When evil strikes, there is always someone or something further back in the shadows, and in the arrest of Jesus, the deep state was a Spiritual Deep State. We see there was always a lot of nepotism in the religious circles during the time that Jesus walked on this earth. Nepotism (def) - the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives, friends, or associates, especially by giving them jobs. In order to keep the real motives of those in power from being seen, the religious leaders kept the secrets and the societies close at hand, even in the family. There is no difference in John 18, and I will put the verses as follows. John 18: 12 So the soldiers, their commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied him up. 13 First they took him to Annas, since he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at that time. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had told the other Jewish leaders, “It’s better that one man should die for the people.”
The deep state in the religious community at the time of Jesus controlled what was taught about the Bible and who could lead in any capacity. The High Priests were appointed by the Romans and tradition says that Annas was the High Priest before Caiphas, but he was deposed by Roman rule, so Caiaphas, his son-in-law, became high priest. The term "keep it in the family" took on a whole new meaning, and the continued control of the spiritual deep state worked hard to control what the people had to believe under their rule. Annas still had his hand in controlling what was about to happen to Jesus in the hours ahead. Taking Jesus to the high priests' residence was illegal according to Jewish protocol. Still, they apparently wanted to complete the execution of Jesus before the Sabbath so that they could get on with the passover celebration. J. Vernon McGee wrote the following in his commentary on John. Secular history testifies to the fact that Annas was one of the most brilliant, one of the most clever, and one of the most satanic of all the high priests. The Spiritual Deep State was in full power and their movements against Jesus in the middle of the night show that they were not planning on being exposed in the light.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus about exposing the evil that lies in the darkness, and here is what He wrote. Ephesians 5: 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” At this time, everything looked dark and evil and it seemed as though evil would win. We are privileged to get to rid of this evil act and know that Jesus was victorious. We should live in the realization of that victory every day, and the light will continue to show the evil in the world and in religious circles. We are all about relationship with Jesus, and not about religious piety and power. One is light and one is darkness.
What exposed the Spiritual Deep State? God did and He exposed it with the light of Jesus Christ. The evil that came from the evil deep state was exposed by Jesus and Jesus Himself said this in John 8:12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
Jesus was going to the cross, and no matter what they did to Him, He would finish His course for you and me. As born again believers we should be the best "finishers" because we have the most outstanding example of finishing in our Savior, Jesus. Even though the Spiritual Deep State tried to keep his arrest under wraps and silence Him before the Sabbath, God had better plans and they would come to fruition, NO MATTER WHAT!!
Are you a good finisher? If so, lead others to be the same way and the gospel message will continue to spread and expose the Spiritual Deep State that is still working in the dark today. The light always exposes the evil and God's Word exposes it first to us and then through us.
Today's Message,
David Warren
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