Jesus Could Have

John 18

John 10:17-18

What could Jesus have done to avoid the cross?

1 - He could have run and hidden – 18:4-5

1.   He had run before –

a.   John 10:39

b.   John 8:59

c.   John 6:15

2.   He remained under the radar – John 2

3.   His hour had not yet come

4.   More than 3 hours passed after Judas left

5.   He had plenty of time to run and hide

2 - He could have had his servants fight – 18:10-11

1.   Before Pilate – v. 36

2.   Peter was ready – with 2 swords.

a.   Luke 22:33

b.   John 13:37

3.   Simon the Zealot – was a terrorist with ambush tactics, gorilla warfare, strongly despised the Romans

4.   But – Jesus healed the ear of Malchus; told Peter to put away his sword

3 - He could have employed his miraculous powers –

1.   John 18:3

2.   Detachment – “Band” in KJV = about 600 men

3.   John18:6 Now when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground.

4.   Why are they afraid?

a.   They knew of his miracles – his power

b.   Even his enemies could not deny His power

c.   We know he created the world

1. Song – He could have called angels to free him

a.   Matthew 26:52-53

b.   A legion = 6,000 - - 12 X 6,000 = 72,000

c.   He could have called 72,000 angels

2.   He could have just  “walked through the wall”

a.   John 20:19

3.   He could have vanished into thin air

4.   He could have ascended back to heaven

HE COULD HAVE - - - BUT HE DID NOT

John 10:17-18

The idea for this sermon was developed by Brent Smith, minister in Trenton, TN.