LAUGH 'N LEARN

An Encouragement Ministry of Verde Valley Christian Church
Of Cottonwood Arizona
http://www.vvchristianchurch.net/

Issue # 273,    January 20,  2008

LAUGH

Van Gogh's Relatives

After much careful research it has been discovered that the artist Vincent Van Gogh had many relatives.  Among them were:

 His obnoxious brother, Please Gogh

 His dizzy aunt,Verti Gogh

 The brother who ate prunes, Gotta Gogh

 The brother who worked at a convenience store, Stop'n Gogh

 The grandfather from Yugoslavia, U. Gogh

 The brother who bleached his clothes white, Hue Gogh

 The cousin from Illinois, Chica Gogh

 His magician uncle, Wherediddy Gogh

 His Mexican cousin, Amee Gogh

 The Mexican cousin's American half-brother, Grin Gogh

 The nephew who drove a stagecoach, Wellsfar Gogh

 The constipated uncle, Cant Gogh

 The ballroom dancing aunt, Tan Gogh

 The bird lover uncle, Flamin Gogh

 His psychoanalyst nephew,   E. Gogh

 The fruit loving cousin, Man Gogh

 An aunt who taught positive thinking, Wayto Gogh

 The little bouncy nephew, Poe Gogh

 And his niece who travels the country in a van, Winnie Bay Gogh.

Jim’s Manuscript

January 20, 2008

“The Missing Ear”

Gospel of John Series Continued

Text:  John 18:1-12

There are a number of famous missing ear stories.  There is the story of Van Gogh, the artist who cut off his own ear after a breakdown, later went to an asylum, and eventually committed suicide.  Then there is Mike Tyson, who bit off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear during a heavy weight boxing match. 

Today we are looking at two missing ear stories.  The first part is told in the Gospel of John, but the second part of the story is not.  We are going to ask ourselves why not.  But this message is not a message to tickle our curiosity.  We will discover some amazing truths about God and ourselves today.

Our Focus for this morning is:  God leaves evidence for everyone.

Let’s listen to the scriptures for today as we view “The Gospel of John” video portion for John 18:1-12.  After you view this, I’m going to ask you the question: What’s missing from the usual telling of Jesus’ arrest?

View Video

So what is missing from the usual telling of the story of Jesus’ arrest? 

Hold your answers to yourself, we will discover them in point 2 and point 3 today. 

Suffice it to say that when we discover why John doesn’t tell us some obvious points from the familiar events, we will discover some very important truths that we might otherwise have missed!   Let’s begin our investigation.

I.   The Account of the Missing Ear

A.  When The Darkness Arrives, God Still Rules!

John 18:1-14 (NIV)

¹ When 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.

This is the Garden of Gethsemane.  That account is told in the other gospels.  John goes directly to the account of the arrest.

² Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.

The last we saw of Judas, was Judas going out and the phrase, “And it was night.” (John 13:30)  The darkness had arrived, and now Judas brings the contingency of darkness with him, having formed an alliance with the darkness.

³ 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.

When Judas brought the detachment back to the upper room, Jesus was gone.  But Judas knew where to find him.  He knew the patterns of Jesus so well, yet it was for betrayal that he followed the steps of Jesus, “guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees.” 

They were armed and outnumbered the disciples by many!  They came with torches and lamps, and weapons, and a huge mob crowd.  Why?  Because Jesus had always given them the slip and Jesus had done many powerful acts.  This mob was very uneasy about the situation. 

Outnumbered, out-gunned, or I should say out-sworded and out-speared, the little band did not run.  Instead, they went out to meet the mob.   Now mind you, Jesus went to meet them, “knowing all that was going to happen to him.” 

⁴ Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"

Jesus took charge.  THEY had the mob.  THEY had the weapons.  But Jesus ruled the situation—not them.  Jesus protected his disciples. 

⁵ "Jesus of Nazareth" they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)

⁶ When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

John wants us to know that Judas was there with the group who drew back and fell down.  Why else would he insert the parenthetical comment about Judas being there standing with them, and repeat Jesus’ take charge assertive comment?

This uneasy mob of darkness encounters light, and the ones closest to it fall over themselves.

B.     Darkness Always Falls Back Before Light

James 4:7 (NIV) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Demons are a lot like cockroaches scurrying for hiding when the light is turned on.  Make sure you are in the light of Christ.  His authority is the key.

If you haven’t already guessed it, it is time to guess what the first missing element is from the familiar story in the events covered so far in John 18:1-6 (the first half of the section we are studying).

II.  John’s Missing Account of Judas’ Kiss

It is the other Gospels that tell us how Judas went up to Jesus and kissed him on the cheek.

How many of you guessed it? 

The other Gospels emphasize… 

A.     The Old Lesson:  Avoid the Judas Kiss

We have no control over whether we will be kissed by a Judas, but all of us have control over whether we will give the Judas Kiss.  The Judas Kiss is pretended intimacy with God.

Judas has the mob.  He thinks he has the “inside information” that the mob needs to identify Jesus.  He has pre-arranged a signal—the betraying kiss.  The action is so heinous, that though the name Jude, or Judas was a popular one, the name has gone out of circulation.  Nobody, names their kid, Judas.  Nobody names their child, Hitler. 

Beware any behavior that smacks of the Judas Kiss.  What is the Judas Kiss like?  It’s like going to church and not worshiping.  It has the appearance of loyalty and friendship but is instead a sham.  Going to church after a Saturday night sin-fest; (Take Jesus’ face and smack the kiss.) or worshiping while thinking about and planning your next secret rendezvous with sin (Take Jesus’ face and smack the kiss).  Giving your tithe on Sunday, but lying and cheating in business on Monday (Smack (sound of a kiss), that’s the Judas Kiss).

1.  The Vulnerability of God

One of the amazing things we learn from the self-revelation of God in the Bible is that God made himself vulnerable when he made us.  God is relational.  God is love.  And God is vulnerable to the pain love brings.  God is in charge—but that doesn’t mean you can’t hurt him. 

But remember this: any time you hurt God, you hurt yourself.  The Judas Kiss is a betrayal of love.  It is returning evil in response to the good done to you.  God expects and holds us accountable to respond to the unmerited goodness of his love that he has given us.  When you return evil for good done to you, that action puts you in jeopardy of divine punitive actions. 

2.  What John Emphasizes 

⁷ Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

Jesus has completely taken the need for Judas’ identifying signal away. 

The kiss is unnecessary but Judas goes through with the sham of friendship anyway.  John never even mentions the identifying kiss.  Why?  He doesn’t want us to think in terms of Jesus being the victim.  This is not Judas’ day, this is Jesus’ day.  Jesus is still in command!  Jesus identifies himself.  He isn’t really handed over.  He hands himself over!  That’s the emphasis and point John wants to make clear. 

B.  The New Emphasis:  Jesus is not the Victim, but the Victor

Jesus commands the mob.  Judas’ leadership is removed from the scene altogether because Jesus is in command of the situation.

Circle the number of times Jesus affirms his identity with “I Am He” (3 times).  Later in this story you will see Simon Peter deny Jesus, and any affiliation with Jesus, three times.  That’s another sermon.  But for now, note this contrast.  While Jesus stands up to those who come to arrest him, divulging EVRERYTHING, Simon Peter DENIES EVERYTHING.  Jesus, who knows he is about to be killed, identifies himself, holding nothing back before his accusers who wish to kill him.  Peter, who said he would never deny Jesus, hides EVERYTHING when a lowly servant girl asks. 

The point here is that Jesus is in command of the situation.  Who’s in charge here?  It is not the arresting mob, not Simon Peter, not Judas.  Jesus is the one in charge here, not the victim!

Jesus is the one in charge here, not the victim!  The darkness has come, but the Majesty of Jesus still shines.

⁸ "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go."

 
⁹ This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."

III.  John’s Missing Account of the Fixed Ear

¹⁰ Then 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.)

Now let’s consider the other missing story, that of the fixed ear.  How many of you guessed that was what the other missing account was? 

Luke 22:50-51 (NIV) ⁵⁰ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. ⁵¹ But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.

Why doesn’t John include it?  It is only John who tells us the servant’s name.  Now, why did John add the detail of the name?  That’s the question.  Who was Malchus?  If he knew the name, he surely knew the story.  Why not tell about the miracle?

Do we know his name because by the time John is writing, this servant is now a disciple? 

Do we know his name because John has connections to the high priest?

Later John will tell us that he and Peter are able to follow Jesus right into the den of darkness, because John has some kind of connections.

John 18:15 (NIV) ¹⁵ Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door.

A.     The Old Lessons:

John includes this one also.

1.  Sometimes it is best not to try to force things to get OUR way. 

Jesus had just prayed asking God to remove the cup of suffering he was to drink but if there was no other way “not my will be done but your will be done.”   Peter didn’t want Jesus arrested and killed.  It is a good thing Peter didn’t get his way, or we’d never be saved.  Be careful not to force your way, carefully consider what God is up to. 

2.  Be very cautious when using human weapons: the tools and tactics of this world.

Sometimes we try these tactics when the enemy comes against the ones we love.  We jump right in there swinging.  We push and shove and shout and make a fuss.  People duck.  But nevertheless, people get hurt.  Malchus was lucky it was just an ear. 

Sometimes this is the way we approach the situation with loved ones who are caught in the depths of darkness and we are trying to rescue them.  Are you trying to rescue with your swinging sword?  “Why are you making a mess of your life?”  “Why don’t you stop drinking!” “ You need to go to church!”  We go in swinging.  And guess what we cut off when we are shouting?  Their ear!  They quit listening!   

Remember the words of Zechariah,

Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
⁶ … 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.

Remember who is in charge.  Keep going to the one who is in charge.  Keep trying to serve the one who is in charge.

3.  The other Gospels emphasize in the healing of the ear how Jesus demonstrated love for his enemies even while they are arresting him to kill him.

These stories are told by eye witnesses.  John was there.  But he wants something that would otherwise be missed to be understood.  Before we go there, do you realize that there were other kinds of witnesses than just EYE witnesses. 

4.  Jesus left one surprised EAR witness.

Malchus is the inescapable surprise EAR witness.  And who is he?  He’s Caiaphas’ servant.  Is that important?

Caiaphas sent his servant with the mob.  He can’t wait to hear the results.  He has been disappointed so often, but this time they have some insurance.  They have an insider to help them with the sting operation.  They will get him now.  Let’s imagine Malchus returning after the incident.  His orders are to report immediately.  Perhaps so they can quickly assemble the reception party and fulfill their plans to get rid of Jesus. 

And finally they do come in. And with great anxiousness he turns to them and says, "How did it go?" And somebody says, "It went very well. We got him." And he says, "Well, did you have any trouble getting him?" They said, "Not really, just a little." "Well, how much trouble did you have getting him?" And everybody turns and looks at Malchus. And they said, "Well, Malchus had a little problem." And Caiaphas said, "Malchus, what's the problem?" And Malchus looks up and says, "Sir, it was my ear." And Caiaphas says, "What about your ear?" And Malchus says, "One of his servants pulled his sword and cut my ear off." Caiaphas says, "That can't be. It's on now." And Malchus says, "Yeah, that's the problem about it." And Caiaphas says, "What do you mean?" And he says, "Well, the fellow that we got that you sent us to get, he reached down and took my ear up out of the dust and put it back and restored it and there it is. It's perfectly well." And I don't know whether Malchus said the thing that was in his mind, but you can't tell me he wasn't saying between the lines Sir, do you really think we arrested the right man?

Dennis Kinlaw,  The Arrest:  An Unexpected Witness, preachingtoday.com

5.  God cares enough to leave unexpected witnesses.

Caiaphas pushed on that night and crucified Jesus the next day. Now I don't know whether all the servants showed up on the Sabbath or not, but I know they showed up on Sunday morning and they showed up on Monday morning and they showed up on Tuesday morning and they showed up on Wednesday morning and all week after the crucifixion. Every day that Caiaphas lived he had to look down and there in front of him stood his servant Malchus with that right ear as big as Mt. Everest. You know, I never thought about that. You know I think I know why the Gospels tell us who he was and what his name was and what Peter did to him. I think God is telling us how much he cares about even wicked, malicious, vicious men like Caiaphas. Could it be that that was God's last message to old Caiaphas, so that that night Caiaphas has to say "Shall I go ahead or shall I not?" but in the hardness of his heart he moved right on over the message of the Savior standing in his presence, the inevitable inexorable witness to the concern and the compassion of Jesus, and he rejected his claim and his witness and he crucified him.

