Text: John 18:1-11, 28 - Chapter 19:16 Ben Jackson 4/3/26
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This sermon, delivered by Ben Jackson at All Saints Presbyterian Church in Meridian, Idaho, explores the Passion narrative from John 18:1–11 and 18:28–19:16, focusing on the arrest, trial, and condemnation of Jesus. The preacher unpacks the tension between two kingdoms—the kingdom of this world, driven by fear, power, and self-preservation, and the kingdom of God, rooted in truth, love, and sacrificial surrender. Through the actions of Judas, Peter, the chief priests, Pilate, and the crowd, the sermon reveals how fear—both personal and political—leads to injustice and moral compromise. Jesus stands as the innocent king who willingly embraces suffering, rejecting violence and asserting that His mission is to bear witness to the truth. The sermon calls listeners to examine their own hearts, recognizing how they, like Pilate and the Jewish leaders, often prioritize comfort, status, and control over justice and truth. Good Friday is presented not as a moment of defeat, but as a divine invitation to surrender selfish fears and find true freedom in Christ’s sacrificial love.
Fear—whether of losing power, status, or control—is the root of sin and injustice in both personal and political life.
Jesus’ kingdom is defined not by force or retaliation, but by truth, love, and willing surrender.
The cross reveals God’s ultimate act of humility: the innocent king gives up all privilege to redeem the guilty.
Good Friday is a call to honest self-examination and surrender, not just of sin, but of the illusion of self-control.
True freedom comes not from holding on, but from letting go—trusting in Christ’s sacrificial goodness.
The Arrest in the Garden
“When Jesus said to them, I am he, they drew back and fell to the ground.”
Peter's Violent Reaction and Jesus' Response
“Put your sword into its sheath. Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
The Trial Before Pilate
Pilate questions Jesus, sensing His innocence, but ultimately succumbs to political pressure. The Jewish leaders manipulate the situation, claiming Jesus must die because He 'made Himself the Son of God,' which terrifies Pilate and pushes him toward compromise.
The Collision of Two Kingdoms
“In this world of two colliding kingdoms, everyone loses unless the one innocent king sacrifices everything.”
Good Friday as a Call to Surrender
“What freedom do you imagine is on the other side of giving up your selfish fears for the sacrificial goodness of Good Friday?”
“What freedom do you imagine is on the other side of giving up your selfish fears for the sacrificial goodness of Good Friday?”
“Put your sword into its sheath. Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
“In this world of two colliding kingdoms, everyone loses unless the one innocent king sacrifices everything.”
Host
Jesus
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Pilate
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God
other
The Jews
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The Father
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Good Friday
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The Romans
other
Peter
person
The Passover
other
Judas
person
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