John 18:1-19:42

Be Still: Lord, I surrender all distraction. Still my heart and mind so I can hear you speak. Remind me of the depth of your sacrificial love for me. Fill me with your presence in this moment. Amen.

 Read: John 18:1-19:42

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.’ (18v4-6) 

 Encounter: In the Garden of Gethsemane, the chief priests and Pharisees arrive, and Jesus is about to be handed over. In verses 4-5, Jesus steps forward and asks the crowd, armed with torches and weapons, who they are looking for. When they say ‘Jesus of Nazareth’, he replies ‘I am he’. At that moment ‘they drew back and fell to the ground’ (v 6).

Imagine the scene – Judas with the armed soldiers, the disciples in shock and fear, outnumbered, not knowing what to do. And Jesus, by simply declaring who he is, brings those against him to their knees. How powerful! 

Jesus reveals that he has power to overthrow his enemies, and stop what’s to come, and yet he willingly gives himself over. We all need a saviour, and we can be thankful that Jesus stepped forward to be our saviour, committing to the brutality ahead, taking our place and facing what we couldn’t. 

At what seems to be Jesus’ most vulnerable hour, we still get a glimpse of his divine nature and authority - that same authority will allow him on the Cross to declare ‘it is finished’. We are reminded of the sovereignty of God, even when it might appear darkness has the upper hand. 

The enemy is at work all around us and at times it’s difficult to understand where God is. But this passage shows that even when things appear to be out of control, Jesus is in control - not only over those that day in the garden, but over sin, death, and the powers at work against us today.

This truth should fuel us with hope - praise God we know how this story ends: darkness never has the final say.   

Apply: Take a moment to intentionally thank Jesus for his love displayed on the cross. Reflect on the specific ways his sacrifice has impacted your life. 

 Devote: On this dark Good Friday I thank you for the Crossand the salvation you won for me. Thank you that I can trust that even when darkness seems to overcome, you are in control.