(Read John 18)
With just over a week to go before Christmas, it’s more important than ever to be prepared for the true meaning of the Holiday. While some of my fondest memories of Christmas include Carol singing in our town center, Christmas Eve Chick-fil-A lunch traditions with the kids, buying too many gifts, and family ski trips squeezed in before Church on Christmas Eve, none of these illustrate God’s message behind the sacred event. It’s easy to get caught up in the merriment and tinsel of the season because that’s what the world wants. The problem is, when we focus on the wrong things, we’re left disappointed and depressed when the Holiday is over. There is a hole left in our souls from being unfulfilled.
Christmas isn’t a time to be religious either. Many families will gather for church on Christmas Eve but not the rest of the year. Attending Christmas services becomes a religious or cultural event rather than a worship event. Over the years, I remember inspiring solos of “O Holy Night,” cello instrumentals, and some of the best sermons I’ve ever heard. I’ve even worried about what others think of our services as if it’s a show. It’s not. We shouldn’t worship any differently at Christmas, but we should look more intensely at the reason for the holiday.
Christ’s birth, as depicted in Revelation 12, was a far cry from a Hallmark movie. It did not include furry, cuddly farm animals and kindly kings from the East. On the contrary, the story is illustrated with horrific forces of evil represented by a red dragon – who set out to destroy the woman’s son. There is an epic battle between good and evil, beasts, and the eventual victory of the Messiah.
“Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.”
John 18:4-8
In this verse, Jesus repeats his identification of himself, this time with a tone of authority. He is not simply stating a fact but asserting his power and control over the situation. Jesus’ primary concern here is for the safety of his disciples. As He did for us, He also did for His disciples in Gethsemane. He knew the danger they faced of being arrested along with him, so He intervened to protect them, showing His deep love and care for them.
Isaiah 53:12 says, “Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he will share the spoil with the mighty, because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Jesus seems to be taking the first step towards fulfilling that prophecy.
Jesus was mission and kingdom-focused. By protecting his disciples, he ensured that the gospel’s message would continue to be spread forever.
Christmas and Easter bring the crowds and the tension that comes with them. I can recall one Christmas Eve when someone in a leadership capacity was giving instructions to my son for the service. He didn’t understand at first, so she raised her voice, berating him. He was distraught because he didn’t know what he was doing wrong. High tension forced religious expectations to outweigh the Holiness of the night. It put a damper on the joy of the tradition and worship experience of Christmas that year.
Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover.
John 18:28
While reading this chapter of John’s Gospel this week, I was struck by the harsh contrast between good and evil. I pondered this verse for a while. The hypocrisy of Caiphas and his ilk was blinding to me. John’s account here marks a shift from Jewish to Roman authority in Jesus’ trial. He is led from Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest, to the Praetorium, Pilate’s palace.
The Jewish leaders were obsessed with ritual purity, outward signs of religiosity, and fear of entering a pagan place (Praetorium), yet they had no qualms about seeking the death of an innocent man. The ceremonially unclean Roman Praetorium was a longstanding site of hostility between Romans and Jews, but it was a suitable location for them to collaborate in a conspiracy.
Jesus’ trials were highly illegal by the standards of Jewish law. A law that the Sanhedrin all knew. This trial was at night, and the Sanhedrin never met at night. They declared Christ must die even though the death penalty was not to be rendered on the day of trial. False evidence and false witnesses were presented, and this infamous trial occurred on the eve of Passover.
Ritual purity and political gain were prioritized over justice and mercy. The irony is plain for all to see – they were meticulous about observing external rituals while unknowingly participating in a plot that would ultimately fulfill a more profound, spiritual reality: the eternal kingdom of a Savior.
Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
John 18:37-38
And here we pivot back to the force of good. “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth.” This truth is not a mere collection of facts or doctrines but a higher understanding that embodies divine reality, God’s revelation to humanity. As the embodiment of truth, Jesus calls those who belong to the truth to listen to his voice.
When asked if He was a king, Jesus responded in a way that emphasized the spiritual nature of his kingship. Jesus acknowledged his kingship in a way that clarified His kingdom is not of this world. His kingship is rooted in a divine purpose – to bear witness to the truth, the essence of God’s nature, revealed through Jesus.
The conversation between Jesus and Pilate can be seen as a clash between faith and reason. Jesus speaks from faith in God and his divine mission, while Pilate represents a more skeptical, rational approach. While Pilate is standing in the presence of the Truth, he seems to dismiss the very idea of truth. The spiritual blindness of Pilate, representative of the broader human condition, is highlighted. Jesus, the Truth, stands unrecognized by the one asking, “What is truth?”
So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
John 18:39-40
A week before this mock trial, the people in Jerusalem praised Jesus, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” Swayed by public opinion, political gains, and religious hypocrisy, they now are calling a known criminal and terrorist in place of a man they once called “King.” They called for crucifixion over benediction between the true King of the Jews, innocent and righteous, and a criminal.
The crowd, easily swayed by the priests’ influence, failed to recognize Jesus’ true message and succumbed to the prejudice of the Jewish leaders. They unknowingly chose the criminal over the one offering salvation, highlighting the blindness of human judgment.
Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. As wonderful as family and religious traditions are, Christmas is about so much more! Throughout the Bible, references to Jesus – the Messiah abound. Our Christmas preparation should be the same. Our worship and praise should point to Christ. Lose the legalistic restrictions of your expectations and remember the good and glory of His grace.
Jesus’ message of truth transcends worldly, cultural, and even religious boundaries. His truth supersedes traditions and religiosity. Despite our flaws and sins, Jesus was born as a testimony to the truth. Even at Christmas time, we will get things wrong again and again, yet Christ’s truth does something we can’t do on our own. His truth saves us, His truth reconciles us with God. Jesus was born for this purpose.
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Charles Wesley
Key Application:
- Choose light over darkness. There is so much light everywhere we turn this season. Unfortunately, there is plenty of darkness too. Followers of Christ don’t need to be perfect. We can’t. We can demonstrate the hope our Savior, Jesus, gives us from His greatest gift. Be the light in someone’s life. Smile, say hello, look someone in the eyes, and be the Kingdom people Christ made us to be.
- Choose truth over comfort. Even when it’s unpopular or challenges the status quo, choosing truth leads to a more complete life. We are called to discern the truth for ourselves, not blindly follow the crowd, and be willing to stand for what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.