John 18:1-11
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.” s
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?” [1]
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What’s striking to me in this passage is Jesus’ utter confidence in approaching what was about to happen. John doesn’t regard Jesus’ struggle in prayer in the garden and takes us to the confrontation with Judas and the soldiers that took place afterward. Luke’s gospel (22:43) tells us that after His prayer, He was strengthened by an angel, and we see that strength in this passage.
Jesus knows that Judas will be coming, yet does not flee, hide, or walk through the crowd as He did at another time. He doesn’t try to cover up who He is, proclaiming His identity, and rebuking Peter for trying to use force to prevent being taken into custody. Jesus wasn’t defeated, run down and caught by the forces arrayed against Him. When the time came, He offered Himself, went willingly to the cross.
What does this say to me today? A simple truth which stands at the heart of our faith, but one that this passage led me to meditate thankfully on today: My savior did this willingly for me. I am loved this much. My eternal destiny matters that much to Him. As Jesus said in 10:18 about His life: “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” And He has done that for me, not just in general, but in particular. And for you.
And so this passage is leading me to go into this new day with the confidence of Jesus total dedication and love for me. So my prayer is that I live in that confidence, peace and joy this day.
What is the Word leading you to pray about today?
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[1] The New International Version. 2011 (Jn 18:1–11). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
