Lent, approached rightly, can be a time of tremendous spiritual growth. There are so many scriptural promises that accompany abiding in Christ. In John alone, Jesus says: “If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”
Keller often contrasts religion’s mechanical obedience with Christianity’s organic transformation. Staying connected to the vine will lead to fruit. That’s a promise.
Let’s help each other abide and then celebrate together the growth we are experiencing during this most holy time of the year.
We will be studying the last four chapters of John with the help of Tim Keller’s sermons. This week, Keller takes a passage where the wrath of God is not even mentioned and masterfully extracts three principles from it that impacted my heart, and I pray will yours as well.
Welcome to all newcomers. I hope you stay for the journey.
Keller begins with a controversial statement:
WE ARE ALL ENEMIES OF GOD.
We know we were before we came to Him and that He died for us when we were enemies, but we must also realize that we are plagued with a “curvature of the soul” that wants to do things our way. If we don’t like what He is whispering to us, we grab the wheel and go our own way into this stormy life.
LINK TO SERMON: https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/the-wrath-of-god/
(If this link does not work for you, find the transcript printed out at the end of this lesson.)
SUNDAY: GOD HUNT
On this blog, we reserve Sundays for “God Hunts.” Though God is always present, sometimes it takes being alert to see how He is lovingly at work in our lives. Think about an unexpected mercy, a Scripture that became radioactive, unusual timing that He might have orchestrated, or seeing His hand in the wonder of creation.
1. How have you been aware of God’s presence in your life this week?
MONDAY: THE TEXT
2. Read John 18:1-13
A. Upon your first reading, what stands out and why?
B. Describe the scene in verses 1-3. (A detachment of soldiers is about 200 men.)
C. Why so many men? What do you think they were expecting?
D. In verses 4-9, why might Jesus’ response have surprised the soldiers?
E. Literally, Jesus just kept saying “I AM” rather than “I Am He.” Significance?
F. How does Peter respond, and then how does Jesus respond to him in verses 10-11?
G. What prophetic statement had Caiaphas made unknowingly? (verses 12-13)
TUESDAY: WARRANTED WRATH (PART 1)
I suggest you listen to Keller with the transcript in front of you, for he is such an excellent preacher that the written word doesn’t carry the same emotion. Listen and read through his example of David Front’s interview of Madeleine Murray O’Hare, a famous atheist. (Middle of page 4)
3. What in particular stood out to you and why?
4. How does John’s scene in John 18 show the intense hatred toward Jesus?
5. People often say the Jews killed Jesus, but how does Keller show it was all kinds of people, including us?
6. Keller supports this statement scripturally: “Every human being, until the Holy Spirit changes him, is an enemy of God.” He knows his congregation, many of whom were unbelievers, will object. How does he answer their objection that they don’t hate Jesus?
7. How does he support it through:
A. His illustration of Augustine and the pears
B. His story of the atheist on David Frost’s program?
8. Because our hearts are deceitful, even as believers, we can hide the fact that there are ways we “hate” God by resisting His authority. We don’t trust Him enough to obey Him in evangelism, hospitality, forgiving, giving… Ask Him to show you where you need to ask Him for more faith so you will obey.
ASH WEDNESDAY: WARRANTED WRATH (PART 2)
Listen/read up to Keller’s 2nd point a third of the way down on page 6 when he says, “But that’s not all. The second thing we learn is how controlled God’s wrath is.”
9. What in particular stood out to you and why?
10. Keller says that we also try to tame God through religion. What does he mean? Don’t be too quick to assume this is not you. Look over the following chart and share where you gravitate toward religion instead of the gospel:
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RELIGION & THE GOSPEL
Gospel in Life Study Guide, Tim Keller. P. 16
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RELIGION |
THE GOSPEL |
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I obey; therefore, I’m accepted. |
I’m accepted; therefore, I obey. |
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Motivation is based on fear and insecurity. |
Motivation is based on grateful joy. |
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I obey God in order to get things from God. |
I obey God to get God – to delight and resemble him. |
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When circumstances in my life go wrong, I am angry at God or myself, since I believe that anyone who is good deserves a comfortable life. |
When circumstances in my life go wrong, I struggle, but I know my punishment fell on Jesus and that while God may allow this for my training, he will exercise his Fatherly love within my trial. |
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When I am criticized, I am furious or devastated because it is critical that I think of myself as a “good person.” Threats to my self-image must be destroyed at all costs. |
When I am criticized, I struggle, but it is not essential for me to think of myself as a “good person.” My identity is not built on my record or my performance but on God’s love for me in Christ. |
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My prayer life consists largely of petition, and it only heats up when I am in a time of need. My main purpose in prayer is control of the environment |
My prayer life consists of generous stretches of praise and adoration. My main purpose is fellowship with God. |
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My self-view swings between two poles. If and when I am living up to my standards, I feel confident, but then I am prone to be proud and unsympathetic to failing people. If and when I am not living up to standards, I feel humble but not confident – I feel like a failure. |
My self-view is not based on my moral achievement. In Christ I am simul justus et peccator — simultaneously sinful and lost, yet accepted in Christ. I am so bad that he had to die for me, and I am so loved that he was glad to die for me. This leads me to deep humility and confidence at the same time. |
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My identity and self-worth are based mainly on how hard I work, or how moral I am – and so I must look down on those I perceive as lazy or immoral. |
My identity and self-worth are centered on the one who died for me. I am saved by sheer grace and I can’t look down on those who believe or practices something different from me. Only by grace am I what I am. |
11. Keller says: “God is angry at our unjust anger.” We forget all He has done and say, “What have you done for me lately?” Do you see this tendency in your heart?
THURSDAY: CONTROLLED WRATH
Listen/read to the final paragraph of page 7 where Keller moves to his final point: “God’s wrath is being absorbed.”
12. How can you see Jesus’ controlled wrath in the passage from John 18?
13. Why does Keller say the soldiers fell down despite Jesus’ calm?
14. What is his point about Jesus saying just “I AM,” rather that “I AM HE.”
15. What did Keller say God is never losing his temper but has a settled opposition to evil. How is this meaningful to you as you face injustice in a fallen world?
16. Are you bitter or angry against someone? Can you simply turn them over to a just God to do what He will and be released of carrying this burden?
FRIDAY: ABSORBED WRATH
Listen/Read to the end.
17. What stands out to you from this section?
18. Keller says modern people have trouble with the phrase “cup of the Father.” Why?
19. Why does Jesus tell Peter to put away his sword? Application to us?
20. What was his point of his story about a friend jumping into a fire to show you his love?
21. Can you explain how justice and mercy met at the cross?
SATURDAY:
22. What is your takeaway and why?
The_Wrath_of_God Transcript
Tonight’s scripture reading comes from John chapter 18 verses 1 through 14.
1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side, there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. 2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So, Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons. 4Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” 5“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7Again, he asked them, “Who is it you want?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8“I told you that I am he,” Jesus answered. “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” 10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” 12Then the detachment of soldiers, with its commander and the Jewish officials, arrested Jesus. They bound him 13and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.
This is the word of the Lord.
Every single week we’re taking a look at one of the attributes of God, and today we come to the attribute of God, according to the Bible, that probably gives modern Western people the shudders the most. The Bible says that the God of the Bible is the God of wrath. Because we’re coming up to Easter, we’re in a season in which the churches around the world reflect on the meaning of the cross, and what I would like to do is reflect on the wrath of God in light of the cross. So, we’ve taken this passage, which is one of the four accounts of Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before He was put to death. And when you first look at this, it doesn’t seem to be much about wrath or anger, but it really is. Let’s see, let’s learn from this passage that God’s wrath is:
- 1) warranted wrath,
- 2) it’s controlled wrath,
- 3) and it’s absorbed wrath.
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It’s warranted, it’s controlled, it’s absorbed.
Point one, it’s warranted. Now, the first three verses tell us that when Jesus and the disciples got to the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas, who was engineering the arrest, knew that they would go there. And verse three says, so Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons. Now, first notice the range of people who are coming to arrest Jesus. Jew and Gentile, see, Roman soldiers as well as officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. Not only is that Jew and Gentile, that’s blue collar and cultural elite, because the priests and the Pharisees were the elites and the Roman soldiers were the blue collar guys. It’s also both religious and irreligious. The Roman soldiers weren’t particularly religious, or put another way, pagans and Bible believers. And see, some anti-Semitic groups over the years have tried to pin Jesus’ death on the Jews. But over and over again in the Gospels, we see very deliberately I’m sure, John is showing us, that every class, the whole range of classes, the whole range of races, as it were, the whole range of religion, irreligious, religious, Bible, everybody comes to attack Jesus. And that’s the main point.
The main point is, when they’re coming with weapons, when they’re coming with chains, when they’re coming to arrest the Son of God, and then very soon we’re going to see He’s mocked, He’s beaten, He’s tortured, He’s murdered. This is narratively depicting what the Bible teaches as a propositional truth. What’s the propositional truth? Romans 5: 10, While we were enemies, Christ died for us. Enemies! And then Romans 8, verse 7 and 8, the natural mind, that’s our mind in its natural state, the natural mind is enmity toward God. It does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it cannot. Enmity is hatred. And it says our mind is enmity toward God. What is being depicted here with the weapons and the clubs and coming to arrest the Son of God and torture and murder Him, what’s depicted narratively is what is taught by the Bible, and that is that we don’t just disbelieve in God, we don’t just resist God, we’re mad at Him. We’re lethally mad at Him. We hate Him.
Every human being until the Holy Spirit changes is an enemy of God. We hate Him. And I know what you’re thinking. I know what almost everybody’s thinking. I can’t really relate to that. Some of you say, I don’t really know if I believe in God. Some of you say, so how could I hate Him? Some say, well, I don’t believe God like I should, I don’t have enough faith, or I don’t obey Him like I should, but I don’t hate Him. But let’s think about this. First of all, the human heart hates anything that threatens its self-sovereignty. The human heart pushes back and hates anything that threatens our self-sovereignty, our mastery of our own life, because what the human heart wants more than anything else to be is our own master and our own lords. And anything that threatens it triggers anger.
And that’s the for example, St. Augustine gave this classic illustration. In his confessions, he’s reflecting on the fact that when he was a boy, he stole pears from his neighbor’s
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orchard. And he’s reflecting years later on why he did it. Why did I steal those pears? In light of two things. One is, he says, first of all, I wasn’t hungry. But secondly, he said, I don’t really like pears. So why, if you’re not hungry and you don’t really like pears, why did he steal the pears? And he says, I remember the answer. It’s because I was told not to get them. I was forbidden. He says, I wanted them because they were forbidden. In other words, the prohibition against pears triggered that part of your heart that says, nobody tells me what to do. I am the master of my faith. I am the captain of my soul. Now, by the way, if a prohibition against pears triggers that, what do you think Jesus Christ does?
You know, you’ve probably heard, maybe you heard it from me, that if you read the Gospel accounts, you’ll see that no one ever responds to Jesus Christ moderately. No, but if you take a look at the Gospels, you’ll see when people hear Jesus, they see him doing things, they hear him teaching, nobody sits and says, that’s very thought-provoking, very thought- provoking. I have to think about that. No! What people… either people are terrified, they say, depart from me, or they’re furious and they attack him, or in the most traumatic thing that any human being can do, they surrender to him. But nobody responds moderately. You know why? The theological and psychological answer to that question is that Jesus Christ, more than any other thing, more than any other person, triggers that natural hatred we have for anything that threatens our self-sovereignty. Because he says, he makes incredible claims. He says, I’m your Lord, I’m your judge. He says, no one can follow me unless you hate your father and mother and even your own life. What’s that mean? It means I must be number one. I must have a full priority. I say how you should live, and that triggers the hate.
The Bible says, we don’t just disbelieve in God, we hate him. And I know a lot of you are saying, I still just can’t relate to that. Well, let me suggest a couple of thoughts. Psychologists will tell you that your deepest hates you hide from yourself so they can do their dirty work. Years ago, you might have been confronted and saying, you’re bitter, or you hate her, or you hate him. And you said, I’m not bitter. No, I’m not happy with her. I’m not bitter. I don’t hate him. But you were, and you did, and you see it now. And I’m trying to make the same point here about God.
