John 18-21
Jesus is tried and found innocent, yet crucified as the Passover Lamb (18— 19). The Gentile Power (Rome, the fourth of Daniel’s Gentile Powers) crucifies Jesus after trying Him under Gentile Law, with the Jews accusing Him under Jewish Law. He is innocent by both (Jewish: He was the Son of God; Gentile: He was the King of Israel) groups. Then He is crucified to fulfill the O.T. Passover Lamb, to deliver Israel.
God validates Jesus through resurrection, which is witnessed by many (20). The resurrection is God’s declaration that He was the valid sacrifice and that He has been resurrected to life as the ultimate Adam, who must rule. Mary, Peter and John, the apostles, and particularly Thomas are recorded as an eyewitness testimony to His resurrection.
Jesus sends the apostles out into the delay with the word of Jesus to minister to death (21). As the light dawns (new life) Jesus calls the disciples, reminding them with the miracle of the fish, that it is He alone who will empower them in the ministry. Then following the exhortation to Peter to take care of Jesus’ sheep (recall the Good Shepherd who brought into His fold, the fold of the Father) as their under-shepherd. The event of Peter’s concern over whether John would die like Him, demonstrates the point that Peter would be called on to die for the cause, yet not all may be called on to die a martyr’s death. All would be called on to sacrifice for the cause of Jesus.
Dr. Charles Baylis
Video
Chapter 18
Chapters 19-20
Chapter 21
Commentary
Links & Sources
TeachMeTheBible.com - Dr. David Klingler
The Spring Church Sermons - Prof Caleb Foley
Traceway Church Sermons - Dr. Nathan Tullos
TheBiblicalStory.org - Dr. Charles Baylis
