This week I welcome guest blogger, Emerald Scaffe. Emerald is married and together with her husband, has three children. She also serves on the teaching team at Faith Church.
In the previous post we learned how Jesus was spiritually fit for the darkest night of his life. The story of Jesus’ arrest in the garden continues in John 18 verse 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.”
One commentator suggests that the mention of both Jewish and Roman authorities is meant to demonstrate the entire world participating in the betrayal of Christ. Also we see the mention of lanterns, which reminds us that this story takes place at night. An important detail later on.
The story continues in verse 4, “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. Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” “I told you that I am he,” Jesus answered. “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
“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.) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
At this moment of arrest, John does not mention Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss, we find that in the other gospels. However, he does include a detail that is otherwise not mentioned in the Bible. The moment when the soldiers fall down as Jesus says he is the man they want. We see here, in this brief moment, a display of Christ’s power.
What I find most humbling about this detail is that they arrest him anyway. As I was studying, a commentator observed the consistent spiritual blindness among the religious officials. Jesus had performed miracles, spoken of hope and love, and cared for the people in need. With all of this “proof” they still wanted him dead. None of us should underestimate the foothold that sin can have in our hearts. Humanity can become so convinced of the unimportance of a thing that might convict us, that even when we fall to the ground we get back up and pretend we weren’t just brought to our knees.
Through that power we see Jesus emphasize that he is willingly submitting to this fate, to glorify the Father. His connection with God helps him overcome the temptation to deviate from the plan set before him. Prayer helped prepare him for this moment and remember God’s faithfulness above his own flesh. He even remembered to protect his disciples in order that he could keep his word.
Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash
Engaging Scripture 