Scripture:
Jesus…asked them, “Who is it you want? Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am He…again He asked them, “Who is it you want?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” I told you that I am He.” (John 18:4-8)
A Huge Conclusion:
I began to think about this passage recently. After meditating on it, I came to a huge conclusion. It is this:
“Everyone wants Jesus.”
2 ways to “want” Jesus: We either want Him:
1. “IN” our life
Or we want Him
2. “OUT” of our life…
There is really no in between.
Observation:
I’m struck how passionately the chief priests and Pharisees wanted Jesus “OUT” of their life…have a look…
- Mark 3:6- “Then the Pharisees went out and began to PLOT with the Herodians how they might KILL Jesus.”
- Mark 12:12-, “Then they looked for a way to arrest Him because they knew He had spoken the parable against Him.”
- Mark 14:44- Judas said, “The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away under guard.
- Mark 14:64b-65- “They all condemned Him as WORTHY of DEATH.
Then some began to SPIT at HIM;
They blindfolded Him,
STRUCK Him with their fists, and said, “Prophecy!”
And the guards took Him and BEAT Him.”
- Mark 15:13- “Crucify Him!” they shouted.
- Mark 15:14b- “But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”
- Mark 15:15- “Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them.
He had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.”
- Mark 15:16-20-“…purple robe…crown of thorns…
Again and again they struck Him on the head with a staff and spit on Him…
Paid homage to Him…mocked Him…led Him out to crucify Him…”
- Mark 15:24- “And they crucified Him.”
- Mark 15:29, 32- “Those who passed by hurled insults at Him.”
- Mark 15:31- “…the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked Him…”
Observation #2:
They wanted Jesus…they just wanted Him “OUT”...and BADLY! They “plotted”…they “planned”…they “crucified Him”.
Question #2:
Do you and I want Jesus "IN" our lives as BAD as they wanted Jesus "OUT" of their lives?
I wonder sometimes…
Who’s more PASSIONATE…the “OUT” folks or the “IN” folks?
How bad do you WANT JESUS? How INTENTIONAL is your relationship with Him?
“Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them,” Who is it you want?” (John 18:4) (NIV)
