Photo. Justine show choir competition. 2012

IX. The Sermon: The Cup of Wrath – Rev. Kyle McClellan, Senior Minister, Grace Presbyterian Church

Some people today would believe Jesus was a victim surprised by his treatment and ultimately his own death. But this is not supported by texts such as these.

The Sermon Passage: John 18:1-11

The Big Idea: As the events of God’s eternal plan of redemption unfold, Jesus sovereignly accepts the cup the Father gives to him.

Exposition

I. The Margaret Thatcher rule (vv. 4-10).

John has used irony very well through his gospel. Many of us when we use irony we are as subtle as a ten pound hammer. It is ironic that the lost one, Judas, is leading the troops to take Jesus and betray him. It is ironic that he has to bring a torches to find the light of the world. It is ironic that they come with clubs and swords to get the prince of peace.

Margaret’s rule was if you have to constantly remind those around you that you are in charge, you are not. If Judas had to hire / be hired to get Christ to show he had the power, then he does not.

Vs 5 has a word of warning for us. Judas was no longer standing among the disciples, he was numbered among “them” – the ones against Jesus. Judas’ betrayal is not in that he does not believe Jesus is God, he is trying to force Jesus’ hand to be the conquering king to kick out the Romans from over the Jews. What about you? Where do you stand this morning?

Peter announces his presence with authority because he thinks that Jesus needs his help. He cuts off the high priests servants ear – probably not what he was aiming for as fishermen are not usually adept with swords. “It is foolish for Peter to show his allegiance to Christ with his sword when he can’t seem to do so with his tongue” – John Calvin quote.

II. Drinking the Father’s cup (v.11, cf.: Jeremiah 25:15-29).

What is the cup? It is not just the physical beatings Jesus will get unto deth. The cup is symbolic of God’s wrath not against the Jews only but against all mankind! Jeremiah 25:15ff. The cup was God’s just anger against us sinners. We confess that ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God – not most but all of us.

Conclusion. There is a cup to drink. Either you drink it at the end of your life for all eternity for trying to hold on to some vestige of power. Or Christ drinks it once and for all for all who call upon him to be saved.

The passage.

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 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 its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”