Dennis Kinlaw,  The Arrest:  An Unexpected Witness, preachingtoday.com

You know as I've lived I've become convinced that in every person's life somewhere there's a Malchus' ear. I used to think there were a lot of people in the world who didn't have, you know, a really adequate witness. I'm not sure of that any more. Nobody expected a sermon from Jesus in the house of the chief priest after that arrest, but it was there every day. And there was no way Caiaphas could make it go away. And do you know I believe tonight if you're lost and without Christ somewhere in your life there's something as obvious and as inescapable that when you stand in the judgment of God will be there to condemn you, because God has sent his message and you have failed to heed it and have marched roughshod over it. You know I am astounded and awed at the universality of the witness of God.

Dennis Kinlaw,  The Arrest:  An Unexpected Witness, preachingtoday.com

I'm sure that all he'll have to say to Caiaphas is "Look at Malchus. Caiaphas, why didn't you catch on?" And I'm sure that in your life and mine if we are not right with him all he'll have to do is pull one of those unexpected pieces of evidence from somewhere that leaves us without excuse.

6.  God sometimes silently allows us to choose.

But there's a last thing, and that's the sad silence of the Savior, when a man has made his ultimate choice. I think the most poignant thing in the life of Jesus, from this point of view, takes place in this story. One of his own, whom he loved, one of his own whom he had taught, cared for, comes and plants the kiss on his cheek, speaks and says, "Rabbi." One of the texts, one of the translations of the Matthew account says that Jesus turned to him and simply said, "Judas, do what you have to do." I don't know about you, but there's something inside me that wants to take Jesus and shake him and say Is that all you can say? You're not going to let him go through with this without saying more, are you? Aren't you going to make one last effort to stop him and one last effort to save him? And I can hear Jesus saying no. It's like the rich ruler. When he arose and turned and walked away, Mark says, and Jesus beholding him loved him but he didn't lift a finger to go after him.

Do you know there is a point when God stops working in a man's life? And Jesus did not lift a finger or speak a word to deflect him. Judas had made up his mind.

The notion that all men ultimately will be saved is a lie! The Word is explicitly clear. But you just balance again the silence of Jesus to Judas, the presence of Malchus in Caiaphas' court to know the heart of God. He will go as far as it is possible to reach you; but when he's gone as far as is necessary, then his work stops. He will not save you against your will.  God is a gentleman!  He does not force you to love him.

Dennis Kinlaw,  The Arrest:  An Unexpected Witness, preachingtoday.com

B.  The New Emphasis:

In my view there are two miracles taking place here at the scene of the arrest.  The first of these is the miracle of the ear as told by Luke.  Let’s remind ourselves that John writes long after the gospel of Luke has been in circulation throughout the church.  The second miracle is the one John is trying to highlight—the miracle that none of the disciples were killed or captured!  By not focusing on one miracle, the apostle John emphasizes the other. 

Let us focus on the miracle John is highlighting.  There is an amazing miracle here, and it takes place as a result of how Jesus commanded the situation.  The mob is ready and well armed.  They are poised for action. The instant Peter awkwardly charged in swinging his sword, he should have become a pin cushion for all the trained officers’ swords and spears…but he did not.  Why not?!  Jesus’ was FAST.  He stepped right in and quickly took command. 

Jesus is protecting his disciples.  He is protecting his mission.  He is protecting the outcome.  He is protecting us.  He is protecting the church.  He came to die for them.  They could all be killed here.  But Jesus makes sure they are not. While Jesus is busy trying to save his mission, and save his church, and save his disciples, Peter is recklessly trying to save his Lord.  Unfortunately, he is stepping way ahead of God and about to destroy everything. 

¹¹ Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
¹² Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him ¹³ and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.
¹⁴ Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.

John Emphasizes a Greater Miracle:

Who’s Saving Who?--Put Your Sword Away

He’s not a victim.  He is sovereign.  He’s in charge.

Have you ever been a bumbling disciple?  Take heart.  Jesus steps in to save his bumbling disciples.  Have you ever tried to save God’s reputation?  Have you ever charged in swinging?  We make a mess of things when we do. 

A.  If You are a Bumbling Disciple, Take Heart, Jesus Will Save You

Have you ever pulled your sword, trying to jump right in there to make things happen, but you are making matters worse?  Be careful when you are trying to advance God’s plan. 

B.  Jesus is the Saving Substitution

This is the miracle on which John focuses—Jesus saved Peter!  That’s far more than saving an ear.  Don’t get sidetracked on the little stuff.   

Substitution: Jesus says,“…let these men go.” 

            He’s being arrested, not Peter.

            He’s going to die, not Peter.

            He’s innocent, not Peter.

            He gives himself up for Peter, for you, and for me.