Here’s one way. One of the ways that you hide your hatred of God from yourself is by creating pictures of God in your mind that you can control, that you can lead away in chains, that you can master. We hate the God of the Bible because you can’t master him. What we really want is a God that you can control, that you can chain up, that you can arrest, that you’re on top of. And so, we create in our mind a view of God that we say, that’s the God I believe in. Oh, I believe in God. I believe in a God of love. That’s the God I believe in. I don’t hate God. But the very fact that you have to create a God that you can master shows that you hate a God that you can’t.
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Some years ago, R. C. Sproul, a good Christian teacher, was trying to teach on this subject. And he told a story, and this shows how old he is, and how old I am, and how old the illustration is. He said he was watching on TV. He was watching David Frost on his talk show interviewing Madeleine Murray O’Hare, who was a very activist atheist. And as they were debating whether it was a God, David Frost was losing because she, Madeleine Murray O’Hare, was a very smart woman. And he was losing. So, in desperation, he turned to the studio audience and said, how many of you believe in God? And almost everybody raised their hand. See, he won. Reality TV. She was voted out, I guess. So how many of you believe in God? They all raised their hand. R. C. said, well, Madeleine Murray O’Hare really missed her chance because she just sat there and glowered at him. But what she could have done is this. She could have said, “Ah. Let me restate the question. How many of you believe in the God of the Bible? The God who, when He descends on Mount Sinai, says anybody who touches the mountain must be killed. The God who says, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy. The God who, when He’s present in the Ark of the Covenant and someone touches that Ark, they die. The God who has Job go through horrendous suffering, and then He shows up at the end of the book of Job, and He says, I’m not going to even tell you why it happened to you. I just want you to trust me because I’m God and you’re not. How many of you believe in that God?” And R. C. says, “Maybe nobody would have raised their hand.” You know why? We hate that God. And the fact that we create gods, pictures of God, that are under arrest, under our arrest, that we’ve controlled, shows that we hate the God that we can’t master.
Or let me give you another example. It’s not just our theological waffliness, which is actually a sign of our enmity toward God. Religion is. There’s another way to try to tame God, arrest God, master God, control Him, and that is in religion. The religious view of God goes like this. If I live a good life, if I pray, if I read the Bible, if I do good things, then God has to bless me. Do you know what you’re doing?
I was recently, I got to watch again the great movie Amadeus. You know, it’s about Salieri and Mozart. And by the way, whenever you see that movie, you always have to remember that it’s very fictional. The real Salieri and Mozart might have been very different, were very different. But inside the movie, here’s what you have. Salieri says, “When I was a boy, I really loved God, and I gave the most noble prayer a boy could pray.” He said, “Lord, make me a great composer. Bring great music into the world through me so that people praise my very name, so that I would be immortal, immortally famous. Make me a great composer and use me like that.” And he says, “in exchange, if you do that, I will give you my chastity. I will give you my industry.” In other words, he was a very good person. He was very devoted. He helped the poor. He was sexually chaste. He makes a big point of that. You know, he lived a very, very good life, and he asked God, make me the good composer and use me. But eventually, he came to realize that the gift he was asking God for, and that he had worked so hard for, had been given to Mozart, a man of considerably more, at least inside the movie,
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inferior moral attainments, moral condition. And when Salieri realized that he had given this unworthy person, in spite of all of his hard work, he’d given him the gift, there’s one very dramatic scene, you know, where he’s looking at the crucifix on the wall. Kathy and I first saw Amadeus in 1984 in a theater in the middle of South Philadelphia, you know, which is a very blue-collar Catholic neighborhood. And I’ll never forget, Salieri looks up at this crucifix. Once he realizes what God has done, and he’s not answering his prayer, he looks up and he says, “From now on, we are enemies, you and I.” And then he takes the crucifix and he throws it into the fire. Everybody in the theater gasped. I don’t think that would happen anymore, even in South Philly. But it was very dramatic. What he was saying is, “I loved God, and I gave my life to God, and God did this to me. He owed me! And from now on, we are enemies.” Don’t you realize? You always were his enemy. Look at that original prayer, very modest, “Make me the greatest composer in the generation. And I’m going to do all these things, so you have to give it to me.” What is that? That is not the biblical God, a God of grace. That’s a God that you can control through your good works. And the only reason why you create a God like that is because you hate the God of the Bible. You want a God under arrest. You want a God that you can lead off in chains. You see that?
You’re hiding from yourself. Look, when I look at my own life, I cannot understand myself, and you can’t, I don’t think, can understand yourself, until you begin to see you don’t really just disbelieve in God or fail to do what you ought to do. You are mad at Him in all kinds of ways. The way we do theology is an expression of that, because we resist what the Bible says about God. The way we do our religious faith, we resist the idea of the gospel of grace, and we basically try to create religions of good works, etc. All these things are ways. And then the way we work very hard, and then when God doesn’t give us what we want, He crosses our will, you say “You’re an enemy of mine,” “No! You always were an enemy, or you wouldn’t feel that way.”
When I look at my prayer life, I can never hold on to really… You know, I have this wonderful… God does something for me, and I open my heart to Him, and I feel His presence, and I’m so grateful. You know, three days later, my heart is cold. Why? Because the heart is saying, what are you doing for me lately, God? There is a deep ingratitude, a deep sense of entitlement, a deep understanding that, you know, God owes me. We hate the idea of a God who we can’t master, and who is our master. And you’re not going to understand your own emotions. You’re not going to understand your attitudes toward life. You’re not going to understand your personal history. You’re not going to understand yourself unless you see that we are characterized by wrath.
What you have in this beginning part of this passage is the wrath of the human race against God. But here’s the point of this first point, and that is, is that just? God has given you everything. God has given you existence. God sustains your life. He’s given us everything. He sustains our life. He holds us together. He keeps us alive every second. And therefore,
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He says, “Now serve me.” And that is a rightful request. He gives us everything. “Now serve me.” But our response is fury. He makes a rightful request, “Serve me,” because He’s given us everything. And we make an unrightful response, which is to be angry.
And you know what that means? God is justly angry at our unjust anger. God is justly angry at us because of our unjust anger toward Him. He is warranted in His wrath against our unwarranted wrath against Him. And if you don’t believe that the human race hates Him, all of us, regardless of race, regardless of class, if you don’t believe it, here’s the ultimate proof that in this brief period of time in which the God of the universe became vulnerable, we killed Him. And we all did. So, in some ways, to me, the main point of the passage is to show you how warranted God’s wrath is.
But that’s not all. The second thing we learn here is how controlled God’s wrath is. The middle part is really strange. Jesus is in complete control. Verse 4 says everything He knew was happening according to plan. And when He goes out and says, “Who do you want?” to the crowd, the mob, the crowd says, Jesus of Nazareth. And the English translation says His response is, I am He. But that’s not true to the Greek text. They were just trying to smooth it out, make it sound a little bit less confusing. But in the Greek, all He says is two words, “I am.” Why does He say that? It’s not grammatically correct, but it’s theologically correct. Because when Moses met God in the burning bush and said, “Who are you? Who should I say sent me?” God says, “My name is I Am. Tell them I Am sent you.” And in John chapter 8, verses 58 to 59, Jesus has already taken the divine name once before. He says in John 8, “before Abraham was, I Am.” And everybody knew what He was saying. They knew He was claiming to be God. They knew He was taking the divine name on. And they were angry at Him. But something happens here that’s very strange. He walks forward. They ask for Jesus of Nazareth. He says, “I Am.” And they all fall down. All their knees buckle. And it’s especially amazing that the Roman soldiers that would have happened. These are battle- hardened guys. And I don’t care what tone of voice Jesus had, it was not going to intimidate them. And they can’t even stand on their feet. They all fall down. Why? Commentators say it looks like for a brief second, a ray of glory got out. Veiled in flesh, the Godhead, we sing. Jesus’ glory, Jesus’ infinite glory and power is veiled. It’s covered. It’s hidden. But for one second, it shows itself in order for us to see, and maybe for them to see, that here is a God, a divine figure of infinite power, who is holding it back. Why? “Put up your sword, Peter.” Why? We just said that here we have the perfect depiction of God’s… of humanity’s unjust anger toward God. They’re coming in… what an act of injustice. They’re coming to arrest Him. They’re coming to take Him away. Isn’t this a time for God to express His wrath?
Remember the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark? You know, the Ark of the Covenant. That’s the holy ark. And, you know, this is God’s ark. And these guys come and they steal it. And then what they do, they lift off the cover, and God’s… and this is a cartoon, sci-fi, thriller- action movie. And the God of a cartoon, sci-fi, thriller-action movie does exactly what you
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saw. He zaps them. Wrath of God, you know. He electrocutes them. He melts a few, you know. Remember, if you’re a little kid watching it for the first time, you go, oh, wrath of God. Don’t mess with God. Yeah, and that’s how God acts in a cartoon. This is a real God because these are the raiders. And they’ve not come after the ark. They’ve come after the real deal. They’ve come after the Messiah. And yet the real God controls His wrath. Why? Two reasons. The first reason is because God’s wrath is always controlled. And here’s a very important point to make. We get offended very much by the idea of the wrath of God, angry God. We don’t like this idea, but we have to always remember that everything the Bible says about God is partially… is partially. We call it analogical language. So, when we say God is like a human shepherd, it doesn’t mean He’s completely like every human shepherd. It means He’s like a human shepherd in some respects. When we say God is a father, it means He’s like a father in some respects. When we say God is angry, when God has wrath, we have to be very careful. We’re not saying God’s anger is like our anger in every respect. No! Especially when you realize that when… see, when we get angry or we see other people get angry, usually it’s peak, it’s ego, it’s crankiness, and it’s always losing one’s temper. And afterwards, we wish he hadn’t said this or did this, right? That’s not part of God’s wrath at all. You’ve got to get rid of that. That’s one of the reasons why people get offended because they’re overdoing it.
When we talk about God’s wrath, it’s a way of talking about His settled opposition to evil, His absolutely settled opposition to evil and injustice, something you want in a God. But God’s wrath is… that’s why I like the term wrath, by the way, because it’s an older English word, and it’s a little bit more, I don’t know, venerable or something. It gets away from this idea. God’s wrath is never temper. God is controlled here because His wrath is always under control. It’s never crankiness, it’s never temper.
But the second reason why God’s wrath is under control is because of the third point, and the third point is that at this moment in the history of the world, God’s wrath is being absorbed. Cut to the chase. Jesus turns to Peter and says, “Put away your sword.” Remember, in Matthew, Matthew records Him saying to Peter also, you know, “I could have called twelve legions of angels, but we’re not expressing the wrath of God on these men. We’re not expressing the wrath of God on these men. Put away your sword,” He says to Peter. Why? “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” And in that passage, in that little phrase, you’ve got something so amazing. The cup of the Father. You have a combination of terms that we modern people feel like can’t be combined, and yet they are combined, and it’s the secret of what happened on the cross. See, cup means wrath. In ancient times, sometimes you executed criminals by giving them a cup of poison. That’s how they executed Socrates, remember? They would give a criminal a cup of poison. And that’s the reason why in the Old Testament, God’s wrath, His judicial opposition against evil and injustice is depicted in blood-curdling ways as a cup. The metaphor is a cup of poison. So, in Ezekiel 23, it says, you shall drink the cup of His wrath of ruin and desolation, and you will
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tear your breasts. You know, the person who’s drinking the poison, they stagger, and their insides are burning up. Or Isaiah 54 says, you will drink the cup of His fury, and you will stagger. So, this is a blood-curdling statement of the fact that God is angry. He has warranted wrath against our unwarranted wrath. But it’s the cup of the Father. It doesn’t even say cup of God. That’d be one thing. But the Father, what does the Father mean in the book of John? What does the Father mean in general? What does Jesus mean when He calls God Father? He’s talking about love. He’s talking about affection. He’s talking about patience. And we say, these two things can’t come together. If He’s really a loving God, a Father, there shouldn’t be a cup. And if He’s got a cup, then He’s not a loving Father. And what Jesus says is, that’s not true. He is both. And by talking about the cup of the Father, by using term cup of the Father, He’s telling Peter and He’s telling you and me what happened on the cross. On the cross, He drank the cup of the Father. And if you don’t understand that, your own life cannot be changed.
