Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Friedheim
10653 N – 550 W
Decatur, IN 46733
A 21st Century Parish
with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42
Celebrating our 182nd
Year
Chartered February
25, 1838
“Jesus I will Ponder Now”
A Lenten series based on six Chorales written by Sigismund
v. Birken & Johan Sebastian Bach
“Simon
Peter also followed in Jesus’ path and another disciple” - John 18:15
Introduction: Following Jesus’ arrest in the garden Peter
and John follow behind the soldiers as Jesus is lead to Annas. Annas just so
happened to be the father-in-law of Caiaphas – who had been appointed to serve
as high priest.
It
wasn’t left to chance that Jesus was sent to have an audience with Annas. Annas
was the principle player
within the Jewish Council. He made sure to keep a power hold within the court,
keeping tight control within his family power base.
History
tells us that four of Annas's sons were among those who succeeded him. His
son-in-law, Caiaphas, held office from A.D. 18 until 36, during the time of
Jesus' active ministry.
Although
others held the priestly office, Annas
seems to have been the elder statesman and the power behind the throne.
Together
these two men; Annas and Caiaphas, brokered much influence within the temple
and the court - It was Caiaphas who had given counsel and warning to the
Sanhedrin that it was expedient that one man should die for the sake of the
people. -John 18:14
Peter and John follow
behind – they desire to see what will occur next.
I.
With
Peter and John we view Christ’s Passion.
A.
“Yet, O Lord, not
thus alone make me see Thy Passion.”
1.
During
this holy season we meditate on what Christ did and endured to earn our
salvation.
2.
We
mark His arrest, trial, suffering and crucifixion.
B.
“But its cause to me make known and its
termination.”
1.
The
cause for which Christ was arrested, tried, scourged and crucified was to win
for me salvation.
2.
When
Christ died – all of our sin died. Our sins, with all evil lusts were all
drowned and killed.
Transition: But we do more than
merely observe Christ’s action. We recall, affirm and believe what Christ has
done. He suffered and died that I may receive salvation and life.
II.
We
also recall the impact of Christ’s suffering.
A.
“Ah! I also and my
sin wrought Thy deep affliction.”
1.
It
was my sin and mine alone which caused Jesus to suffer and die.
2.
It
is my sin, which caused me to be separated from the Father, from Christ, and my
neighbor.
B.
“This indeed the cause has been of Thy
crucifixion.”
1.
Christ
suffered for me because I can do nothing to earn my salvation. My sin robs me
of fellowship with God or with my neighbor. “Lord if You should mark iniquity who shall stand…” -Psalm 130:3
2.
Because
Christ has suffered for me and on my behalf I now enjoy the blessings that come
from Christ’s bloody cross; salvation, forgiveness, life eternal.
Conclusion: Peter and John
remain in the wings to see what will transpire next. What happens is that Jesus
is abandoned by God and by men to take on our sin to Himself and thus win for
us salvation. “Lord, may Thy body and Thy
blood be for my soul the highest good.”*
I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table” from The Lutheran Hymnal © 1940 Concordia
Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
Artwork
by Ed Rojas © Higher Things
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