September 22, 2024 - How to Address Confrontation in a Positive Manner - Pastor Paul Vallee

John 18:1-27 HOW TO ADDRESS CONFRONTATION IN A POSITIVE MANNER The most challenging aspect of life, particularly in a leadership capacity, is addressing confrontation positively. I can think of no better model of dealing with adversarial issues than seeing Jesus deal with the most challenging situation in his earthly life. Throughout the gospel of John, there is tension between what Jesus is teaching and doing among the religious leadership of that hour. We are about to come to the culmination of that conflict and how Jesus addressed it. In shifting in the book of John from the upper room teachings of Jesus and his intercessory prayer to his arrest and the denial of Peter, John’s account is very different in his emphasis than the other gospel writers. John does not bring out the agonizing prayer of Jesus in the garden, the sleeping disciples, or the betrayer’s kiss. Yet, John brings out the profound sense of Jesus’ willingness to give up his life for the disciples' sake. This action is the cornerstone of the Christian life. Jesus’ obedience in laying down his life will bring about the most important event in human history and the incredible implications for the human condition. John 18:1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side, was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. In this encounter with his enemies, Jesus teaches us some powerful truths in how we could go about confronting evil and injustice in a positive manner that will bring about the possibility of good outcomes.