In the second message from John 18, we step into a tension-filled moment where power seems to shift from soldiers to priests to governors—but beneath it all, a deeper reality is unfolding. As we continue working backward from the resurrection, we’re challenged to reconsider what power באמת looks like in light of eternity. While the world operates on a finite mindset—grasping for control, status, and security—Jesus reveals an entirely different way, willingly submitting to the Father not out of weakness, but מתוך ultimate authority and trust. In contrast, Peter’s denials expose how fear drives us to cling to temporary power when we forget who truly holds it. This sermon invites us to wrestle with a defining question: will we rest in the goodness and sovereignty of God, or will we exhaust ourselves chasing fleeting power in a broken world?
Lifegroup Questions:
- When you hear the word power, what’s the first image or situation that comes to mind?
- Have you ever seen someone handle power really well? What made it stand out On the flip side, have you ever seen power “go to someone’s head”? What changed in them?
- In everyday life (work, family, friendships), where do you most often see power struggles show up?
- When Jesus says, “I am he” (John 18:5-6) and the soldiers draw back and fall to the ground, what do you see in that moment? Do you think of God's power in such a tangible way?
- Why do you think Peter moved so quickly from drawing a sword in the garden to denying Jesus around the fire? Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt like Peter—bold in theory but fearful in practice? What did that reveal to you?
- When are you most tempted to “reach for the sword” — to grasp for control, defend yourself, or assert power?
- What might it look like in a real-life situation you’re facing right now to “choose submission to a good God” instead of wrestling for fleeting power?
- The sermon defines biblical power as “the ability and authority to accomplish God’s will." How is that different from how our culture typically defines power?
- Where do you see examples today of “finite game” power — power that looks strong in the moment but doesn’t last?
- Jesus remains calm and composed when struck. What does His response teach us about strength under pressure?
