Sunday School Lesson
March 28
Lesson 4 (KJV)
PROPHET OF COURAGE
DEVOTIONAL READING: Luke 19:28–39
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 18–19; Matthew 17:1–13
1 KINGS 18:5–18
5 And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.
6 So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
7 And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?
8 And he answered him, I am: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.
9 And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?
10 As the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.
11 And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.
12 And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.
13 Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD’S prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?
14 And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me.
15 And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.
16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.
KEY VERSE
He answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.—1 Kings 18:18
PROPHETS FAITHFUL TO GOD’S COVENANT
Unit 1: Faithful Prophets
LESSONS 1–4
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Tell what happened during the meetings between Elijah and Obadiah, then between Elijah and Ahab.
2. Explain a purpose of a prophet’s ministry as it confronted the righteous and the wicked.
3. Write a message of encouragement to someone whose ministry requires a special measure of courage.
HOW TO SAY IT
Ahab Ay-hab.
Baal Bay-ul.
Baalim Bay-uh-leem.
Bethel Beth-ul.
Cherith Key-rith.
Elijah Ee-lye-juh.
Jeroboam Jair-uh-boe-um.
Jezebel Jez-uh-bel.
Obadiah O-buh-dye-uh.
Zarephath Zair-uh-fath.
Zidon Zye-dun.
Introduction A.
The Source of Courage
During my ministry with a church in Cincinnati, I visited almost weekly an older lady in the congregation. She resided in a nursing care facility. On entering the driveway of the building, one noticed a sign that usually featured some kind of clever saying. For about a month, the sign read “Inhale courage, exhale fear.” Every time I saw that sign, I thought, “If only it were that easy—to receive courage by simply breathing in and lose one’s fears by breathing out.”
In the classic movie The Wizard of Oz, all the cowardly lion had to do to find the courage he wanted was to receive a medal from the wizard. It was inscribed with the word Courage. Again, if only it were that easy.
Some of the most courageous individuals anyone could ever encounter are the prophets of the Old Testament. One of these is highlighted in today’s lesson. He is Elijah, a man who was used by God to confront one of Israel’s most wicked kings, Ahab, and his ruthless wife, Jezebel. The times demanded someone who would not back down in the face of brazen defiance of the true God of Israel, and Elijah was that man. He did not receive his courage from a medal; his “mettle” came from the Lord himself.
B. Lesson Context
Today’s Scripture covers the early portion of the ministry of the prophet Elijah (who prophesied about 869 to 838 BC). He proclaimed the word of the Lord during one of the most critical periods of Old Testament history. His ministry began after the split of the nation into two kingdoms (931 BC): Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom).
The first king of the north, Jeroboam I (931–910 BC), began his reign by violating the first two of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–4). He set up two golden calves for the people to worship: one in the northern part of the northern kingdom, in Dan, and one in the southern part, in Bethel (1 Kings 12:28–29). This made it easier for those in the north to embrace pagan worship.
The reign of King Ahab in northern Israel (874–853 BC) was characterized by economic prosperity, at least at the outset (1 Kings 22:39; compare 2 Chronicles 18:1). It was also a time of spiritual poverty (1 Kings 18:17–40). Idol worship became more prevalent when Ahab married Jezebel. She was the daughter of the king of Zidon and a devout worshipper of the god Baal (1 Kings 16:31; 18:3, 19). Baal was a fertility god, believed to be in control of anything to do with giving life, whether to animals, plants, or human beings.
First Kings 17 begins with the sudden appearance of Elijah. He boldly proclaimed that “there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word” (17:1). Moses had warned God’s people of the abomination that idolatry constituted in the sight of God (Deuteronomy 4:15–24). Famine was listed among the curses that would result from disobeying God’s law (28:23–24; compare Leviticus 26:19–20). A declaration of famine amounted to a grave insult to Baal (and to Ahab and Jezebel) and constituted a direct challenge to the authority of that fictitious god.
