John 18:1-18. John's gospel differs from the other three in that it emphasizes Jesus' deity and glory. We will see His glory in His arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection in the coming chapters.
Jesus was spending nights out under the sky. He would teach in the temple during the day, then retreat outside the city of Jerusalem. He loved the outdoors, especially the Mount of Olives. The mountains have always been a special place for me as well. Their beauty, silence, majesty, and peace all seem to help draw me closer to the Lord.
Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley to get betrayed, probably in the same place King David did when he was betrayed, as well. Judas stood with the enemy, a band of soldiers numbering around 500, armed with swords and clubs. Who do you stand with? I want us to keep Psalm 1 very close to us. Read it regularly, as part of your training in godliness. Jesus asked one of the two most profound questions as recorded in John. "Whom do you seek?" Friends, that is a question to our hearts today. Who are you looking for? Jesus wants the answer to be Himself. He wants us to seek Him and want what He wants for us. He wants us to agree and cooperate with doing His will, not our own. The first question posed in John 1:38, was "what do you want?". What do you want out of this life? What is your heart's motives and intentions? Do you want what He wants? Do you honestly want Him? Note how a young person falls in love with another. There is a lot of "want" in the relationship. They think about them, talk to them, are with them, do things with them, etc. That's relationship. That's what Jesus is offering to us.
The mob said they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth. They didn't know Him as Lord and Savior. His answer revealed His glory and power, "I am". Those words are His name, the name above all names. They didn't fall forward to worship Him, but instead fell backwards in fear and dismay. He even gave them a second chance after allowing them to rise back up. Jesus is completely in charge and totally sovereign over our lives. He is even directing the enemy as to who they will arrest and who they will let go. He is willingly laying His life down as the Lamb of God. Times before, He magically disappeared before the enemy could catch Him, but His time had now come.
Peter is out of line. I feel I could easily substitute my name in place of his and just read the story as is. I can relate to him and have learned so much from his experiences. I'm thankful the Lord thought to put his stories in the bible for me to read, another proof of Him preparing me for the future. I must not put confidence in my own flesh or stength of commitment/devotion to Christ. I need to remain humble. In His grace, He continually reminds me of my humanity and tendencies to live selfishly or walk in unbelief or not put my faith and trust in Him. How are me and Peter going to do this? Only the power of the Holy Spirit can produce the life yielded to Christ. We've proven the harm we can do while walking on our own!
We have to remember that we have spiritual enemies. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, powers, and darkness (Ephesians 6:12). We also should remember that nothing gets to us without going through God first. Recall Job 1, describing Satan as having access to God and asking for us specifically. Jesus warned Peter that Satan had asked to sift him as wheat, but said He was praying for his faith to not fail and that he return to strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:31). In John 16 we hear Jesus warning His disciples that tough times are coming and He is telling them these things so that won't fall away and turn back. He seems to always prepare us for what lies ahead, even though some situations are extremely challenging. Do we believe He has been preparing us for whatever comes? Trust Him. He doesn't produce second-rate material. He only gives the best.
In my own understanding, I believe I have to defend Jesus, like Peter did when he pulled the sword out and cut off Malchus' ear. It's uncalled for. Jesus does not need us to defend Him. Thankfully, Jesus healed Malchus, thus possibly protecting Peter from also getting arrested and crucified. But Peter's misguided actions inspired Jesus to pose another of the most profound questions in all the bible. It has stirred me to the core. "Shall I not drink from the cup My Father has given me to drink?" Jesus has embraced His calling and purpose. He has accepted His situation. He has submitted to the Father and trusts Him completely. He has surrendered His own will and is agreeing to participate in what the Father has given Him to do. He knows it will be good. He knows it will be difficult and costly, but good. We already have insight into this from Hebrews 12:2, "who for the joy set before Him endured the cross". This has completely changed my attitude towards handling difficult situations. I have repented of selfish whining and self-pity. I believe He wants us to walk in the same way as Jesus when facing enemies and challenging circumstances. I have too many times leaned towards anger, bitterness, resentment, and negativity under trying pressures. No more. I want the victory available in the journey and the destination. I hope the revelation of this truth is clear to you. I hope it gives you a newfound energy and joy, even in the face of struggles. He is accomplishing His awesome purposes through you. Keep studying this. Keep praying through it. Sometimes it takes time to press into these truths, but there is freedom on the other side of foggy confusion. The world is good at distracting and sapping God's light and life from you. Don't give up. Press on. Be determined. Come on home and let Him hold you. Fall in love with His word again. Read His bible-His love letter to you. Let Him speak to you and remind you of His amazing promises and love for you. Stir up those coals and kindle a renewed faith in Christ. Walk out your calling and purpose, deploying the gifts He has given you along the way. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Eph.6:10). Bring Him glory by completing the work He gave you to do (John 17:4). Gird up your faith in Christ. Strengthen that feeble faith. Remember, He is praying for you. Stop, breathe, and receive the power of His prayers.
