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John 18:1-14
So before we get to our passage of Scripture this morning, remember that Jesus made the statement that He had already finished the work His Father had asked Him to do.
And we need to pause for a moment and think about that. Often times those of us who have grown up in the church read over these all to familiar words to quickly to realize that the work the Father gave Jesus was not just to die on the cross. It was everything that lead up to that very moment – remember that Jesus fulfilled prophecy so that He would indeed be the Messiah. It is only after He has done that work, which allows Him to become the Sacrifice that would end all sacrifices.
So today, let’s look at this pivotal moment where Jesus is arrested. Again don’t just read over everything like we have done most of our lives, take some time to listen to what happens.
John 18:1-14 (NIV) 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.
Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 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.
Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
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.)
Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.
What do we read here? What is it that we’ve heard repeatedly? And what stands out, maybe we’ve heard it many times before but it’s speaking louder to us today? And why not ask yourself – where am I in this part of the story. If I were present in this part of the narrative, where would I be?
I find it interesting that Jesus again – using the “I Am” statement – is speaking with so much authority, and I would say control, that those who hear Him draw back and fall to the ground. Roman soldiers and the Temple guard fall to the ground. These are not wimpy men. And the “I Am,” which is the name for God speaks volumes to Who Jesus is – The Messiah.
But who do you relate to in this story? Are you like Judas standing with the powers that be – both secular and religious leaders? Are you like Peter – and I have to say I kind of chuckle a bit when I think that Peter needs to defend the Messiah, who healed the sick, made the lame walk, caused the blind to see, and raised the dead back to life. Peter thinks he needs to defend Jesus, the Messiah, who has been around since before time as we know it began.
But there is another place where we can find ourselves and that is standing with our Savior – Jesus Christ. We can be standing ready, willing, and able to take on the suffering and pain that comes with redemption.
Are we willing to make real sacrifice, living the Jesus Way, so that others will hear the Jesus Truth – and by so doing be invited to live the Jesus Life that is before us? To live that sacrificially is the Jesus Way, to abandon one’s self so that others may know that Jesus Christ is the Messiah.