Overview of: JohnToday's Reading:
John 18:1 – 19:42
"Arrest, Trials, and Crucifixion"
Focus Verses: John 18:6-8
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?" 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."
Insight:
John's account of Jesus' arrest includes a very important detail missing from the other gospels. It also seems to be missing from most contemporary recounts of the story. I've never seen this detail depicted in any passion play, movie, or painting. I've rarely heard it talked about in sermons. I've actually had many Christians react with surprise when I point out this detail in John's eyewitness account.
When Judas leads a detachment of soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees to the garden to arrest Jesus, an amazing thing happens. Jesus asks, "Who are you looking for?" They reply, "Jesus the Nazarene." Jesus says, "I am he," and when he says those words, Judas and all the soldiers and officials, with their swords and lanterns and torches, fall to the ground.
This is an incredible display of Jesus' authority and the power of his word. He clearly would not have had to submit to arrest. No wonder Peter was so emboldened to strike out at a guard. Jesus made his point and asked for the release of his disciples, which was granted, and then submitted to arrest.
Response and Action:
Jesus clearly did not have to submit to arrest. This demonstrates his free and selfless choice to suffer death on the cross for us and for our salvation. Today, I will offer up my thanks to Christ Jesus who loved me and gave himself for me. I will praise him for his selfless gift of salvation. As a follower of Jesus, I will endeavor to live a selfless life, and surrender myself to God in service to others.
Help me, O God, to have the same attitude that was in Christ Jesus. He emptied himself and was obedient to death. Even death on a cross. Help me to empty myself and freely choose to live for you. Give me the grace and courage to serve others in the name and spirit of Jesus. Amen.
Old Testament for Today: Psalm 22:30-31
30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. 31 They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn—for he has done it.
In Context: Psalm 22
Proverb for Today: Prov. 27:19
"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man."
Recommended Reading:
The Incomparable Christ
by John Stott