Jesus Arrested

The power is in you, even stronger than it was in Him…

John 18:1-14

When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.

2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

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

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.

7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. 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.”[a]

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.)

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 Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.

Jesus was prepared. The soldiers were not. They flew backward and fell when Jesus said, “I am He.” Jesus is the Messiah.

Peter’s response is a human one. One of anger and fear. One that is sparked not by God, but by the evil that prowls. Jesus reminds His followers that this was part of the plan. Part of God’s perfect plan. We know from the previous readings of Matthew Mark, and Luke, that thia was difficult even for the perfect man that Jesus was. Peter acted in the way that I would’ve acted. I imagine many of us would be angry and afraid like Peter. The rebuke was not subtle, but very direct and to the point.

Tomorrow, as you go to work, imagine yourself confronting those that have spoken and acted against you. When you have their faces in mind, ask God to help you forgive them. Ask Him to come into your life and teach you to give others that gift that you have been given…Forgiveness. walk in the authority of Jesus, and as they act against you in the future, remember that you have been given life. A life designed to glorify Him even in the toughest of trials.

I will join you. As we join in prayer tomorrow morning, stretch your faith. People will notice and ask you about that light that you walk with. When they do, say that you walk with Jesus. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK