John 18:1-11
On the night of Jesus’ arrest, it’s amazing the Peter wasn’t killed! Judas went to the garden of Gethsemane to betray Jesus, and was accompanied by soldiers and temple officers (police?). When they came up to seize Jesus, Peter pulled a sword and cut off a servant’s ear. Jesus quickly intervened and told Peter to put the sword away – perhaps because the soldiers drew their swords and were ready to attack. Peter’s move was courageous but foolish. Did he think he was going to take on a whole band of soldiers?
When the crowd first arrived, Jesus pulled back the veil of his deity for a brief moment, displaying his power. He asked who they were looking for and the reply came, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered them, “I Am” and they all drew back and fell down. The revelation of Jesus’ identity literally knocked them off their feet! Perhaps this reaction from the crowd is what emboldened Peter to draw the sword and attack.
Jesus remained resolute toward his purpose throughout the encounter. He could have easily defeated the crowd and left if that was the Father’s plan, but instead he accepted the fact that the Father’s purpose was for Jesus to suffer and die: “shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (v11). Thank you, Lord Jesus, for staying faithful to your mission and enduring the cross, that I might be forgiven and have life!
No comments:
Post a Comment