Living Life

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2010.Mar.

12 Fri

A Planned Fate

[ John 18:1 - 18:14 ]

A Silent Journey
1. When 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.
2. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
3. So 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.

I Am He
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?” 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.”
9. This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
10. Then 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.)
11. Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
12. Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him
13. and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.
14. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.

Reflection

A Silent Journey (18:1-3)
After Jesus’ majestic prayers of dedication for Himself, His disciples, and all believers in chapter 17, He knew what He had to do. Although Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray Him and that Judas knew where the olive grove was (v. 2), Jesus still chose to walk right into this fate. Can you imagine how long and silent that journey from the upper room, out of the city, eastward down into the Kidron valley, and then up the other side would have been? For Jesus, He knew that every step He took, was really a step towards persecution, pain, and death. For the disciples, they were probably confused and trying to process everything that Jesus had told them, while still wondering why Judas had left them.

I Am He (18:4-14)
In the olive grove, Jesus did not wait for Judas, the Roman soldiers, and the religious leaders to approach him; rather, He approached them, “Who is it you want?” (v. 4). When they told Jesus that they wanted Him, Jesus frankly replied, “I am He.” Jesus was not merely replying as a student would during a roll call, but His choice of words was very significant. Jesus was declaring His identity as God Himself when He said “I am He” because this was a deliberate echo of God’s name, “I am who I am” (Exo. 3:14). Jesus not only declared His identity, but He spoke with power. After all, does anyone ever draw back and fall to the ground when you speak or tell them your name? What power! Can we expect anything else from God Himself?

Application

- How often do you wonder why God chooses to do things the way He does? Do you ever question His goodness and His plans? Be honest with God and talk to Him about your questions.

- If you are a Christian, then that means you are “of Christ.” In other words, your identity is tied up with Jesus—you are a Christ person. Rejoice!

A Letter to
God

Dear Father, help me understand who You are. Help me understand who I am in You. Give me the strength to stop living for my purposes and myself, may I live wholeheartedly for You and Your ways. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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