Pondering John 18:4-14.
The drama intensified!
Jesus asked the approaching Roman soldiers and Pharisees, “Who is it you want?”
Jesus knew. He knew what was going to happen. He knew betrayal, rejection, agony and separation from His Father were quickly approaching. But He willingly went forward with the plan conceived before creation for our rescue and redemption. His love for mankind compelled Him forward. There was no turning back.
As Judas, the traitor, stood watching, they answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus responded, “I am He.”
With Jesus’ declaration, He claimed His divinity. He established all power was His and His alone. What unfolds next is also astounding. The entire large entourage of Roman soldiers and chief priests fell to their knees.
Even the betrayer Judas finally kneeled—just as every person will do one day. Philippians 2:9-10 reveals the end of everyone’s story. God has exalted Jesus to the highest place and given Him the name above every name “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” No one can hide. Every Judas, every evil person, every person who thinks they are going to heaven because of their good deeds and every believer who trusts in Christ alone—everyone will bow. Oh, it will happen!
Jesus asked the entourage again who they wanted and they repeated, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Surely there is a reason Jesus asked the question twice. Perhaps asking the second time served the purpose of reminding them they really only wanted Him. They didn’t need to arrest the disciples. So Jesus responded, “I told you I am He. If you are looking for me then let these men go.“
Peter’s rash, impetuous behavior took over. He responded by drawing his sword and using it to chop off the ear of the high priest’s servant.
I appreciate Peter’s willingness to fight and die for Christ. I even admire his passion for Jesus and his courage. But Jesus does not need defending. He didn’t need it that night and He does not need anyone to defend Him today.
The plan was unfolding and Peter was meddling. Jesus was (and is) the One who has total control. Peter’s eyes were on the situation. He was focused on what he perceived with his physical eyesight. Jesus had a Kingdom perspective and saw through spiritual eyes. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, every believer is empowered to shift perspective away from what is physically seen to that which is eternally significance.
Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
Luke’s gospel tells us the Jesus restored Malchus’ ear. Jesus made the servant whole again.
Even as the world was becoming darker and darker, Jesus trusted His Father. He trusted God was perfectly capable of transforming what the world would see as a tragedy into the greatest triumph ever. And Jesus knew God’s plan would eventually include restoring this world to wholeness.
Jesus made no effort to save Himself yet He purposely saved His disciples. In the garden, He saved their physical lives. It would be at the cross where He would save their spiritual lives.
Jesus is good! He is so good! He is worthy of the bent knees.
Questions to ponder:
When have I tried to defend Jesus and His gospel?
How quick am I to look for the Kingdom perspective?
debponders 