Following this announcement of a famine, Elijah went into hiding for a time. The prophet hid by the brook Cherith (until the brook dried up), then traveled northward to Zarephath of Zidon (Jezebel’s homeland!). There he stayed with a widow, for whom he offered two unforgettable demonstrations of God’s power. First, her supply of oil and meal to prepare bread for her household did not run out during the famine; and second, her son was raised from the dead (1 Kings 17:8–24). Both miracles revealed the Lord’s authority in matters of fertility, where Baal was believed to be in control.
Following this time away from the northern kingdom, Elijah was spiritually prepared to speak and demonstrate the Lord’s authoritative word. He could return to Ahab’s realm and confront the defiant, disobedient king.
I. Ahab and Obadiah
(1 KINGS 18:5–6)
A. Surviving a Famine (v. 5)
5. And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.
The name Obadiah is used of some 12 different men in the Old Testament, in addition to the book of the same name. This particular man is first mentioned in the biblical record in 1 Kings 18:3, where he is described as the “governor of [King Ahab’s] house.” This likely means that Obadiah was in charge of Ahab’s palace in Samaria (capital of the northern kingdom of Israel) and assisted in the administration of official matters.
Obadiah was a man of remarkable courage, given the position he held and the faith he embraced. He is described as someone who “feared the Lord greatly” (1 Kings 18:3). His faith was not a private matter. But he must have been careful in how he exercised it, given the devotion of Ahab and Jezebel to Baal (see 18:13, below).
Horses and mules were necessary for transportation and carrying loads. It is worth noting that Ahab did not express concern for people who were suffering or dying during the famine. Perhaps he was preoccupied with keeping his army supplied with animals necessary for military preparedness. The situation in the kingdom had become so desperate that the king and one of his chief officials, not the usual workers, were tasked with finding sustenance for the animals.
B. Surveying the Land (v. 6)
6. So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
Ahab realized how difficult it would be for one man to cover that extent of territory. He proceeded to divide the northern kingdom between the two of them. The hope was that they would find enough grazing area to keep their livestock alive.
II. Elijah and Obadiah
(1 KINGS 18:7–15)
A. Unexpected Meeting (v. 7)
7. And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew
him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?
Elijah probably would have been traveling south from Zidon, where the prophet had been helping the widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8–24). It is likely that Obadiah was traveling through the northern part of Israel when the two men met.
Obadiah’s question reflects some measure of doubt that this was really Elijah, or disbelief that he was seeing Elijah at all. Addressing Elijah as my lord reflected the reverence with which Obadiah held the prophet as God’s messenger. The title did not imply deity.
B. Unwelcome Order (vv. 8–14)
8. And heanswered him, I am: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.
Elijah confirmed that he himself was speaking to Obadiah as part of a command to return to Ahab. Although Obadiah had called Elijah lord, Elijah implied that Obadiah had actually been honoring and serving Ahab. This may have been a subtle dig or an outright test of Obadiah.
9. And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?
Obadiah assumed that if Elijah were asking him to put his life in such jeopardy, it must be to punish him for a particular sin he had committed (compare 1 Kings 18:12, below). Obadiah’s thinking was similar to that of the widow in Zarephath, who accused Elijah of punishing her sin by taking her son from her (17:18). Calling himself Elijah’s servant rejects the idea that Ahab had Obadiah’s true allegiance. Thus Obadiah distanced himself from any implied sin, especially of idolatry, that could result from serving Ahab in any capacity.
Obadiah anticipated Ahab’s reaction to Elijah’s message. For Obadiah to leave Elijah alone in order to travel to Ahab (we do not know how far apart the two men were at this point) would anger the king, who had already stood by as his wife killed God’s prophets (see 1 Kings 18:13). Would Ahab suspect that Obadiah was a supporter of Elijah and a worshipper of Elijah’s God?
What Do You Think?
How can you improve your reputation of being a tactful person in your spheres of influence?
Digging Deeper
How does Daniel 2:14 in its context help frame your response?
