Where is Your Garden Spot?

Jesus Arrested

18 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.
As we come upon the final showdown between Jesus and his adversaries, as orchestrated by Judas, we see several interesting details.  For one, Jesus was "outmanned".  A detachment of soldiers was a large number of men.  There are varying interpretations of the word in Greek, but it is at least 100 men.  He was also "overmatched".  The men had weapons. What did Jesus have?  Nothing!  But though Jesus was "outnumbered" and "overmatched", he was not "outmanuevered".
Jesus knew what was going to happen.  He knew Judas would betray him.  He was prepared.  Jesus took the lead.  "Who is it you want?", he says.  This was perhaps to distinguish him from his disciples, who later Jesus asks to be let go.  When they say "Jesus of Nazareth", Jesus replies "I am he".  And they fell to the ground.  What's up with that?  The word Jesus uses is the divine name for God the Father, Yahweh.  Apparently some of the holiness of God the Father had manifested in Jesus, as the men fell upon mention of His name.  Later in the story, Peter takes advantage in the lull of the conversation and cuts off the ear of the High Priest's servant.  Jesus tells him to put his sword back.  Jesus knows it is not a time for violence. 
What amazes me is that despite being "outnumbered", and "overmatched", Jesus is "cool as a cucumber".  He is the one in charge.  He is more interested in his disciples than himself.  Most people would have shrank in fear, but Jesus rises in confidence.  Why? Because he knew this was the fulfilment of prophecy.  He knew this was God's will for him.  How do you handle adversity?  How do you react when you feel cornered and overwhelmed?  What gave Jesus the power to handle this situation this way?  I think it is prayer.  Jesus was so connected to his Father and caring for his disciples that he had completely given up self will.  Whatever happened was okay with him, because he knew it was all part of God's sovereign will.  
Find some place finding your "garden spot" today, or at least tomorrow on the Sabbath.  Spend time with your heavenly Father and whatever trial you are facing, stand up in confidence knowing God is with you and He is in charge.


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