From John 16-18

Normally people are afraid of torture and death. But when Jesus was captured he kept on looking to the needs of others. Jesus is selfless. When Jesus spoke, people fell down around him. Jesus is powerful. Jesus is about to receive the cup of wrath from his Father. Jesus is about to die and he is doing this for those who believe in him.

This post is part of my bible in a year series.

Passage and Comments

Jesus has just prayed his famous priestly prayer and it seems he was aware of what would happen afterwards. It follows almost straight away. Judas uses his knowledge of Jesus’ practices to track him down in private. Jesus knew it would happen as well.

18 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. (Jn 18:1–3)

They came with torches and weapons. Ready for a fight. What was Judah thinking as he escorted these armed men to the place he had been with several times with Jesus. I don’t know how he could do it. When Jesus sees them he steps in quickly avoiding a possible fight… Maybe…

4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. (Jn 18:4-6)

The power of Jesus words ‘I am he’ caused them to be knocked back and fall to the ground. They get back up again not knowing what happened or why they fell over. They don’t know who they are dealing with.

7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” (Jn 18:7-9)

Even in his capture Jesus is still thinking of others. He has gone there to get caught and eventually die, but he doesn’t want his disciples captured or hurt as well.

10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (Jn 18:10–11)

Peter rushes in without thinking. He cuts the man and we find out in the gospel of Like Jesus healed him (Lk 22.50-51). John records the mans name. Perhaps Jesus did more to Malchus than just heal him. Maybe Malchus came to see Jesus for who he is. Jesus is about to drink the cup of wrath the Father has given him. Meaning he will suffer and die.

About Jesus

Normally people are afraid of torture and death. But when Jesus was captured he kept on looking to the needs of others. Jesus is selfless. When Jesus spoke, people fell down around him. Jesus is powerful. Jesus is about to receive the cup of wrath from his Father. Jesus is about to die and he is doing this for those who believe in him.

Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights Reserved.