10. As the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.
In contrast to the prophet who feared this task would leave him dead, the Lord … liveth (see 1 Kings 18:15, below). The promises of Obadiah and Elijah were made before God. This marks both men as true prophets. They served the living God, not idols or fictitious, powerless gods (see 18:26–29, not in our printed text).
We need not assume that there was literally no nation or kingdom that Ahab hadn’t questioned about Elijah’s whereabouts. Rather, Obadiah described (using hyperbole) how intensely Ahab had searched for the prophet. The rulers in Zidon probably had not realized that Elijah had been among them (1 Kings 17:9). Had they been, they would have risked Ahab’s wrath by lying under oath that they had not seen the prophet.
WANTED!
“East Area Rapist” and “Golden State Killer” are names for the criminal who killed at least 13 people, raped more than 50, and brought fear to many others in California between 1974 and 1986. For years, law enforcement followed every lead available, but the case grew cold.
The manhunt came back to life in 2018, when a distant relative uploaded his own DNA profile onto an open-source genealogy website. This eventually led the police to a man in his 70s who had resided in the areas where the crimes had been committed. His DNA was a match to DNA found at various crime scenes, and the suspect was arrested.
Obadiah may have been exaggerating when he told Elijah that Ahab had sent out searchers to every nation. But it tells us that Ahab’s search for Elijah was just as tenacious as the search for the Golden State Killer. What does the intensity of your search for Jesus say about you? —C. R. B.
11–12a. And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here. And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me.
If Ahab heard from Obadiah that he had met Elijah without arresting him, the king would be infuriated. The implication of not immediately bringing Elijah to Ahab would be that Obadiah was lying to the king—something that one just did not do!
The phrase and it shall come to pass indicates that Obadiah considerd what he had to say next to have been a foregone conclusion. In his own estimation, Obadiah would pay with his life when the Spirit whisked Elijah away. We often think of the Spirit’s work in the prophets’ lives in terms of their speech and writing (example: 2 Peter 1:20–21). However, Obadiah was more concerned with the Spirit’s ability to move or hide a person supernaturally, as He had done with Enoch (Genesis 5:24; compare 2 Kings 2:16b; Ezekiel 8:3; Acts 8:39).
Obadiah knew something of how prophets of the Lord operated in obedience to Him (Deuteronomy 18:15–22; see lesson 1). Though Elijah intended to appear before Ahab, it would only happen if God allowed it. In fact, God had commanded it (1 Kings 18:1–2, not in our printed text).
What Do You Think?
How do a person put the brakes on his or her imagination to keep it from running wild and paralyzing action?
Digging Deeper
When was a time that fear of a hypothetical outcome stopped you in your tracks?
12b–13. But I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth. Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD’S prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?
Obadiah began a defense of his personal character and devotion to the Lord as a reason why his life should not be put in danger. He had lived up to the meaning of his name, “servant of the Lord.” In fact, he’d grown up from his youth fearing God, a sign of wisdom (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7).
Obadiah’s actions on behalf of the Lord’s prophets were evidence that he feared the Lord. Some prophets already had been put to death under Jezebel’s direction, but we have no idea of how many. Obadiah’s hiding an hundred in two caves and smuggling in supplies for them was indeed a dangerous task (see 1 Kings 18:4). Not only did he have to be very sneaky with large amounts of bread and water, but chances of discovery were heightened during that time of drought and the famine it produced.
14. And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me.
Obadiah repeated 1 Kings 18:12a to emphasize the danger that Elijah was putting him in.
What Do You Think?
Considering anew the question “Under what circumstances in the church should you act as a messenger between two parties?” on p. 251, how does today’s text modify your thought?
Digging Deeper
What did you learn from a time you made a wrong choice in this regard?
C. Unwavering Promise (v. 15)
15. And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.
Elijah’s first recorded prophecy that neither dew nor rain would fall on Israel opened with a similar oath (1 Kings 17:1). The oath at hand was as trustworthy as any promise could ever be. In it, Elijah expanded on Obadiah’s oath (18:10, above): not only does God live, but He is the Lord of hosts. This is a warrior image of God, leading the heavenly angels in battle against evil. The title called Obadiah’s attention to God’s power, not just His presence.
The additional words before whom I stand indicated the close relationship between the Lord and Elijah (compare Jeremiah 15:1). As the Lord’s spokesman, Elijah stood ready to go, speak, and do whatever his commander desired.
What Do You Think?
What are some ways Christians can reassure one another in times of fear or doubt?
Digging Deeper
In what ways, if ever, is 2 Kings 6:13–17 a precedent for offering such reassurance?
III. Elijah and Ahab
(1 KINGS 18:16–18)
A. Antagonistic Reception (vv. 16–17)
16. So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
Elijah’s word and oath satisfied Obadiah and settled any doubts he may have had about returning without Elijah. This was the first time King Ahab and Elijah would meet face-to-face following the three-and-a-half-year famine that had devastated the entire northern kingdom of Israel.
17. And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
The phrase and it came to pass echoes Obadiah’s previous fears and shows them to have been unfounded in this case (see 1 Kings 18:12, above). Ahab’s greeting on seeing Elijah was the very opposite of Obadiah’s (see 18:7, above). Ahab’s words reflect the utter contempt in which he held prophets like Elijah. This disdain was based on the bad reports prophets frequently brought him (example: 22:8).
But in a sense, Ahab was right. Any true prophet of the Lord will trouble people when he or she confronts them with the truth about their sinfulness and their need to repent. Ahab was justified in accusing Elijah of being the cause of the famine of the past three and a half years (James 5:17). However, his larger point is way off the mark. God’s judgment would not have occurred had Israel remained faithful to the Lord alone (see 1 Kings 18:18, below).
PROJECTION
I had used my father’s old Kodak a number of times when one day I suddenly realized that I wanted to be a photographer. I was “seeing pictures” as I looked at the world. Soon, I bought a 35mm camera that served me well as I learned my new craft. I liked taking color slides that could be projected onto a screen many times the size of that small piece of film.
My current camera is essentially a computer with a lens attached. Nevertheless, I still view my pictures by projection: captured on the camera’s tiny electronic sensor, they are projected onto my computer screen. A video projector can make the picture big enough for a large auditorium.
In criticizing others, we may “project” onto them our own faults, making them appear larger in that other person. When Ahab condemned Elijah as bringing trouble to Israel, the king was projecting his own spiritual failings onto the prophet. How can you ensure that you do not project your own sins and shortcomings on others? —C. R. B.
B. Honest Answer (v. 18)
18. And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.
Elijah did not back down in the face of the king’s anger. He threw Ahab’s accusation back at him, letting him know that the king and the idolatry of his father’s house were the real troublemakers in Israel.
The famine had come upon the land because of the idolatrous practices that had first been encouraged by Ahab’s father, Omri (1 Kings 16:25–26; see Lesson Context). These practices were furthered through Ahab’s efforts in promoting the worship of Baal (16:30–33), with the enthusiastic support of Jezebel (21:25–26).
English usually forms the plural by adding an “s” on the end of a noun; Hebrew forms the plural by adding “im.” Hence, Baalim is the plural form of Baal, occurring about 18 times in the Old Testament. The word means “lord” or “possessor,” and the plural may refer to different manifestations of this so-called god.
What Do You Think?
When condemned or mocked for following God’s Word, how should you respond?
Digging Deeper
Should your response be the same in all situations? Why, or why not?
Not long after Ahab and Elijah’s meeting, both the king and the people saw a clear demonstration of the impotence of idolatry and the power of Elijah’s God—at the contest on Mount Carmel. Even that, however, did not convince Ahab to change his evil practices and renounce his idolatry (1 Kings 18:20–40, not in our printed text). Though he repented late in life (21:27), Ahab is still remembered primarily for all the trouble he caused Israel.
Conclusion
A. Who’s the Troublemaker?
Courage has always been the trademark of God’s spokespeople (examples: Joshua 1:6–7, 9, 18; Amos 7:10–17). Like Elijah, these prophets continued to proclaim courageously and lead faithfully according to the Lord’s words. And like Elijah, these prophets were considered troublemakers.
In many parts of the world today, an increased measure of courage is required to preach and teach the gospel. Defiant authorities in countries like China or Sudan consider followers of Jesus to be modern troublemakers. Such leaders work hard to silence missionary voices. In India, Christian ministers have been beaten by Hindu radicals. The country of Turkey has displaced Christians searching for a place of worship. And all over the world, Christian refugees seek new homes in nations that will welcome them in peace. (Do an internet search for “the 10 most dangerous places to be a Christian.”)
Let us pray for these faithful servants of the Lord, that they may be established, strengthened, settled (1 Peter 5:10), and empowered with the courage that has always characterized God’s people in an often hostile world. May we learn from the examples of courage of our ancient prophets and our fellow Christians in the world today.
B. Prayer
Father, empower us with courage to live out our faith and speak Your word on Your behalf. We pray for our fellow believers in other lands where living for You means putting their lives on the line daily. May they respond with Holy Spirit-empowered courage to the challenges they face. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Be a courageous, Spirit-led troublemaker!
KIDS CORNER
What Jesus Taught in Secret
Sunday, March 28, 2021
John 18:12-24
John 18:12-24
(John 18:12) So the Roman cohort and the commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him,
Judas accompanied and led those who arrested Jesus. Jesus knew all that would happen to Him and gave himself over to them willingly without a fight. Binding Jesus as a criminal would have been a common practice, and surely Judas knew from seeing Jesus quiet a raging storm on the Sea of Galilee that if Jesus wanted, He could easily break His bonds. Could Jesus’ fighting and escaping death have been one of the devil’s devious plans?
(John 18:13) and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
Prior to the Roman occupation of Jerusalem, Jewish leadership appointed a high priest for life. Under Roman rule, depending on their cooperation and corruption the high priest was selected and removed at the pleasure of Roman authorities. Rome conquered Jerusalem in A.D. 63. Appointed by the Romans, Annas served as high priest from A.D. 6 to 15, and he arranged for his four sons and his son-in-law Caiaphas to serve as high priests. Jesus was arrested and crucified sometime between A.D. 30 and 33, while Caiaphas served as high priest. While Annas lived he was head of the family, and Caiaphas and his sons deferred to Annas. Therefore, Jesus was first taken to Annas. Though the Bible does not tell us, Annas’ family probably lived in a large family compound or palace for they were rich, influential, and dishonest, and they conspired together with the Roman authorities to remain in power. It seems plausible that with all the interest in arresting and killing Jesus, and having failed before, that Caiaphas may have been in the same courtyard with Annas, so Jesus was taken only a short distance across the courtyard to be questioned by him. The courtyard was quite large to contain as many people as it did. As high priests, Annas and his sons controlled the religious environment. They became increasingly wealthy from their management of the temple and especially the Court of the Gentiles where sacrificial animals (that had to be perfect, as determined by a corrupt priesthood) were sold, and where Roman and other foreign coins were exchanged for temple shekels. Money with the face of a Roman emperor or other person could not be offered in the temple because these coins were considered idolatrous. This business was highly profitable for the high priests and priesthood. Jesus cleansed this temple court telling the priests and the crowds, “Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” (John 2:16). Because Jesus cleansed the temple, Annas and Caiaphas had personal reasons for wanting Jesus killed before He caused them more trouble and lost them more money. The Court of the Gentiles did not stay clean very long, and from reading the accounts of the temple cleansings by Jesus in the gospels, Jesus may have cleansed the temple at least in the first year of His ministry and in the last year of His ministry.
(John 18:14) Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people.
Before a council meeting of the chief priests and the Pharisees, in John 11:49-50, John wrote, “But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.’” After Jesus rose from the dead, Peter told the high priests and the council (Sanhedrin) in Acts 5:29-32, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” Yes. Jesus did “die for the people,” but not with the results that Caiaphas intended. Caiaphas planned Jesus’ death so he and his family could stay in power over the people and the temple. In A.D. 70, the Romans destroyed the temple, the sacrificial system, and the priesthood when they destroyed Jerusalem.
(John 18:15) Simon Peter was following Jesus, and so was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest,
According to Jewish law, one who was arrested could call witnesses in his defense. Perhaps Peter and John thought they could follow Jesus to serve as witnesses on His behalf. But Jesus did not call witnesses in His defense, and we learn in Mark 14:56, “Many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree.” It took two eyewitnesses to convict someone of a crime. Of course, there would be nothing just or legal about Jesus’ trial before the high priest. Though the rest of Jesus’ disciples fled in fear when the soldiers arrested Jesus, Peter and John courageously followed Jesus. John found no need to recount everything the other gospels report about the arrest of Jesus, but we learn from Luke 22:49-50 that Jesus’ healed the ear of Malchus after Peter cut off his ear with his sword (see John 18:10). So, Peter had extraordinary courage to follow Jesus, and if Jesus had not healed the ear of Malchus, then the guards would have been looking for Peter to arrest and crucify him too. Despite the risks, Peter followed Jesus. John had less reason for concern about his safety, for the high priest knew him (the Bible does not tell us how he knew him). They became eyewitnesses of His trial for those who hear the gospel and for all who read the Bible. In any event, we know that at least two of Jesus’ followers witnessed His trial (Nicodemus may have attended as a member of the Sanhedrin). All Jesus’ disciples would see Him after He rose from the dead.
(John 18:16) but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in.
Since John stayed as close to Jesus as possible and since some of the slaves of the high priest knew him, John went inside the courtyard, but Peter was not allowed through the gate. When John realized Peter was not with him, he went back and brought him into the courtyard too.
(John 18:17) Then the slave-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.”
Though Peter showed great courage, Peter did not have enough courage to testify that he was one of Jesus’ disciples until after Jesus rose from the dead and filled Peter with the Holy Spirit (see Acts 5:29-32 as noted above in John 18:14). Hence, we have additional good evidence that Jesus did rise from the dead, for Peter began to show more than extraordinary courage when he preached on the Day of Pentecost and when he was later tried by the Sanhedrin for preaching about Jesus. So, answering a slave woman (who could easily call on the guards nearby to arrest him) Peter denied that he was a disciple of Jesus, as Jesus foretold him. In John 13:37, Peter had told Jesus, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” And in John 13:38, Jesus replied, “Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.” As He had prayed, Jesus did not lose any of His disciples.
(John 18:18) Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself.
Peter mingled with the slaves and the police to keep warm around the fire. Even though he had cut off Malchus’ ear, Jesus had healed him. Perhaps he had no fear that they would recognize him in the dark as a disciple of Jesus.
(John 18:19) The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching.
If the trial had been just, the high priest would not have asked Jesus to testify against himself or incriminate himself by asking Jesus’ questions. In a just trial, two or more witnesses would be called to testify against the defendant, and two of them must agree that they had seen the defendant commit a crime, and in Jesus’ case a crime that deserved death. Instead, the high priest tried to entrap Jesus by asking Jesus questions about His teachings. In Matthew 22:15, we learn how the Pharisees had tried to entrap Jesus by asking questions and how they had failed. Annas also tried to entrap Jesus at His trial by asking questions, but Jesus saw no point in throwing His pearls before swine (see Jesus’ sermon in Matthew 7:6).
(John 18:20) Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret.
In accordance with the law, Jesus told the high priest that since He had spoken openly, witnesses could be called to testify for or against Him. In a legal trial, He was not compelled to testify for or against himself. Importantly, Jesus told the high priest that He always spoke “openly to the world” and He had “said nothing in secret.” Therefore, we know that there are no ancient or contemporary books or ancient or modern societies (no matter what they claim) that possess “the secret teachings of Jesus.” Jesus gave no secret teachings, so none exist. Jesus spoke openly to the world to save the world. When His disciples did not understand Him (His parables, for example), Jesus explained himself, and they recorded in the Bible what Jesus explained. Jesus taught in easily accessible and important places where anyone who wanted to hear what He taught could hear Him. Priests and others in authority heard Him teach in synagogues and in the temple, so they knew what He taught, and they could easily testify to what He said.
(John 18:21) “Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said.”
Legally, Annas should not have asked Jesus any questions, so Jesus asked him, “Why do you ask me?” Though our translations make it seem so, Jesus’ question of the high priest was not rude or sarcastic. Since Jesus had spoken openly and had said nothing in secret, He told the high priest that witnesses could testify if He had committed a crime. Jesus had no need to call Peter or John to testify in His behalf, for many people had heard what Jesus taught, and Peter and John could not have added to His defense.
(John 18:22) When He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, “Is that the way You answer the high priest?”
One of the temple police did not like Jesus’ reason for His refusal to answer the questions of the high priest, so he struck Jesus on the face and accused Jesus of not answering the high priest appropriately.
(John 18:23) Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?”
Though Jesus’ hands were bound, in word and deed Jesus practiced what He taught in His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:39, “But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.” Striking someone on the right cheek was meant as an insult. Jesus had spoken rightly, and the one who struck Him had no reason to strike Him, but Jesus’ question could have led the officer to examine himself and repent—we do not know his response to Jesus’ question.
(John 18:24) So Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
With Jesus’ hands still bound, Annas sent Jesus to Caiaphas, who as high priest that year had the legal responsibility to put Jesus on trial and convict Jesus of a crime—a crime that deserved death according to their interpretation of Jewish law. John did not repeat what Matthew recorded about Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas, which can be read in Matthew 26:57-75. In my opinion, the house of Caiaphas and the house of Annas were houses in a large palace and their large houses shared the same courtyard. Peter’s denial of Jesus seems to be in the same courtyard during the questioning by Annas and the trial by Caiaphas. The Bible does not give us all the details that we would like to know, and it does not answer all our questions, but I believe Caiaphas and some Pharisees were nearby when Annas questioned Jesus; so, Annas simply turned Jesus over to Caiaphas for conviction before they took Jesus to Pilate, for Pilate to sentence Jesus to die by crucifixion as the Old Testament had prophesied and Jesus had foretold.
What Jesus Taught in Secret
Sunday, March 28, 2021
John 18:12-24
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing (John 18:20—KJV).
Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret” (John 18:20—NASB).
Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret” (John 18:20—NRSV).
When on trial before the chief priests, Jesus could have called Peter and John, two of His most faithful disciples, to testify on His behalf. They watched His trial from the courtyard. But Jesus had prayed and promised them that the Father and He would protect them so none of His disciples would be arrested or harmed. Jesus kept His promise, so He testified in His own defense. He testified that He had always spoken openly to the world. In the most prominent places, Jesus had given everyone the opportunity to hear everything He taught. John did not repeat everything the other gospel writers recorded, so in Mark 14:56, we learn, “Many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree.” Perhaps most importantly for people today, we learn from John that Jesus spoke openly to the world. Everything Jesus taught would benefit everyone in the world, if people believed and lived based on what Jesus taught. Perhaps more importantly, Jesus said that He taught nothing in secret. No ancient secret book or ancient secret society exists that truly tells what Jesus taught in secret, for Jesus never taught anything in secret. Jesus did explain His parables to His disciples, for they had “ears to hear” (an open mind and heart to learn the truth). As Jesus told Pilate in John 18:37, “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Jesus’ disciples still listen to His voice as recorded in the Bible, for His first disciples wrote everything the Holy Spirit inspired them to remember.
Thinking Further
What Jesus Taught in Secret
Sunday, March 28, 2021
John 18:12-24
Name ___________________________
1. Why do you think both Roman soldiers and temple police were sent to arrest of Jesus?
2. Who were the two priests who tried Jesus? Who prophesied about Jesus? What did he prophesy? Was his prophecy true? How do you know?
3. Who do you think was the “another disciple”? Give a reason for your answer. Who did he know that enabled him to stay close to Jesus?