Here’s what I mean. I’ve had many people tell me over the years, “I don’t believe in a God of judgment. I don’t believe in a God who sends people to hell. I don’t believe in a God of wrath. I don’t believe God’s wrath is on all of us. I think He loves people.” And I say, “Do you believe in Jesus?” And very often they’ll say, “Yes, I do.” “Well, why did Jesus come and die on the cross?” And they say, “Just to show us God’s love. Just to show us God’s love. That’s all.” Dr. Roger Nicole, my professor at Gordon Conwell Seminary, used to tell a story like this. He says, “What if you and a friend were standing side by side and you’re watching a bonfire, and all of a sudden your friend says, let me show you how much I love you. And he runs and throws himself into the fire and dies. Would you say, ‘Behold how he loved me?’” No, you would say, “What was he on?” But if you’re standing in front of a burning house and your child’s in the house, and your friend runs into that house and saves your child and dies in the attempt, then you say, “Behold how he loved us.” And Dr. Nicole says, “Don’t you realize if Jesus Christ dies, gives His life on the cross, and we’re not in any trouble, we don’t have the wrath of God on us, we’re not on our way to eternity without God, we’re not lost, then His death isn’t a sign of love, its outrageous, its wicked or its crazy. But if on the cross He’s doing what He says He’s doing, drinking the cup of wrath, what He’s doing is He’s actually fulfilling what Caiaphas, without knowing it, prophesied about. Caiaphas was just saying, we better squash this guy so the Romans don’t come down on us. That man should die that we live. Oh, Caiaphas didn’t realize what he was talking about. He was actually pointing to substitutionary atonement, which means Jesus Christ coming in as a substitute, taking the wrath of God, paying the price, bearing the punishment. On the cross He said, “Father, forgive them.” On the cross He said, “It is finished. I finished it.” What was He doing? He was drinking the cup, but He was drinking the cup of the Father. What does that mean? The cross shows how God can love us and be absolutely just at the same time. Cup of the Father, means He’s equally just and equally loving at the same time. And only if you see Jesus Christ taking the wrath of God will you really see the magnitude of His love.
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If you really say, I just believe in a God who loves everybody, I just believe in a God who loves everybody, that’s a sentimental view of God. And if you look at that, is that going to change you? But if you believe, I deserve the wrath of God for my unjust anger. There’s this deserved anger, and Jesus took it. First of all, it tells you He wasn’t just suffering nails and thorns in His skull up there. He was taking the wrath of God on. Until you believe in the wrath of God, you can’t really believe in the love of God, at least not at this level, not at this magnitude. And you’ll never, ever have your heart changed by the sight of the love of God on the cross.
If you raise a child with just love and never laying down a law, or lots and lots of rules, and no love and affection, you’ll ruin that kid. But right now, most people are growing up either with a view of God that’s mainly judgment, you know, God laying down the rules, you better be good, and you live a life of fear, and that doesn’t deal with your anger, it just makes it worse. Or some people are growing up with a view of God that He’s a very loving God, and He just loves everybody, and He’s there to meet my needs. But that’s not going to deal with your anger either, because as life goes on, He’s not going to give you the life you want, and you feel like you deserve. You’ll be like Salieri. But only if you believe that on the cross, Jesus Christ drank the cup of the Father, that on the cross, the justice of God and the love of God were being fulfilled at the same time and equally. Only if you see Him drinking the cup of the Father will that humble you out of your anger and affirm you out of your anger. It’ll affirm you and humble you out of that fear of making Him your master, because when you see Him doing that, you’re going to say, “You can be my master. You deserve it.”
Let’s not forget the words of that poet:
For Christ, your loving Savior hath drunk up the cup of God’s fierce wrath. What bitter cups had been your due, had He not drank them up for you?
Let’s pray.
Our Father, how we want to let Your love absorb not just the object of wrath of God against us on the cross, but also take away our own internal subject of anger toward You. And we do have a lot of it. And Lord, our lives are being distorted by it, and we pray that You would bring home to our hearts the reality of what Your Son did on the cross so that we might be more and more conformed in the image of Your Son. Take the anger that’s in the middle of our lives out and fill the core, the heart of our soul with Your love.
We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
134 comments
1. How have you been aware of God’s presence in your life this week?
I have felt more comforted when I have been alone. My daughter also took me to a manic training class (I modified things) and I joined the Pottery class that she takes. Both things helped me feel a better sense of community. I am trusting God to direct me each day and trying not to over think things. Just praying to take one day at a time. Still praying for a friend. I am also pressing into God’s Word and listening to Keller’s short sermons on Seeing the Gospel in every book in the Bible. So good!
Patti, I am glad that you are feeling a better sense of community. I admire your willingness to just go out there and initiate connections with others. I, too, tend to overthink things so we both need to trust the steering hands of God. Praying for a friend for you.
I agree with Bing – you are being wise, dear Patti. I do pray for a friend as well for you.
Patti, your God Hunt is an answer to prayer…so glad you are feeling better and may you continue to feel His presence and comfort day by day and moment by moment.
Patti, I’m so glad you are allowing God to lead your steps. It’s so hard to break out of our box that we are so used to. When life changes come, we just don’t know how to act. We don’t think we have what it takes to step, out. Great first steps. I’m so excited to see where else God leads you as you seek out a friend.
SUNDAY: GOD HUNT
On this blog, we reserve Sundays for “God Hunts.” Though God is always present, sometimes it takes being alert to see how He is lovingly at work in our lives. Think about an unexpected mercy, a Scripture that became radioactive, unusual timing that He might have orchestrated, or seeing His hand in the wonder of creation.
1. How have you been aware of God’s presence in your life this week?
I have found a couple of YouTube video prayers and have been listening to them either at the beginning of the day or before I go to bed. I love them as the prayers focus on the attributes of God. The person who prays intersperses the Word of God with praise, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession for self and others. I look forward to these times of being still before God. He speaks to me and has brought peace to my troubled soul.
Love this Bing…prayer interspersed with His Word. So glad He has brought you peace.
This sounds wonderful Bing. What is is called? I would love to put this on at bedtime, hearing God’s Word and prayer. I love that it brought you peace.
Sounds very calming. What is it called?
Grace Oasis is the name of the YouTube site but here is the link to one that I have listened to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdN3kXNt27s
There are plenty to choose from.
This one is longer but I like that it encourages us to pray to the Holy Spirit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6IgJDUUhR4
Daily Jesus Devotional prayers on YouTube are also good. It has morning and evening prayers and when I wake up between 3-5 AM. Interestingly, 3-5 AM is thought to be an important watch hour and I have read that this is when darkness and evil are most active.
I have been listening to them more lately as I feel some darkness in the soul for myself and for several people I love. It is good to remember who our God is and that He is powerful and sovereign over all authority and power on this earth.
SUNDAY: GOD HUNT
1. How have you been aware of God’s presence in your life this week?
God never ceases to amaze me as I have been praying specifically that my son and daughter-in-law would find a church near them where their boys would have friends and I even named a church in my prayer. Yesterday my son told me that the boys had asked them if they could go to the church their friends had invited them to… it turned out to be the one I mentioned in my prayers! My daughter-in-law told me today that they did go and they all absolutely loved it. It reminded them of the church they attended in college and this Mom knew it would 😊. Praying that God continues to work in their hearts in drawing them to know Him more.
Wow, Sharon. Makes me think of James’ exhortation: You have not because you ask not.
Oh, Sharon! I love how God answers such specific prayers! This gives me the best chills! 🙂
Sharon, the wonderful answer to prayer. It is amazing how children are very inclined to the things of God and to where their friends invite them to.
YAY! So glad they heard the Lord too.
My heart so needs to hear the Word
So very glad to have you here with us, Pat!
Welcome Pat!
Glad you’re here Pat and may His Word richly bless you.
Welcome Pat. So glad to have you joining us.
1. How have you been aware of God’s presence in your life this week?
I have read and heard, in my You Version Bible app, about Jennie Allen’s “Gather 25” event, for the past year. I was interested but had forgotten about it. Then, while doing my devotional last week she popped up again to advertise it. I decided to do what I could to listen, because I was fascinated with her idea for the global church singing, praying, and sending the Earth “voice”’up to Jesus. Six continents were involved! They even spoke with someone on Antarctica and I learned there are 8 places of worship there! I began to listen on Friday night. My husband joined at times, and oh! How I was blessed! I didn’t listen to all of it but I kept it on in the background for much of the time. The music was amazing. The stories were amazing. I’m still talking about it! If you want to go and listen, you can at gather.com. They will have it there for a month and then move it to YouTube. You will be blessed too, I’m sure of it. Thank You Lord. I am humbled and love You so much. ♥️
Thanks for letting us know about it too, Laura.
Thank you for sharing this, Laura!
Laura, sounds so good and glad you were blessed by it.
Laura, glad to know you were blessed by it. I started listening to Priscilla Shirer and got distracted. I will try to catch some of it soon!
Dee, it has been a very long time, but I read some of your materials in your Bible study emails. I am so very impressed with your vast store of wisdom and insights to God’s Holy Word. You are my rock, as I have followed you for a very long time silently, but I am here. Thank you for enriching my life Dee!
You are an encouragement, Nita. Thank you.
Welcome Nita! This is a wonderful place to be.
Nita, nice to see you here and love to hear how God has used Dee in your life…thanks for sharing.
I am not sure how my reply, Nita, to you, jumped to another line. But here it is! Welcome, Nita! Yes, Dee, has enriched so many of our lives!
Welcome Nita! We are all so blessed by Dee. So glad you decided to jump in ♥️
Welcome Nita. So glad to have you.
MONDAY: THE TEXT
2. Read John 18:1-13
A. Upon your first reading, what stands out and why?
When Jesus says, “I am he,” and all the soldiers and men with Judas back up and fall down. Just the spoken word of Jesus is powerful! What stood out to me is that instead of being frightened and leaving, these men (and Judas) got up and approached Jesus again.
It also stands out that Jesus in the face of this arrest is concerned for the safety of His disciples: Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
B. Describe the scene in verses 1-3. (A detachment of soldiers is about 200 men.)
Jesus and the disciples left the upper room, crossed a brook, and entered a garden (Gethsemane). It was very late at night. Judas appears with a cohort of soldiers, men from the High Priest, and Pharisees; they are carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.
C. Why so many men? What do you think they were expecting?
Judas, the priests and Pharisees, knew the power Jesus had. They might deny His deity, but they could not deny the power displayed by His miracles. I think they were expecting strong resistance from Jesus.
I am curious as to how the Jewish leaders were able to get Roman soldiers to help them.
D. In verses 4-9, why might Jesus’ response have surprised the soldiers?
They were expecting denial and resistance from Jesus and the disciples. Instead Jesus calmly spoke to them, “Who are you looking for?” It’s almost like saying, “May I help you with something?”
E. Literally, Jesus just kept saying “I AM” rather than “I Am He.” Significance?
I AM is the first name that God used for Himself in the old testament, Genesis 3:14
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Jesus was saying that He is God.
F. How does Peter respond, and then how does Jesus respond to him in verses 10-11?
Peter draws his sword and strikes a servant of the high priest, slicing off his right ear. Jesus tells Peter to put away the sword and asks Peter, shall I not drink the cup the Father has sent me? This showed Jesus willingness to be obedient and follow through with the punishment/death He knew was coming.
G. What prophetic statement had Caiaphas made unknowingly? (verses 12-13)
He said that it would be expedient (good, profitable) that one man should die for the people.
Off to a good start, Cheryl! Good model for digging in.
