John 18:1-14 Jesus arrested
Walking from the upper room to Gethsemane via the Kidron valley required Jesus and the disciples to walk the length of the valley. It is Passover and thousands of lambs are being sacrificed. Jesus comes to the place in the valley where the blood from the sacrifices poured down from the temple. Hebrews 10:11, “Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.” Jesus is about to become the one perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 10:10, “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Jesus knew all about Judas’ plot to betray him yet Jesus goes to a usual spot where Judas is sure to find him. Jesus knew exactly what was coming and he went out to meet it. The group Judas leads is probably 300 or more Roman soldiers, temple guards, Pharisees and rabble. Jesus had twice eluded arrest and had popular sentiment. The soldiers were to make sure Jesus got arrested and to quell any uprising that might start.
In the face of this overwhelming force Jesus steps up and takes control of the situation. Jesus requires them to acknowledge that their warrant extends only to himself. He makes sure the disciples go free. Jesus asks, “Who are you looking for?” They reply, “Jesus of Nazareth.” And then Jesus doesn’t say, “That’s me.” Jesus says, “I AM.” Jesus uses the very name of God given to Moses at the burning bush. At the sound of that name they all fall down. Jesus lets them off with a warning. No one was getting arrested that night without Jesus’ permission.
Some think that Judas wasn’t against Jesus but that he was trying to spark the revolution that would get rid of the Romans and put Jesus on the throne of Israel. Maybe Peter somewhat agreed with the sentiment and encouraged by everyone falling over he tried to be first to engage. With this sword of the flesh Peter cut one ear. In a few more days Peter will wield the Sword of the Spirit and three thousand will be cut to the heart in repentance.
This night, Jesus rebukes Peter and stops the revolution before it can begin because he is in complete control of all these events. Jesus obeys the Father, even to his own death. Hebrews 5:7-9, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him”
Now Jesus is arrested and brought to the first of many trials. Jesus had to be examined as the Lamb of God because a sacrificial lamb had to be perfect without spots or blemishes. Throughout the trials to come it becomes painfully clear that Jesus is perfect. They take Jesus to Annas. Annas is the High Priest the Pharisees accepted but he was too hardline for the Romans so they had installed Caiaphas. Caiaphas is weak and political, acceptable to the Romans. God uses whoever he wants and even this Caiaphas is used to make God’s plan happen God’s way.
Our circumstances can sometimes seem overwhelming. Just remember that in all of it, Jesus is in complete control.
brotherpayne 