4. How did Jesus speak in the world? What did He say in secret? Why is knowing this important to believers in Jesus?
5. What did Jesus testify to that was wrong that led the Him to be struck?
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. Why do you think both Roman soldiers and temple police were sent to arrest of Jesus?
Previously, Jesus had walked through crowds that wanted to stone Him and He had disappeared when some tried to detain Him. He spoke with such wisdom and authority that the temple police sent to arrest Him did not do so; therefore, the high priests could not trust them do arrest Him. He was so powerful, the high priests thought they needed an army to overpower Jesus and arrest Him; also, they knew they might need to fight His disciples.
2. Who were the two priests who tried Jesus? Who prophesied about Jesus? What did he prophesy? Was his prophecy true? How do you know?
Annas and Caiaphas. Caiaphas: “It was better to have one person die for the people.” Jesus died for the sins of people. The Bible tells me so and Jesus rose from the dead. I know His forgiveness is real from experience.
3. Who do you think was the “another disciple”? Give a reason for your answer. Who did he know that enabled him to stay close to Jesus?
I think the other disciple was John, and so does Christian tradition. The accounts of Jesus’ trial before the priests and before Pilate give evidence that at least two people witnessed Jesus’ trial and heard Him speak at His trials. These witnesses would be Peter and John. John knew the high priest and John also stayed close to Jesus’ mother, Mary, at the foot of the cross.
4. How did Jesus speak in the world? What did He say in secret? Why is knowing this important to believers in Jesus? Jesus spoke and taught openly in the world for all to hear and testify to what He said. He taught no secret truths. There are no secret teachings of Jesus hidden in ancient books and those books that some claim to be Jesus’ secret teachings often contradict what the Bible clearly teaches.
5. What did Jesus testify to that was wrong that led the Him to be struck?
Nothing.
Word Search
What Jesus Taught in Secret
Sunday, March 28, 2021
John 18:12-24
Name ______________________________
D J G M K W G A E W R C S Z D
U F C D S S M N F P A V I E W
Y D Y U O A R K I I M F D O U
V H S F G N S E A H N Z H P J
Z E G X Q N L P I Y T G F E B
J M K N S A H K D D I O A N M
H W C E J A O X E H L F N L I
Q Z G K S C I T S M Y O R Y J
R H X O T W S H I T V G S W E
D P J P E E C Y V H S U A P S
I O H S R W I Z D Q S E R N U
Z L Z R C X C S A C N I I Z S
U I A Y E G D U W L P S W R F
N C L H S P H L I H Z Q D E P
P E Q B E L A O C R A H C W J
Soldiers
Jewish
Police
Arrested
Jesus
Annas
Caiaphas
High
Priest
Advised
Charcoal
Spoken
Openly
Nothing
Secret
True and False Test
What Jesus Taught in Secret
Sunday, March 28, 2021
John 18:12-24
Name ____________________________
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
1. Caiaphas sent Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus and kept His police at his home to protect himself from Jesus’ disciples at night. True or False
2. Caiaphas was the father-in-law of Annas, the high priest for that year. True or False
3. Caiaphas advised that it was better to have one person die for the people. True or False
4. Though the Bible does not tell us his name, tradition says that John was the “another disciple” who accompanied Peter. True or False
5. The soldiers guarded the gate to the courtyard, so Peter could not get into the courtyard. True or False
6. Having struck and cut off the ear of Malchus, Peter was brave to follow Jesus as far as he did. True or False
7. A woman asked Peter if he was a disciple, and he said, “I am not.” True or False
8. Because they were hungry, the slaves made a charcoal fire to roast hotdogs for the soldiers and the priests. True or False
9. Jesus told Annas, the high priest, that he had spoken openly to the world and had told His disciples many secrets about high priests. True or False
10. Jesus said to the one who struck Him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong.” True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- False
- True
Prayer
Father, empower us with courage to live out our faith and speak Your word on Your behalf. We pray for our fellow believers in other lands where living for You means putting their lives on the line daily. May they respond with Holy Spirit-empowered courage to the challenges they face. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.