Introduction
Last week, we “watched” as Peter denied his Lord (Luke 22:54-62). The text for this Lord’s Day tells us what Jesus was enduring inside while Peter was denying him outside (Luke 22:63-71). It summarizes Jesus’ trial before the Jewish leaders and exposes the gross perversion of justice that took place that night. His adversaries pressed him, seeking an excuse to justify the verdict they had already reached. The irony is that they presumed to sit in judgment on the One who is both King and Judge.
The hymns for the service begin with an expression of joy that Jesus is king and judge. They invite us in to witness the arraignment of Jesus and declare that he is the “Christ, by men rejected.” Finally, we will sing of his return when those who rejected Christ will see him enthroned in glory.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Psalm 118:22-24
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 13 Rejoice, the Lord is King!
Notes: Charles Wesley’s exuberant hymn calls us to rejoice and give thanks because Christ is our King. Jesus was rejected by the religious rulers precisely because they did not want him as King. They presumed to sin in judgment over him. But this hymn declares that Jesus is the Judge who shall come. Thus we “rejoice in glorious hope!”
Worship through Giving
Scripture Reading Psalm 110:1-7
Note: Jesus referred to this psalm in his defense that night. His accusers used Jesus’ claim to have a seat at God’s right hand to charge him with blasphemy.
Hymn Insert Go to Dark Gethsemane
Note: Two weeks ago, we sang this new hymn as we saw Jesus arrested in Gethsemane. We sing it again because the second verse calls us to witness Jesus’ arraignment before the Sanhedrin (the ruling body of the Jews).
Follow to the judgment hall;
View the Lord of life arraigned
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 150 ‘Tis the Christ
Note: The leaders of the Sanhedrin pressed Jesus, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” They asked, not because they wanted to follow him, rather they wanted testimony to use against him. We answer their question in song. “’Tis the Christ by man rejected; yes, my soul, ‘tis he, ‘tis he!”
Message: The Perversion of Justice, Part 1
Luke 22:63-71
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn Insert Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
Note: This majestic hymn taps our imagination to “see” Christ, who was “once for favored sinners slain,” now coming to reign and to judge. His enemies will be perplexed and wail deeply at the sight. Creation itself will convulse. Those who falsely judged him will face their Judge. But Jesus’ followers will cry, “Hallelujah!” And so we sing, “O come quickly; Halleluiah! Come, Lord, come.”
Prayer Response: Joel Owen
Benediction: John Miles