Daily Bread 2010 - John 18
Daily Bread 2010
John 18
Jesus Arrested
1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4Jesus, 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.) 6When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
7Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"
And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
8"I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."
10Then 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.)
11Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
As the culmination of Jesus’ mission and ministry draw near, we see Jesus confidently meeting those who would arrest him. Peter, who would shortly thereafter deny him three times, boldly tries prevent his arrest by cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant (ouch that would hurt!). But Jesus a little later tells Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world, if so my servant would have fought to prevent my arrest.”
As they question who Jesus is, he answers by saying, “I am he”. When he says this they draw back and fall to the ground. You might ask why did his response evoke this reaction? It would be helpful to know that the Greek for “I am he”, is “eigo eimi”, which when translated from Septuagint (Greek OT translation) would be equivalent to when God said he was the, “I am”. As Jesus declared who he really was, His divine presence must have manifest in some way which obviously affected those who came to arrest him.
So we see the juxtaposition of Peter trying to use worldly power/violence to prevent Jesus’ arrest, and Jesus merely saying “I am he” and the guys falling to the ground. This shows who is really in control in all of these events surrounding his last days. Although it will appear he is at the hands and mercy of the Jewish leaders and Roman officials, Jesus (and God) are truly in charge. As it says, “Jesus knew this was going to happen.”
God we thank you for the power you have in Your name. Help us to call on Your name when we are need of Your presence and peace. Help us to lead lives worthy of Your name in the power of the Spirit, Amen.
John 18
Jesus Arrested
1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4Jesus, 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.) 6When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
7Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"
And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
8"I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."
10Then 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.)
11Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
As the culmination of Jesus’ mission and ministry draw near, we see Jesus confidently meeting those who would arrest him. Peter, who would shortly thereafter deny him three times, boldly tries prevent his arrest by cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant (ouch that would hurt!). But Jesus a little later tells Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world, if so my servant would have fought to prevent my arrest.”
As they question who Jesus is, he answers by saying, “I am he”. When he says this they draw back and fall to the ground. You might ask why did his response evoke this reaction? It would be helpful to know that the Greek for “I am he”, is “eigo eimi”, which when translated from Septuagint (Greek OT translation) would be equivalent to when God said he was the, “I am”. As Jesus declared who he really was, His divine presence must have manifest in some way which obviously affected those who came to arrest him.
So we see the juxtaposition of Peter trying to use worldly power/violence to prevent Jesus’ arrest, and Jesus merely saying “I am he” and the guys falling to the ground. This shows who is really in control in all of these events surrounding his last days. Although it will appear he is at the hands and mercy of the Jewish leaders and Roman officials, Jesus (and God) are truly in charge. As it says, “Jesus knew this was going to happen.”
God we thank you for the power you have in Your name. Help us to call on Your name when we are need of Your presence and peace. Help us to lead lives worthy of Your name in the power of the Spirit, Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment