Arrest of Jesus

God's Creative Word
The Word Was in the Beginning
Jesus Testifies to the Truth

John 18:1-11

The Message

Seized in the Garden at Night

 ¹ Jesus, having prayed this prayer, left with his disciples and crossed over the brook Kidron at a place where there was a garden. He and his disciples entered it. ^2-4Judas, his betrayer, knew the place because Jesus and his disciples went there often. So Judas led the way to the garden, and the Roman soldiers and police sent by the high priests and Pharisees followed. They arrived there with lanterns and torches and swords. Jesus, knowing by now everything that was coming down on him, went out and met them. He said, "Who are you after?"
   They answered, "Jesus the Nazarene."
 ^5-6He said, "That's me." The soldiers recoiled, totally taken aback. Judas, his betrayer, stood out like a sore thumb.
 ⁷Jesus asked again, "Who are you after?"
   They answered, "Jesus the Nazarene."
 ^8-9"I told you," said Jesus, "that's me. I'm the one. So if it's me you're after, let these others go." (This validated the words in his prayer, "I didn't lose one of those you gave.")
 ¹⁰Just then Simon Peter, who was carrying a sword, pulled it from its sheath and struck the Chief Priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. Malchus was the servant's name.
 ¹¹Jesus ordered Peter, "Put back your sword. Do you think for a minute I'm not going to drink this cup the Father gave me?"

For Reflection 

Judas, Judas, Judas.  What have you done?  Someone needed to betray Jesus.  I am sorry it was you.  I hope that Jesus has forgiven you as only God can do and that He has found a special place for you in His Holy Kingdom.

God's plan is not always revealed.  In this case, however, Christ foretold His betrayal.   God uses us to forward the realization of His Kingdom.  Judgment is not ours to make.  Obedience is our role.  Obedience even when, like Jesus, we must accept a bitter pill.

After  the Christ event, truth became knowable.

Pray

Pray for the souls of those who appear to be sinful.  Pray that they will be forgiven for their transgressions.  Pray for the forgiveness of your own transgressions.  Pray prayers of forgiveness for God's sacrifice of his own son, so that we might know the truth and become obedient, steadfast followers of Christ.