2. Read John 18:1-13
A. Upon your first reading, what stands out and why?
Judas being with the soldiers stands out to me. It must have been awkward for him to be there standing with the opponent, when he had been with Jesus all that time before.
B. Describe the scene in verses 1-3. (A detachment of soldiers is about 200 men.)
Jesus and the disciples were together in an olive grove. They were interrupted by a very large number of soldiers with Judas.
C. Why so many men? What do you think they were expecting?
They must have been expecting a large fight to have so many soldiers present.
I don’t know if this is my first time here. I have been watching studies by Paige. This study on this holy season, has really made me think. One thing was the fact that it wasn’t just the Jews that put Christ to death. Also, I really like thinking about Jesus holding back His power. “A ray of glory” that made the soldiers fall. Because Jesus is that same IAm.
Thanks so much. I am praying for you, Dee.
Welcome Sandy. I love this: Jesus held back His power.
Sandy — thank you for your prayers. The prison study begins today at 5:30!
I too like “Held back his power” reminds me of Philippians 2:2-11 When he humbled himself and took on the form of a man
Welcome or welcome back! 🙂
Glad to see you here Sandy.
1. How have you been aware of God’s presence in your life this week?
I had a tough work situation but I felt God’s presence when I had to address the situation. I knew that God let me in handling it.
Praising God for answered prayer at work, Anna.
Great example of God in the hard things, Anna. Welcome.
Welcome, Nita! Yes, Dee, has enriched so many of our lives!
Amen to Bing!!
Absolutely! A great place to grow in His Word.
2. Read John 18:1-13
A. Upon your first reading, what stands out and why?
Judas led the Roman soldiers, Jewish officials, chief priests and the Pharisees to the garden where he knew Jesus would likely be. Judas knew that Jesus spent time in the garden praying. They were prepared with torches, lanterns and weapons. It was all so intentional and Jesus was aware of the what they were doing and that they were seeking Him. Peter was angry and cut the right ear off of one of the high priest’s servants. There were a lot of soldiers, considering it was Jesus, one very gentle man of God they were seeking.
B. Describe the scene in verses 1-3. (A detachment of soldiers is about 200 men.)
Jesus had prayed for all believers and then He and His disciples went to the Garden where Jesus often prayed. A huge group of soldiers, officers, chief priests and Pharisees arrived with lanterns, torches and weapons.
C. Why so many men? What do you think they were expecting?
Perhaps they felt the disciples would try to defend Jesus.
D. In verses 4-9, why might Jesus’ response have surprised the soldiers?
Jesus approached them, He did not try to leave or protect Himself. He told them it was Him that they were seeking, but to let His disciples go on there way.
E. Literally, Jesus just kept saying “I AM” rather than “I Am He.” Significance?
I AM is the Name of God the Father. Jesus is God the Father.
F. How does Peter respond, and then how does Jesus respond to him in verses 10-11?
With his sword, Peter struck the high priest’s servant’s ear and cut it off. Jesus told Peter to put away His sword. He said “Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given me. He was prepared to leave and knew exactly what these men were doing.
G. What prophetic statement had Caiaphas made unknowingly? (verses 12-13)
Caiaphas said that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. Jesus died for all mankind. Caiaphas did not know what his word truly meant.
Is anyone else having trouble accessing the transcript?
Yes Cheryl…says “nothing found!”
I posted it below Saturday — hope you can see it.
Thank you Dee…the internet is indeed a mystery.
TUESDAY: WARRANTED WRATH (PART 1)
I suggest you listen to Keller with the transcript in front of you, for he is such an excellent preacher that the written word doesn’t carry the same emotion. Listen and read through his example of David Front’s interview of Madeleine Murray O’Hare, a famous atheist. (Middle of page 4)
3. What in particular stood out to you and why?
In our natural state we hate the God that threatens our self-sovereignty. This stood out to me because that’s exactly how the Lord saved me, by revealing my rebellious heart (even though I was a faithful SS/church attendee, and knew many Bible stories, of course I was a Christian!). I think people have a VERY hard time understanding that being a sinner is not what we do, but WHO WE ARE, rebels.
4. How does John’s scene in John 18 show the intense hatred toward Jesus?
It was an overwhelming number of men that came to arrest just one man, Jesus, and they came with torches and weapons.
5. People often say the Jews killed Jesus, but how does Keller show it was all kinds of people, including us?
This group was made of Jews&Gentiles, blue-collar&culturally elite, pagans&Bible believers, and they came to attack Jesus. Everybody in the four gospels reacts strongly to Jesus, hatred, rejection, or surrender. This is true of all people, then and now.
6. Keller supports this statement scripturally: “Every human being, until the Holy Spirit changes him, is an enemy of God.” He knows his congregation, many of whom were unbelievers, will object. How does he answer their objection that they don’t hate Jesus?
What the human heart wants more than anything is to be its own master, its own lord. Therefore we HATE anything that threatens that desire. We do not want a God who claims sovereignty; we want a God that we can control.
This is why so many claim God is love, but ignore the wrath of God.
7. How does he support it through:
A. His illustration of Augustine and the pears Augustine stole some pears. He was not hungry and didn’t particularly like pears, so why did he steal them? Augustine said he stole them because HE WAS TOLD NOT TO TAKE THE PEARS.
B. His story of the atheist on David Frost’s program? When the studio audience was asked by Frost, “who believes in God,” everyone raised their hand. RC Sproul said if MMO had restated that question, “who believes in the God of the Bible” (giving examples from the OT of God’s sovereignty, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, touch the mt. Sinai and you will die, etc), maybe nobody would have raised their hand.
Keller said, “You know why? We hate that God.”
8. Because our hearts are deceitful, even as believers, we can hide the fact that there are ways we “hate” God by resisting His authority. We don’t trust Him enough to obey Him in evangelism, hospitality, forgiving, giving… Ask Him to show you where you need to ask Him for more faith so you will obey.
Some of you are having trouble accessing the transcript and I’m not sure why — so I posted it after Saturday. See above. I wish I understood the mysteries of the internet better, but thanks for your patience.
Got it! It came through and downloaded beautifully. Thank you, Dee, for taking such good care of us. I’m praying for your two new studies that the Lord would give you the right words, grace, and strength as you minister to the women. May His love shine through you.
SUNDAY: GOD HUNT
1. How have you been aware of God’s presence in your life this week?
—Since coming down to Texas in January of this year we have attended a good church with people who have been a real encouragement to us. We see God moving and working among this particular group of believers in good ways sharing and spreading the gospel in their community. As much as I look forward to getting back up home to our friends and family in Nebraska the end of this month we will greatly miss the new community of believers God has given us down here. I believe God led us to be part of their fellowship because it is the place where our son and his wife need to be associated to grow in Christ. Our son has de-churched himself but I believe God now has some down here who are praying for him and will reach out to him as God leads them. I have been encouraged this past week by their love and support.
MONDAY: THE TEXT
2. Read John 18:1-13
A. Upon your first reading, what stands out and why?
—I find it fascinating that when Jesus asked the contingency of Roman soldiers and temple guards who they were seeking and they said Jesus the Nazerene he responded with “I AM”
He was God in the flesh speaking and at his response they all drew back and fell to the ground. It notes there that Judas who had betrayed him was standing them. So he must have fallen to the ground as well. No one can stand before God in their own strength.
B. Describe the scene in verses 1-3. (A detachment of soldiers is about 200 men.)
C. Why so many men? What do you think they were expecting?
—It would seem the powers that be thought of Jesus as a person who had gathered his own group of followers and would try to form an insurrection. That may have resulted from their seeing the huge crowds following him to hear him teach and preach. Also in the previous week of what we call Palm Sunday many people had thronged around him as he rode the donkey into Jerusalem and had wanted to set him up as a king to set them free from the Romans. It was lost on them that in the garden all the former disciples and followers had fallen away from him.
D. In verses 4-9, why might Jesus’ response have surprised the soldiers?
—They just didn’t expect a man who would submit passively to their arresting Him.
E. Literally, Jesus just kept saying “I AM” rather than “I Am He.” Significance?
—As I noted in my first answer He was God in the flesh speaking to them. The same God who spoke to Moses at the burning bush and said tell the people I AM sent you. He was the one and only holy and true God. Jesus even in the flesh is part of the Holy Trinity. There was ultimate power in saying “I AM”.
F. How does Peter respond, and then how does Jesus respond to him in verses 10-11?
—Peter was ready for an insurrection against the Romans to begin and maybe he was going to get the fight started. I wonder if he believed Jesus would step up in power. Perhaps he was thinking he could protect Jesus from being arrested but that would seem a bit ludicrous given the situation.
G. What prophetic statement had Caiaphas made unknowingly? (verses 12-13)
—In verse 14 it says “Caiaphas was the one who had told the other Jewish leaders, “It’s better that one man should die for the people.””
Love your God Hunt, Bev. So encouraging to find such a wonderful Christian community, who will reach out to your son. Praying for your son and his family.
Great about the people reaching out to your son!
MONDAY: THE TEXT
2. Read John 18:1-13
A. Upon your first reading, what stands out and why?
What stood out to me was Jesus responded three times in saying “I AM!” It was something I never noticed before but He was telling them He was God…such a powerful name, Jehovah!
B. Describe the scene in verses 1-3. (A detachment of soldiers is about 200 men.)
After praying for the disciples and us in the last chapter, Jesus and the disciples crossed the Kidron Valley into a grove of olive trees. This is a place that they went often as Judas knew about it and was given a contingent of Roman soldiers and temple guards by the leading priests and Pharisees to accompany him in betraying Jesus.
C. Why so many men? What do you think they were expecting?
Two things I can think of…
1. They were expecting a revolt.
2. They had seen and knew the power of Jesus.
D. In verses 4-9, why might Jesus’ response have surprised the soldiers?
He was the one they were looking for and they may of thought He would have been protected and hidden but instead He came right out and identified Himself.
E. Literally, Jesus just kept saying “I AM” rather than “I Am He.” Significance?
He was telling them He was Jehovah, the “I AM.” It was the name God told Moses to say to Pharaoh in letting him know who sent him. “Tell them, I AM sent you.”
F. How does Peter respond, and then how does Jesus respond to him in verses 10-11?
Peter drew a sword and slashed off the ear of the high priest’s slave.
Jesus told Peter to put his sword away and said, “Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?”
G. What prophetic statement had Caiaphas made unknowingly? (verses 12-13)
In verse 14 Caiaphas had told the other Jewish leaders, “It’s better that one man should die for the people.”
SUNDAY: GOD HUNT
On this blog, we reserve Sundays for “God Hunts.” Though God is always present, sometimes it takes being alert to see how He is lovingly at work in our lives. Think about an unexpected mercy, a Scripture that became radioactive, unusual timing that He might have orchestrated, or seeing His hand in the wonder of creation.
1. How have you been aware of God’s presence in your life this week? – I believe God is moving in our lives and my youngest son’s family. He guided us and protected us over the weekend as Joe and I drove 9 hours north to NW Indiana and back 9 hours on Sunday to our home in east Tennessee. All went well and he protected all three of us as we drove back. Thank you, Lord, for your traveling mercies.
Praising God that you had a good and safe trip and that you feel the Lord working in your lives. It sounds like this move will be good for all of you, dear Julie.
MONDAY: THE TEXT
2. Read John 18:1-13
A. Upon your first reading, what stands out and why? – What stands out the most and has in the past, is that all the time the disciples followed Jesus they still didn’t understand what was to happen. Peter pulling out his sword and struck Malchus out of anger. I do understand they had grown so close with Jesus that they just wanted to protect him, but all along Jesus was telling and showing them how to live among the evil in the world.
B. Describe the scene in verses 1-3. (A detachment of soldiers is about 200 men.) – Jesus and his disciples entered the garden as they have done in the past. Judas also new of the garden and got together a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and they also went with torches and lanterns to the garden.
C. Why so many men? What do you think they were expecting? – I’m thinking Judas gave them misinformation of how violent Jesus and the disciples were, so they went prepared for a small war.
