2. CONDUCT
Mt 26:49 Judas quickly approached Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi,” ardently kissing Him. (Luke 8 )
B. BRAZENNESS
1. CAUSE
Mt 26:50a Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come to do this? Lk 22:48b Would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
2. CONFRONTATION
Mt 26:50b Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.
III. AGGRESSION
A. BRAWL
Jn 18:10 Then Simon Peter, drawing his sword, struck Malchus (the high priest’s servant), cutting off his right ear.
1. CHAMPION
2. CUT
When he was filled with the Spirit, using the Word of God, Peter pierced hearts for God’s glory (Acts 2:37).
B. BESEECH
1. CALM
Lk 22:51a Jesus said “Enough! Mt 26:52 Return your sword to its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
2. CALL
Mt 26:52-53 Don’t you think that I could appeal to my Father, and He will at once send Me more than twelve legions of angels?”
3. CARE
Lk 22:51b And He touched his ear and healed him
IV. ABANDONMENT
A. BRAVADO
1. CAPTURE
Mt 26:55 At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come with swords and sticks to capture Me like a thief? I sat in the temple, teaching every day, and you didn’t seize Me.”
2. COWARDS
Mt 26:56b Then all the disciples fled, forsaking Him. (also Matthew 26:31 All of you will be made to stumble because of Me)
B. BOLTED
1. CAUGHT
Mk 14:51 But a certain young man who followed Him, wearing nothing but a linen [night] cloth around him, was seized
2. CAST ASIDE
Mk 14:51-52, but slipped out of the cloth and escaped naked.
(also Acts 12:12)