Betrayal!

Last time we met, Jesus showed his on-going concern for his followers, today we read from John 18:1-11.

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. 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. 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.” 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?”

After Jesus prayed to God, interceeding for us, he went with the disciples across to the garden.  You can see pictures of Kidron on wikipedia. Jesus and his disciples entered the garden. This was a place familiar to them.  We know this because  Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.

Who are you Looking for?

Judas…we know the story.  Judas let a band of soldiers and officers of the chief priests and Pharisees.  They had lights and weapons.  Jesus knew this would happen.  Remember, none of this is a surprise to him.  He steps forward and asks who they are looking for.

Their answer was straight forward “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus responded: “I am he.”

Now I don’t understand why this happens.  ⁶ When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Why would they do that?  Was it fear?   Is that why they came with weapons?  Afraid that Jesus would fight them?  Jesus didn’t though, instead he just asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 

Protecting His Followers

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.” Always, always Jesus sought to serve God’s will, his plan for humanity, that path of redemption.

Then Simon Peter… oh Peter, who loved the Lord so much, … went and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant Malchus. Jesus rebuked him, telling him to put that sword away.  He queried Peter “Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

Doing the Will of God

In doing so, he reminded Peter of his primary purpose, to do the will of God the Father.

Are we that focused?  To do the the will of God?  Even in the face of trial, of the fear of what comes next.  Jesus is completely focused on protecting this people and doing the will of God.