D. In verses 4-9, why might Jesus’ response have surprised the soldiers? – I wonder if as they traveled around these soldiers saw from a distance all the miracles Jesus was doing and how all the people gathered around them. I don’t think they thought he was a threat so when they saw who Judas had betrayed and pointed out, they were shocked to see Jesus and not some criminal that they were looking for.
E. Literally, Jesus just kept saying “I AM” rather than “I Am He.” Significance? – I’m not sure, but there are 12 verses throughout the Old and New Testament that are ‘I am’ statements. I feel he kept saying that to fulfill these statements and to make clear who exactly he was. That he wasn’t just a man, but the Messiah who God the Father had sent to earth for all mankind.
F. How does Peter respond, and then how does Jesus respond to him in verses 10-11? – Peter pulls out his sword and attacks the one soldier by cutting off his right ear. Jesus replied back to him, “Put your sword into your sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
G. What prophetic statement had Caiaphas made unknowingly? (verses 12-13) – “that it would be expedient for one man should die for the people.”
I suggest you listen to Keller with the transcript in front of you, for he is such an excellent preacher that the written word doesn’t carry the same emotion. Listen and read through his example of David Front’s interview of Madeleine Murray O’Hare, a famous atheist. (Middle of page 4)
3. What in particular stood out to you and why?
The variety of people who were coming after Jesus, from various backgrounds, jew and non-jew. It tells me what a sinner I truly am. How easily I can fool myself into complacency until I am in a situation that is so painful that I cannot see God in it or through it. It is so important to reflect on my thoughts, which become behavior and conversations, so that I can see my true motives, which often can hide among “niceness”. It is so important to be in a Bible study, like this Blog, where we can be accountable and become the person God desires us to be
4. How does John’s scene in John 18 show the intense hatred toward Jesus?
So many different groups were represented, jews, gentiles, chief priests, Pharisees and the large number of Roman soldiers. They also had lanterns, torches and weapons, as though they were angry and determined.
5. People often say the Jews killed Jesus, but how does Keller show it was all kinds of people, including us?
6. Keller supports this statement scripturally: “Every human being, until the Holy Spirit changes him, is an enemy of God.” He knows his congregation, many of whom were unbelievers, will object. How does he answer their objection that they don’t hate Jesus?
7. How does he support it through:
A. His illustration of Augustine and the pears
It was that the pears were forbidden and he did not want someone telling him what to do or not do. We long to make our own decisions, thinking we know best for ourselves. We all have strong willed ideas, which easily develop into full blown sin.
B. His story of the atheist on David Frost’s program?
David Frost could not out argue his atheist guest, so he asked for a vote from his audience. That vote may have been very different if she had elaborated on her point or if this happened in this generation.
8. Because our hearts are deceitful, even as believers, we can hide the fact that there are ways we “hate” God by resisting His authority. We don’t trust Him enough to obey Him in evangelism, hospitality, forgiving, giving… Ask Him to show you where you need to ask Him for more faith so you will obey.
Lord, how I need You to constantly draw me close to Your will and Your heart. Help me to want to be in Your will only, no matter the cost. This is SO HARD to pray for; is it because I don’t trust You enough?; is it my fear of what You will ask of me? Show me how to trust You and love You in all I do. Help me to see You more clearly, follow You more nearly, love You more dearly. Open my heart and help me to know that what You want for me is also what is Best for Your kingdom. Help me to see that and to desire the things that You want for my life, knowing that You love me more than I love anything. You gave everything for me. Help me to let go of all I am holding onto. Help me to love You deeply and Trust You with my life. In the Name of Jesus our Lord, I pray.
Love your closing honest prayer.
Somehow, I missed answering these two questions.
5. People often say the Jews killed Jesus, but how does Keller show it was all kinds of people, including us?
We all have hearts that want to control our own lives; we all have sinned against God, and we all are guilty.
6. Keller supports this statement scripturally: “Every human being, until the Holy Spirit changes him, is an enemy of God.” He knows his congregation, many of whom were unbelievers, will object. How does he answer their objection that they don’t hate Jesus?
We deny that we hate God, but we have rebellious hearts, and without the Holy Spirit, we create our own version of our God. We need the Holy Spirit and we need to stay in His Word.
D. In verses 4-9, why might Jesus’ response have surprised the soldiers?
He wasn’t afraid. Most would be, but He stood up to them.
E. Literally, Jesus just kept saying “I AM” rather than “I Am He.” Significance?
The NLT translation does say “I Am he.” But get what you are saying. He is referring to being God.
F. How does Peter respond, and then how does Jesus respond to him in verses 10-11?
Peter cuts the ear of a slave to the high priest. Jesus tells Peter to stop and mentions that He had to drink the cup given to Him.
I always thought Jesus healed the ear, but it doesn’t say He did. I wonder if I’m remembering some “Hollywood” translation 😜?
G. What prophetic statement had Caiaphas made unknowingly? (verses 12-13)
He says it’s better for one man to die for the people.
Hey Laura not a Hollywood translation that you are thinking of. 😊 The account of Jesus healing the High Priest servant’s ear is in Luke 22 verse 51. Out of the four gospels written by the four different men some give more details than others. Luke was a doctor and perhaps the healing of the ear stood out as significant to him so he included that detail. We can only imagine how it affected Malchus the servant.
Yes, of course. That makes sense!
TUESDAY: WARRANTED WRATH (PART 1)
I suggest you listen to Keller with the transcript in front of you, for he is such an excellent preacher that the written word doesn’t carry the same emotion. Listen and read through his example of David Front’s interview of Madeleine Murray O’Hare, a famous atheist. (Middle of page 4)
3. What in particular stood out to you and why? – The interview of Madeleine Murray O’Hare. If she would have asked the questions that R C put out there, she would have come across as one who believes there are two different Gods. And the one she believes in and stresses for others to think about is the God that judges and kills. So sad that people can’t see the loving side of the God who saves us all. And that our own actions are what brings God to pour out the judgement and his wrath upon us.
4. How does John’s scene in John 18 show the intense hatred toward Jesus? – They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. They were on the hunt for a criminal in their minds. But who they found was Jesus. They came prepared to fight.
5. People often say the Jews killed Jesus, but how does Keller show it was all kinds of people, including us? All of creation was there to see the arrest, beating and death of Jesus. It didn’t matter who you were, if you knew Jesus or not, everyone was there to witness it. We were all enemies to him, but he died for us anyway.
6. Keller supports this statement scripturally: “Every human being, until the Holy Spirit changes him, is an enemy of God.” He knows his congregation, many of whom were unbelievers, will object. How does he answer their objection that they don’t hate Jesus? – He said that the human heart hates anything the goes against our self-sovereignty. The heart pushes back anything that tries to take over the control that our hearts and I would say our minds are holding on to with a tight grasp. We don’t want to lose control of our own life.
7. How does he support it through:
A. His illustration of Augustine and the pears – Augustine didn’t know why he stole the pears; he wasn’t hungry and didn’t even like pears. But he did it because he was told not to. He wanted them because the pears were forbidden.
B. His story of the atheist on David Frost’s program? – He said that we create gods and have pictures of God being arrested, under our arrest so that we can feel we are in control, and this shows that we hate the God we cannot control.
8. Because our hearts are deceitful, even as believers, we can hide the fact that there are ways we “hate” God by resisting His authority. We don’t trust Him enough to obey Him in evangelism, hospitality, forgiving, giving… Ask Him to show you where you need to ask Him for more faith so you will obey. – Lord, please open my eyes and my heart to see where I may not have accepted you fully. Help me to get rid of any hate I have and help me to give up my control. I want to be in your control and not my own. Help me to not push you out because I feel I need control. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
TUESDAY: WARRANTED WRATH (PART 1)
I suggest you listen to Keller with the transcript in front of you, for he is such an excellent preacher that the written word doesn’t carry the same emotion. Listen and read through his example of David Front’s interview of Madeleine Murray O’Hare, a famous atheist. (Middle of page 4)
3. What in particular stood out to you and why?
—What stood out to me is how Keller’s makes the case “that we don’t just disbelieve in God, we don’t just resist God, we’re mad at Him. We’re lethally mad at Him. We hate Him.
Every human being until the Holy Spirit changes is an enemy of God. We hate Him.”
It is a shocking statement and very hard to identify with. Especially after so many years of knowing Him better and having come to a point in life as someone who loves God more deeply than ever because of Jesus and the Cross. I finally have grasped the truth that I love Him because he first loved me. Even when in the past I had enmity toward Him he still loved me and died for me. His love has drawn me in and embraced me.
4. How does John’s scene in John 18 show the intense hatred toward Jesus?
—Their hatred had commenced to the point of arresting him, putting him in chains and framing him with false crimes.
5. People often say the Jews killed Jesus, but how does Keller show it was all kinds of people, including us?
—It was a very eclectic group that came to arrest Jesus and eventually kill him. There were Jews and Gentiles. Blue collar and elite. Religious and non religious. So it was a group of different classes, races and different ranges of religious bent.
6. Keller supports this statement scripturally: “Every human being, until the Holy Spirit changes him, is an enemy of God.” He knows his congregation, many of whom were unbelievers, will object. How does he answer their objection that they don’t hate Jesus?
—He said the human heart hates anything that threatens its self-sovereignty. The human heart wants mastery over its own life.
7. How does he support it through:
A. His illustration of Augustine and the pears
—Augustine stole the pears not because he was hungry and loved pears because actually he wasn’t hungry and he didn’t like pears. But it was because they were forbidden and that triggered his stealing them.
ASH WEDNESDAY: WARRANTED WRATH (PART 2)
Listen/read up to Keller’s 2nd point a third of the way down on page 6 when he says, “But that’s not all. The second thing we learn is how controlled God’s wrath is.”
9. What in particular stood out to you and why? – When I listen, I think of what my husband says a lot, that some people don’t want God as we see him in His Word, they want a build a god, one that they can make to their own liking. One that will fit into their lifestyle, instead of us fitting into the life that The God knows so much better and has already planned out for us. Some people don’t like authority and rules, they want to do what they want, when they want. They don’t want to feel ‘restricted’. But God that we see in the bible is so much bigger and better. He frees us from ourselves if we would allow Him into our lives.
10. Keller says that we also try to tame God through religion. What does he mean? Don’t be too quick to assume this is not you. Look over the following chart and share where you gravitate toward religion instead of the gospel: This is where I struggle at times. I can see it when I am reviewing a benevolence request that has come into the church office. Because I struggled in the trial I was in of being a single mom but worked hard at providing and doing everything I could to support my boys, I think that everyone should be doing that too. But what I really need to be doing is providing more grace to them. The same grace I received from God and others who helped me out of the kindness of their hearts. I need to see their struggles as theirs and not look at them like they are in the same situation as I was. God’s grace is sufficient, and I need to pay that forward. Lord, help me have an open heart and not a judgmental one. Help me to remember my worth is in you and not in anything I did or do in my life.
My identity and self-worth are based mainly on how hard I work, or how moral I am – and so I must look down on those I perceive as lazy or immoral.
My identity and self-worth are centered on the one who died for me. I am saved by sheer grace and I can’t look down on those who believe or practices something different from me. Only by grace am I what I am.
11. Keller says: “God is angry at our unjust anger.” We forget all He has done and say, “What have you done for me lately?” Do you see this tendency in your heart? – When trials start to come, I do find myself getting upset and thinking, come on God, not again. But I remember how God has helped me in the past and will continue to help me and be with me as I walk the life he’s given me on earth. He’s always come through for me, my needs have always been met, so when I get to this point and I remember, all he has done for me, I feel the peace come over me and I wait on Him. His timing is so much better than my own. He is faithful!
Your husband is right — though I do think people may not even realize what they are doing, they are just scripturally illiterate.
ASH WEDNESDAY: WARRANTED WRATH (PART 2)
Listen/read up to Keller’s 2nd point a third of the way down on page 6 when he says, “But that’s not all. The second thing we learn is how controlled God’s wrath is.”
9. What in particular stood out to you and why?
—Keller’s thoughts on what happened when Jesus responded to the cohort that came to arrest him and he said “I AM”. In that moment they were all knocked back down on their knees. He says commentators say it looks like for a brief second, a ray of glory got out. That makes a lot of sense. It made me think of the day that is coming when Jesus will stand in full glory and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus the Lord of all.
Also a random thought on Peter is that I never noticed before that it was after the time that the those men and soldiers were being knocked to their knees that he rushed forward with his sword and cut off the High Priest servant’s ear. Impulsive Peter probably thought this is the time to resist because they had fallen down when Jesus revealed Who he was in saying I AM. There was power revealed in those few moments and Peter was feeling it. That is of course speculation but I wonder.
10. Keller says that we also try to tame God through religion. What does he mean?
—These are Keller’s words. We use our religion to try and tame, arrest, master and control God. The religious view of God goes like this. If I live a good life, if I pray, if I read the Bible, if I do good things, then God has to bless me.
What a serious fallacy on our part that will always end in hating God for not complying with us.
Don’t be too quick to assume this is not you. Look over the following chart and share where you gravitate toward religion instead of the gospel:
—The two areas that resonated with me were when I am criticized and my prayer life.
I struggle with criticism because my self worth is a struggle for me when I don’t keep looking to God my Father and the value I have as his child. When I feel criticism undermines who I am I buck against that. I’m slow to remember I don’t need to defend myself. God will take care of that. I am His and He is mine.
My prayer life has been way too full of petition for myself and for others. But slowly (oh so slowly) with growth in understanding and a deepening relationship to my Heavenly Father I seek to praise and adore Him more and more.
I see that I missed including question 11 in my post so here it is:
11. Keller says: “God is angry at our unjust anger.” We forget all He has done and say, “What have you done for me lately?” Do you see this tendency in your heart?
—I do see that and I feel it is the default action of the old nature in me that goes back to thinking of myself, my desires and my comfort. That old nature of pride at its root always looking out for number one. Oh but for the grace of God poured out in my life to rescue me over and over and over again.
This whole post is just great.
I too find my prayer life is short on praise! I need to keep my hymnal near.
I love your post, Bev. Thank you for sharing your areas of struggle so openly. I so need God’s perspective in my heart.
TUESDAY: WARRANTED WRATH (PART 1)
I suggest you listen to Keller with the transcript in front of you, for he is such an excellent preacher that the written word doesn’t carry the same emotion. Listen and read through his example of David Front’s interview of Madeleine Murray O’Hare, a famous atheist. (Middle of page 4)
3. What in particular stood out to you and why?
In listening and rereading this section I have more understanding of my sister rejecting truth/God and turning to Buddhism. We were taught as children all the OT Bible stories, and as R.C. Sproul explained that if O’Hare had given examples of the God of the OT, the audience probably would have said they don’t believe in God and also Keller pointing out why people hate God…they want to be in control of their own lives. Our up bringing was legalistic and sadly there were more rules (religion) than the love of God (gospel) taught. She thinks as long as she is a good person and follows the rules of Buddhism, she can have control of her own life and God can’t!
Dear Lord, please open the eyes of my sister’s heart to truth and give me wisdom to know how to share the Gospel in love and kindness.
4. How does John’s scene in John 18 show the intense hatred toward Jesus?
The number of people that went to arrest Jesus with weapons and clubs.
5. People often say the Jews killed Jesus, but how does Keller show it was all kinds of people, including us?
Keller says that “over and over again in the Gospels, we see very deliberately, John is showing us, that every class, the whole range of classes, the whole range of races, the whole range of religion, irreligious, religious, everybody comes to attack Jesus.”
6. Keller supports this statement scripturally: “Every human being, until the Holy Spirit changes him, is an enemy of God.” He knows his congregation, many of whom were unbelievers, will object. How does he answer their objection that they don’t hate Jesus?
They hide their deepest hate by creating pictures of God in their minds that they can control, that they can master. “The very fact that you have to create a God that you can master shows that you hate a God that you can’t.”
7. How does he support it through:
A. His illustration of Augustine and the pears
He stole the pears because they were forbidden…not because he liked pears and was hungry.
B. His story of the atheist on David Frost’s program?
They hate the God of the OT.
8. Because our hearts are deceitful, even as believers, we can hide the fact that there are ways we “hate” God by resisting His authority. We don’t trust Him enough to obey Him in evangelism, hospitality, forgiving, giving… Ask Him to show you where you need to ask Him for more faith so you will obey.
Wow Dee, this is very convicting as I don’t trust Him enough in all of the things you mentioned above.
Lord, forgive me for self-isolating and making it all about me in my present situation. Help me to trust and obey in serving You.
Yes Lord, Please hear our prayer for Sharon’s sister who rejects You. Rescue her from the lies that lead her to believe she is in control of her life and the god she has created for herself in her mind. Out of your great love open her eyes by the power of the Holy Spirit. Speak truth to her heart showing her your grace and the depth of your love. Show her Jesus for Who he really is. A Savior who can set her free from sin and death. Anoint Sharon with your love and for wisdom to demonstrate that love as you give her opportunity. Most importantly glorify Yourself in this situation. We ask in the precious name of Jesus.
I join you, Sharon and Bev, in praying for your sister. I pray for you, Sharon, as you communicate with her. She sounds fragile.
I agree, please open Sharon’s sister’s heart, mind, and eyes.
Thank you Bev, Patti and Dee for your prayers for my sisters…so appreciated ❣️
3. What in particular stood out to you and why?
ALL people were represented and were responsible for the death of Jesus. It’s the main point. We all are a part of the hatred of Him.
4. How does John’s scene in John 18 show the intense hatred toward Jesus?
He is beaten, tortured, and mocked. They came with whips and chains. He is murdered.
5. People often say the Jews killed Jesus, but how does Keller show it was all kinds of people, including us?
Every type of person is represented. Jews and Gentiles alike.
6. Keller supports this statement scripturally: “Every human being, until the Holy Spirit changes him, is an enemy of God.” He knows his congregation, many of whom were unbelievers, will object. How does he answer their objection that they don’t hate Jesus?
Our natural mind has hatred toward God. The human heart pushes back when something or someone tries to overtake our self-sovereignty. We don’t want anyone to control us. We want to be our own master.
Listen/read up to Keller’s 2nd point a third of the way down on page 6 when he says, “But that’s not all. The second thing we learn is how controlled God’s wrath is.”
9. What in particular stood out to you and why?
When Jesus said “I AM”. They knew what He meant and they were angry with Him, but as Keller points out, they saw a glimpse of His Glory and fell down. It was like they could not help themselves.
10. Keller says that we also try to tame God through religion. What does he mean? Don’t be too quick to assume this is not you. Look over the following chart and share where you gravitate toward religion instead of the gospel:
I felt guilty and convicted listening to Keller and reading the list you posted. The importance of realizing that Jesus took all of my worst of the worst~ He drank the cup that the Father gave Him; He suffered beyond anything we can imagine. I know these things in my heart, but sometimes my heart strays. So important to stay in God’s Word.
11. Keller says: “God is angry at our unjust anger.” We forget all He has done and say, “What have you done for me lately?” Do you see this tendency in your heart?
I don’t really ever knowingly think those words, but I feel that my heart can stray to “self”. I need to die to “self”.
7. How does he support it through:
A. His illustration of Augustine and the pears
Augustine stole the pears because he could, not because he liked pears. He wasn’t even hungry. He was told he couldn’t, so he did.
B. His story of the atheist on David Frost’s program?
Madeleine O’Hare could have countered him when he asked the audience if anyone believed in God by asking them if they believed in the God of the Bible. Most would say no, because she could reference Job, dying if you touch the Ark of the Covenant, and the horrendous things that happened in the OT. The people wouldn’t have raised their hands for that God.
8. Because our hearts are deceitful, even as believers, we can hide the fact that there are ways we “hate” God by resisting His authority. We don’t trust Him enough to obey Him in evangelism, hospitality, forgiving, giving… Ask Him to show you where you need to ask Him for more faith so you will obey.
Dear Lord, thank You for being my Savior. Please help me understand how to live a more peaceful life. Show me how to change myself so my family will have a good role model to create a calm environment in my home. Impress on me that I need to love others who are so unloveable. I pray in Your Holy Name. Amen
I’m praying your prayer as well, for myself. Praying for my heart to be so sensitive to the Lord’s sacrifice for me that I cannot bear to grieve him. Lord give me a heart broken for those who need you.
Amen to Chris, on this heartfelt prayer, Laura!
Laura, Your prayer resonates with me. 💕
THURSDAY: CONTROLLED WRATH
Listen/read to the final paragraph of page 7 where Keller moves to his final point: “God’s wrath is being absorbed.”
12. How can you see Jesus’ controlled wrath in the passage from John 18?
—He did not get caught up in the fray of a large group coming with swords and clubs to get him and when Peter was wielding a sword and cut off the servants ear Jesus stopped him and made it clear what he had to do. We see Jesus submit to being arrested and taken away to a false trial.
13. Why does Keller say the soldiers fell down despite Jesus’ calm?
—The soldiers did not meet Jesus and find someone standing and ready to oppose them. Rather He was in complete control. Keller indicates that when Jesus said “I AM” that a ray of his infinite glory and power shot out and literally knocked them down.
14. What is his point about Jesus saying just “I AM,” rather that “I AM HE.”
—The soldiers and leaders had said they were coming for Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus did not respond by saying that’s who I am or that’s me. Rather he identifies himself as the great I AM. Meaning He is God.
15. What did Keller say God is never losing his temper but has a settled opposition to evil. How is this meaningful to you as you face injustice in a fallen world?
—This fallen world is full of injustice but God never reacts with temper and crankiness like I do as a human being. There is security in His settled opposition to evil. We have a confidence that He will address it in his time and in perfect ways. Here Keller is making the point it is a controlled wrath that doesn’t immediately do away with the perpetrators of injustice but rather God’s purposes will be accomplished. I can trust God’s sovereign will to be accomplished.
16. Are you bitter or angry against someone? Can you simply turn them over to a just God to do what He will and be released of carrying this burden?
—I have been in times past but I have found when I have been stirred up over injustice in my life He has been faithful to settle my own heart down by the reality of Who He is. I have learned I can trust His controlled wrath and his promises to execute justice. And his justice is perfect.
ASH WEDNESDAY: WARRANTED WRATH (PART 2)
Listen/read up to Keller’s 2nd point a third of the way down on page 6 when he says, “But that’s not all. The second thing we learn is how controlled God’s wrath is.”
9. What in particular stood out to you and why?
Our wrath towards God, is it just? Keller points out that “God has given us everything. God has given us existence. God sustains our life. He holds us together. He keeps us alive every second.” It isn’t just at all and God has every right to say, “Now serve Me.” It should humble me to think of all that He’s done for me. I should be grateful that He is mindful of me.
10. Keller says that we also try to tame God through religion. What does he mean?
We try to mold Him into the God we want Him to be. We think if we’re good, read our Bible, go to church, pray, talk a good talk, give to charity, etc, that we can get Him to do what we want, what our desires are. Because after all, He owes me for looking like such a good Christian.
Don’t be too quick to assume this is not you. Look over the following chart and share where you gravitate toward religion instead of the gospel:
In my prayer life is where I gravitate toward religion. It does become more about a list of petitions and sadly I have a tendency to think that if I pray a certain way God will hear me better. There is no magical formula to prayer, but religion can bend us that way.
11. Keller says: “God is angry at our unjust anger.” We forget all He has done and say, “What have you done for me lately?” Do you see this tendency in your heart?
Oh yes, see #9.
I cold have repeated your answer to 10 for me!
Listen/read to the final paragraph of page 7 where Keller moves to his final point: “God’s wrath is being absorbed.”
12. How can you see Jesus’ controlled wrath in the passage from John 18?
Jesus knew what was happening and He told Peter to put down His sword; Then He said “Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given Me?” Jesus knew that the cup was the wrath that we deserved and He was taking it all for us.
13. Why does Keller say the soldiers fell down despite Jesus’ calm?
For just a small moment, when Jesus said “I AM”, God’s GLORY became apparent to them.
14. What is his point about Jesus saying just “I AM,” rather that “I AM HE.”
I AM is God and He is God.
15. What did Keller say God is never losing his temper but has a settled opposition to evil. How is this meaningful to you as you face injustice in a fallen world?
God is love, in Him there can be no evil. He is the opposite of evil. We do not need to deal with injustice dealt to us, even though it is extremely painful. God is just; God is good; God is love. He will deal with the evil ones.
16. Are you bitter or angry against someone? Can you simply turn them over to a just God to do what He will and be released of carrying this burden?
I get crushed when people are cruel to me. I don’t like to carry bitterness, anger or unforgiveness in my heart. It damages me and my relationship with God. My heart aches when I feel attacked, but I do not lash out. I give it to God over and over and over. My son has been so cruel to our entire family and it breaks my heart, but I cannot be part of it or it will eat me up.
Awe Patti. Praying for your son and his cruel ways to soften, and for your heart to heal. I feel crushed as well at those times, and I’m trying to remember IN THOSE MOMENTS how Jesus suffered cruel things for me. Often I don’t get there until later in reflection, but it does help. I remember the story of Corrie TenBoom when she was in line for “inspection” with Betsy and the soldiers were mocking them as they stood naked. Corrie suddenly said to Betsy, Jesus was naked, too! The hard things we face can overwhelm. It does help to remember what our Lord suffered for us.
Oh, Chris! Yes!. What Jesus suffered for us is beyond our imagining. How convicted I feel about whining when I think of what He endured for us. I know that those who hate and harm have souls that are becoming hardened and how I pray for the Lord to open their eyes, for their own darkness harms them. Corrie TenBoom was a gift to this world. Thank you for that reminder. The Lord blesses me daily in so many ways.
I struggle with this whole idea of whining or feeling sorry for myself. In some sense, yes, I need to change my perspective off of myself, but also remain soft in my heart for what is happening. I think to remain soft, we need to feel the pain, but then turn to the Lord with our pain and thank Him for taking ours. I remember another story from Corrie where she approached her father about a subject and she was young ( I think it was about sex), but the idea was that her father told her something’s are too big for you to carry at your age and let me carry that for you, for now. I believe, some heartaches in this world are too big for us, and we need to give them to our Father. I often think of Joseph and his brothers. How they feared his retaliation for what they had done to him. Joseph said, “Am I in the place of God? What you did, you meant for evil, but God used for good.” He forgave his brothers and made sure they were well cared for in Egypt. We might not see the good that comes from the evil acts in our lives, but we can be sure the Lord is watching over his sheep. The key is keeping perspective, not stopping our feelings. So, Patti, keep feeling and keep perspective. It’s your keen sense of injustice that is being triggered and that is good. Your relationship with the Father will continue to direct your path in the right way when you are treated cruelly. Praising the Father for your sweet soft heart for Him.
Dear Chris, I love all you wrote. You are such a blessing! Thank you for your wonderful perspective. I love what Tim Keller said in a sermon and also in a booklet. I need to think of my self, less. We serve an awesome God. “ I need to Be still and know “ . I love Psalm 46.
I will look for that booklet. It’s something we will always battle. I love psalm 46 as well. I appreciate your wisdom and compassionate heart. You are a great blessing to me along with everyone who comes here and opens their hearts to share and grow closer to the Lord. We do need community.
ASH WEDNESDAY: WARRANTED WRATH (PART 2)
Listen/read up to Keller’s 2nd point a third of the way down on page 6 when he says, “But that’s not all. The second thing we learn is how controlled God’s wrath is.”
9. What in particular stood out to you and why?
The statements about taming God through religion. This stood out to me because of a good friend who is caught, in bondage, to that way of thinking. She has such a wrong view of who God is, that he delights somehow in her trials. “I spend my life doing…..and this is what God allows, He could stop it, if He wanted to.”
10. Keller says that we also try to tame God through religion. What does he mean? Don’t be too quick to assume this is not you.
Keller calls it “taming God,” I call it creating your own God. Either way it’s a distortion of who God really is, the God of the Bible.
Religion vs. Gospel: Prayer A very long time ago I heard a message on prayer, and the acronym ACTS stuck in my mind: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. I would not say though that Adoration/praise is “generous stretches, or that my main purpose is fellowship with the Lord.
THURSDAY: CONTROLLED WRATH
Listen/read to the final paragraph of page 7 where Keller moves to his final point: “God’s wrath is being absorbed.”
12. How can you see Jesus’ controlled wrath in the passage from John 18?
Jesus spoke calmly to the mob, and told Peter to put away the sword. Jesus did not resist arrest.
13. Why does Keller say the soldiers fell down despite Jesus’ calm?
He said that for a second the glory of the Lord was revealed, and no one can stand before that.
14. What is his point about Jesus saying just “I AM,” rather that “I AM HE.”
As we have noted before, “I AM,” is the name God gave himself to Moses.
15. What did Keller say God is never losing his temper but has a settled opposition to evil. How is this meaningful to you as you face injustice in a fallen world?
God never does anything on a whim, out of spite, or because of temper. Bad things may be happening right now, but that does NOT mean it has to be an action of God punishing people. To know that the Lord has a settled opposition to evil means to me that He will take care of the evil I see happening. I think of Psalm 73 where Asaph is raging against wickedness, then he enters the sanctuary and realizes his mistake, that God will take care of all evildoers. Satan’s fate is already sealed.
16. Are you bitter or angry against someone? Can you simply turn them over to a just God to do what He will and be released of carrying this burden?
I have felt that way in before, and thank the Lord that He showed me my own heart. First came confession, and then I could pray for the other person and peace flooded my heart.
Love your answer to 10. Cheryl Ann! I agree, creating your own God. Your friend’s view of God in question 9 scares me!
What a blessing #16
THURSDAY: CONTROLLED WRATH
Listen/read to the final paragraph of page 7 where Keller moves to his final point: “God’s wrath is being absorbed.”
12. How can you see Jesus’ controlled wrath in the passage from John 18?
13. Why does Keller say the soldiers fell down despite Jesus’ calm?
14. What is his point about Jesus saying just “I AM,” rather that “I AM HE.”
15. What did Keller say God is never losing his temper but has a settled opposition to evil. How is this meaningful to you as you face injustice in a fallen world?
16. Are you bitter or angry against someone? Can you simply turn them over to a just God to do what He will and be released of carrying this burden?
Please pray for us in court on Monday. We believe it is the final hearing for our guardianship of the grands. We also do not think our lawyer has helped us enough and we are gathering evidence to prove that the kids should remain where they are for now. Pray for us to be able to find the documents we need to make our case. Pray for the judge to have a clear head and consider each side carefully. Pray for the lawyers to make their cases, with evidence, so that the best decision is made. Pray for my husband to remain calm and lean on God to help us, not man. Pray for God to speak, for the wellbeing of the kids, and for His will to be done. Thank you for prayers.
9. What in particular stood out to you and why?
I think it’s interesting about the “…ray of light that got out…” Keller is describing when Jesus says, “I Am” several times, they all fall to their knees. Even the Roman soldiers. He says some commentators believe this is a “ray of the godhead” being shown, since why would the soldiers fall down? Jesus is veiled, but in this one instance He is revealed. I had never thought about that before, but it’s seems so! Interesting.
10. Keller says that we also try to tame God through religion. What does he mean? Don’t be too quick to assume this is not you. Look over the following chart and share where you gravitate toward religion instead of the gospel:
Keller says we use religion to tame God. We think that if we follow the rules then we will be blessed. We think our good works will help us out with God.
I’m guilty of the first one on the list; “I obey, therefore I’m accepted,” instead of “I’m accepted, therefore I obey.”
I can also see myself in the one about my self-view swings between two poles…versus my self image is not based on my moral achievement.
11. Keller says: “God is angry at our unjust anger.” We forget all He has done and say, “What have you done for me lately?” Do you see this tendency in your heart?
I can be that way, especially in the past. I’m a better now! I try to focus on how He died for my sins, and I should appreciate that, every morning. I am more in tune that He doesn’t “owe” me anything. I’m lucky to be alive to spread His Word to others in my path.
Laura, praying for Monday. Take heart that when we were walking with our adopted son through foster care, it did seem as though the judge did not SEE all the evidence and we were very concerned at how long it all took and whether justice would be done. I think the judge needed to give time for evidence to be stacked as it had to be in order to come to the right outcome. It’s a delicate situation and I pray protection over your hearts and for the best situation for the kids.
I’m praying Laura, and will continue to do so over the weekend and on Monday. Lord Bless You.
I will be praying for you, for your husband and for the judge. May our mighty God give your husband a calm demeanor, may the Lord give him the words he needs to say, may the Lord open the eyes of the lawyers and judge and may your beautiful grandchildren remain in your care. I am pray*ng for the Lord to be very present with all of you and to fill the courtroom with HIS presence and peace and justice.
Laura, prayers for Monday and that the court proceedings will be handled with wisdom, care, and sincere consideration of the welfare of your grandchildren. Praying for you and your husband Psalm 27:13 to be enveloped with God’s peace and confidence. “I will see the goodness of the lord in the land of the living.
I thought of this song for you, Laura: The Battle Belongs to the Lord
” In heavenly armour we’ll enter the landThe battle belongs to the LordNo weapon that’s fashioned against us shall standThe battle belongs to the LordWe sing glory and honorPower and strength to the Lord
When your enemy presses in hard do not fearThe battle belongs to the LordTake courage my friend, your redemption is nearThe battle belongs to the Lord
Yes Laura, I too will be praying as you have asked. 🙏🏻💕
Praying Laura🙏. My daughter is a family lawyer and has many guardian cases so praying that God will give your lawyer wisdom and the judge too. Will put it in my calendar so I remember to pray on Monday.
Thanks everyone. I feel we are protected ♥️
THURSDAY: CONTROLLED WRATH
Listen/read to the final paragraph of page 7 where Keller moves to his final point: “God’s wrath is being absorbed.”
12. How can you see Jesus’ controlled wrath in the passage from John 18? I am amazed at this passage as I have not been before. I think sometimes when I read the Word and don’t understand something, I just pass over it. I love how Keller pulls out that everything was going according to plan, to Jesus plan, to God’s plan. This is what was supposed to happen.
13. Why does Keller say the soldiers fell down despite Jesus’ calm? Why would they react this way when Jesus was calm? He only asked whom do you seek-and responded, I am. Boom! They withdraw and fall down. Can you imagine the scene?
14. What is his point about Jesus saying just “I AM,” rather that “I AM HE.” They would have known he was claiming to be God.
15. What did Keller say God is never losing his temper but has a settled opposition to evil. How is this meaningful to you as you face injustice in a fallen world? I love his example of Raiders of the Lost Ark, because it so clearly spells out what we humans think of wrath or anger, getting vengeance. But God’s wrath is not like that. God has a settled opposition to evil and in his time will hand out justice.
16. Are you bitter or angry against someone? Can you simply turn them over to a just God to do what He will and be released of carrying this burden? I have been carrying a burden for several years now of an injustice in my family. Some wicked acts are too hard for us to carry and we need to give them over to the Father. This is not simple. It’s a process. We know as Christian’s that the awful feelings we have about injustice are there because what happened is wrong and we want to fix it-but only God can make such wicked things right. So, I rely on scripture and prayer and coming here to study the Word and get my heart right. I don’t think that until I enter heaven my sadness over the situation will be gone, but being sad is not sin. I have begun to pray for the persons responsible and that is a good start at not letting it eat me up.
I have had a busy week and found it tough to get on here but am listening to Keller and reading/praying as I am able. This is such a good study.
Praying for you Chris, love how your heart is so tender.
Oh, Chris, I love that you are able to pray for those who have persecuted you and you leave it at the feet of Jesus. I truly believe that this is what we are called to do. I love your heart for God.
FRIDAY: ABSORBED WRATH
Listen/Read to the end.
17. What stands out to you from this section?
The thought that Jesus ABSORBED the wrath of God is somehow different to me than just saying He took my punishment. That Jesus would RUN to place Himself between me and that wrath that was coming straight at me intensifies what took place at the cross.
18. Keller says modern people have trouble with the phrase “cup of the Father.” Why?
Father means a loving God, a loving relationship, and there should not be a “cup of wrath (poison),” given to the Son. It’s a combination that we feel cannot be combined, father and cup of wrath.
19. Why does Jesus tell Peter to put away his sword? Application to us?
He tells Peter to put away the sword because it is not a time to fight and resist, but that Jesus is going to submit to the will of the Father (the cup the Father has given me, shall I not drink it?). By combing the two terms, Father and cup, Jesus is saying that God is both loving and holy.
The application for us is to never consider God as JUST loving or JUST holy (judge and wrathful).
20. What was his point of his story about a friend jumping into a fire to show you his love?
The point is that if you are in no danger from the fire, a friend sacrificing his life by jumping into the fire makes no sense, it’s crazy. If he sacrifices his life to SAVE you from the danger of a fire, that shows love.
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: 1 John 3:16
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, WHICH DELIVERED US FROM THE WRATH TO COME. 1 Thess. 1:10
21. Can you explain how justice and mercy met at the cross?
God is holy and just, and He stands in opposition to evil/sin. As the creator of all things, He has the right to judge and punish people who have rebelled against the One has given us everything. God’s wrath is very real; many, many scriptures tell of His wrath.
On the cross where He was crucified, Jesus placed Himself between us and God’s wrath, shielding us from our deserved punishment. Only the perfect Son of God could save us, because Jesus IS God. THAT’S mercy; Jesus took into Himself the wrath that was OUR deserved punishment at the cross.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8YOPj5TnUM “Here is Love Vast as the Ocean”
“..heaven’s peace and perfect justice kissed a guilty world in love.”
THURSDAY: CONTROLLED WRATH
Listen/read to the final paragraph of page 7 where Keller moves to his final point: “God’s wrath is being absorbed.”
12. How can you see Jesus’ controlled wrath in the passage from John 18? – Jesus knew everything that was going to happen. He knew why the soldiers and priests were there. He couldn’t have wrath against them or the circumstance because it was what was supposed to be happening. It was all part of God’s plan.
13. Why does Keller say the soldiers fell down despite Jesus’ calm? – They saw a little glimpse of God’s glory in him. The glory that is normally veiled from everyone, has come out in a quick moment. And at that moment, they knew who Jesus was.
14. What is his point about Jesus saying just “I AM,” rather that “I AM HE.” – God told Moses in the burning bush when asked who he was, said I Am. And now Jesus is saying the same thing. They know at this point that Jesus is taking on the name of God. The divine name is upon Jesus now and this is telling them that He is God.
15. What did Keller say God is never losing his temper but has a settled opposition to evil. How is this meaningful to you as you face injustice in a fallen world? – God’s wrath is not out of anger or a bad temper, it’s justified. It seems like he calmly distributes his wrath when and where it’s needed so we can see He is a loving Father. He wants to protect us from ourselves, our actions, so he will show his wrath to save us from harm.
16. Are you bitter or angry against someone? Can you simply turn them over to a just God to do what He will and be released of carrying this burden? – I don’t feel like I’m bitter or angry against anyone, at least not on the surface I’m not. I will need to ask God to reveal to me anything that is deep down and hidden inside my heart so I can release them and give them over to him.
Julie, I like that you are open to asking the Lord about this and not trusting your feelings. I find that often, my mind might be settled about a subject, but my heart is not in the same place. Sometimes this surprises me and frustrates me. For instance, I know the Lord loves me, but I don’t always feel he loves me. I can only blame this fallen world for that and keep pushing my heart to see his love. I don’t understand it and feel bad that I can’t seem to “fix” it.
I agree, Chris. At times when overwhelmed I can only say, “Lord, I believe.” Trusting even when we don’t “feel” His love or presence, I try to focus on the truth at those times.
Thank you, Cheryl Ann. So good to know we are not alone in these thoughts and feelings.
FRIDAY: ABSORBED WRATH
Listen/Read to the end.
17. What stands out to you from this section? – Even God’s wrath is love. He loves us so much that at times his wrath needs to be given to us. Not out of anger, hurt or because he has a temper, but it’s out of love.
18. Keller says modern people have trouble with the phrase “cup of the Father.” Why? – They feel that the two can’t be combined. The word cup represents poison, death, and Father is a loving enduring term. So how can death and father be together, they can’t grasp the two. They aren’t looking deep into what the term really means. His love is poured out for us to the point of His death.
19. Why does Jesus tell Peter to put away his sword? Application to us? – Peter pulled out his sword in anger and anger does not allow us to think clearly. Our minds are full of hatred at that point, and we can’t determine if something truly bad has happened. We need to step back, slow down and look at all that is happening or has happened to determine what action is needed. Don’t just jump on the band wagon, investigate for yourself and then decide how to move forward. Jumping to conclusions is never good for anyone.
20. What was his point of his story about a friend jumping into a fire to show you his love? – There was no reason for him to do it. He was being crazy, it was ridiculous thing to do. There was no need for that kind of action from him. It didn’t show any true kind of love, it showed ‘stupidity’.
21. Can you explain how justice and mercy met at the cross? – Jesus came down to earth for one reason, to save us. He took on our sins so our souls could be free to live in eternity with God. And he allowed justice to be lashed upon himself for us. He took our place and wiped our slate clean. He took on our burden of sin and death because he loved us.
Listen/Read to the end.
17. What stands out to you from this section?
How God poured out His wrath for us on the One He loved. How Jesus absorbed our punishment, paid our price and took on our Wrath because of His deep love of us. His Substitutionary atonement for our sin.
18. Keller says modern people have trouble with the phrase “cup of the Father.” Why?
They don’t want to believe in a God of Judgment, or a God of wrath, who sends people to hell.
19. Why does Jesus tell Peter to put away his sword? Application to us?
He was not expressing the Wrath of God on these men. He has not expressed His wrath of God on me. He took and absorbed the punishment that was due to me.
20. What was his point of his story about a friend jumping into a fire to show you his love?
No human would take on the punishment for someone else unless he was crazy or “on something.”
21. Can you explain how justice and mercy met at the cross?
The Cross shows how God can be equally loving and equally just at the same time.
I’m trying to understand this more in my heart. Listening again.
12. How can you see Jesus’ controlled wrath in the passage from John 18?
It’s a settled opposition to evil and injustice. He steps forward, He addresses them, and He tells Peter to put away the sword. He is in control.
13. Why does Keller say the soldiers fell down despite Jesus’ calm?
Because Jesus was showing a bit of Himself, as truly God.
14. What is his point about Jesus saying just “I AM,” rather that “I AM HE.”
He is saying He is God. “He” softens it.
15. What did Keller say God is never losing his temper but has a settled opposition to evil. How is this meaningful to you as you face injustice in a fallen world?
I’m praying that God will be opposed to the evil that may occur on Monday in court.
16. Are you bitter or angry against someone? Can you simply turn them over to a just God to do what He will and be released of carrying this burden?
I am sad, disappointed, and annoyed all at the same time. I could be an emotional wreck on the inside, BUT God. He is with me. I know this is true. Whatever happens, He is in charge. I will live with the outcome and still know that He is in charge and wants the best for all of us.
Praise God for your settled heart and confidence in God.
Amen to Chris!
Love that your heart is trusting God and you known He is with you. I am praying for you daily, Laura, along with many others. I am praying Psalm 46 for you.
SATURDAY:
22. What is your takeaway and why?
—Keller’s prayer at the end of the sermon. It says beautifully the whole truth about our anger. He prays
“take away our own internal subject of anger toward You”. And “Take the anger that’s in the middle of our lives out and fill the core, the heart of our soul with Your love”.
And he expresses our need in saying “that You would bring home to our hearts the reality of what Your Son did on the cross so that we might be more and more conformed in the image of Your Son”. The sermon shows us well that on the Cross Jesus took the wrath of God upon himself and love and mercy absorbed and neutralized it for our sakes and for our Salvation. It is truly Amazing Grace!!!
Today is my granddaughter’s wedding so I’ve been MIA! I know you’ll give me grace. I just approved 3 of you comments that probably had been waiting a while.
Dear Dee, I pray your day is filled with love and joy. Lord bless you and everyone at the wedding.
Much grace extended as I’ve been MIA too. May you, the couple, family and friends have a blessed day filled with His love and presence…enjoy!
I am praying for this precious wedding, dear Dee. May Jesus be very present and may all of you be blessed beyond measure! Thanking God for you and your beautiful family.
I hope you had a wonderful day!
THURSDAY: CONTROLLED WRATH
Listen/read to the final paragraph of page 7 where Keller moves to his final point: “God’s wrath is being absorbed.”
12. How can you see Jesus’ controlled wrath in the passage from John 18?
He was calm in stepping out to let those coming after Him know who He was as He knew it was His Father’s plan/will.
13. Why does Keller say the soldiers fell down despite Jesus’ calm?
That commentators said that for a brief second, a ray of glory got out. It is usually veiled but for one second it showed itself in order for us to see, and maybe for them to see, that there is a God, a divine figure of infinite power, who is holding it back.
It reminds me of Moses having to put a veil over his face after he had met with God, Exodus 34:29-35.
14. What is his point about Jesus saying just “I AM,” rather that “I AM HE.”
He’s claiming that He is God.
15. What did Keller say God is never losing his temper but has a settled opposition to evil. How is this meaningful to you as you face injustice in a fallen world?
God’s wrath isn’t about ego, crankiness or temper like ours is. He is a holy and just God. Romans 2:8, “But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.”
Vengeance belongs to the Lord.
16. Are you bitter or angry against someone? Can you simply turn them over to a just God to do what He will and be released of carrying this burden?
Yes I am. It’s easy to be released of the burden if you don’t have to be around that person, but feelings return when I am and that’s when I need to turn them and my bitterness over to God…easier said than done😏!
I agree with your answer to 16 completely. Sharon if you haven’t looked at the ministry of Hope Out Loud, yet, you might want to. They have a video on forgiveness that could change this for you. I’m still working on it as our hearts change so slowly and won’t be changed completely until heaven, but this family(Hope Out Loud) knows what it means to battle with forgiveness and they use the Word. It’s amazing.
Thank you Chris. Will definitely look into this ministry.
FRIDAY: ABSORBED WRATH
Listen/Read to the end.
17. What stands out to you from this section?
18. Keller says modern people have trouble with the phrase “cup of the Father.” Why?
Cup refers to “wrath” and Father refers to “love and affection.” The two don’t go together but Jesus is saying He is both.
19. Why does Jesus tell Peter to put away his sword? Application to us?
He’s telling Peter that we aren’t going to express the wrath of God on these men. It’s a part of God’s plan.
We’ve got to let God take care of the injustices in our lives.
20. What was his point of his story about a friend jumping into a fire to show you his love?
How is jumping into a fire showing his love, what’s he on? If he ran into a burning house to save the life of my child and dies as a result, then that is showing love. His death has a purpose.
21. Can you explain how justice and mercy met at the cross?
Jesus loved me so much that He took on Himself the wrath of God so that I could have eternal life…He purchased my freedom and forgave my sins.
Saturday’s takeaway
The third point of absorbed wrath. a wrath that is duly warranted. As I’ve been thinking about God’s wrath, I’ve seen how it could ONLY have been Jesus who could absorb that wrath, because He was the only one who could willingly drink that cup. I think back to the last message we heard by Keller and the completeness of the Godhead, and how Jesus laid that aside to ultimately place Himself between the wrath of God…..and me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYYptUYYZyI “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”
“MINE, MINE was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.”
Oh, thank you! This song is dear to me and helps me FEEL what Christ did on the cross. I only hear it at our Good Friday service, so this is wonderful to have this link.