Daily Devotions
Today’s Reading: John 18:1-14 & Psalm 91
“I am He,” Jesus said. John 18:5
“I am He.”. Twice Christ pointedly and definitely identified Himself. This He did out of love for His disciples. In love, Christ, the Defender, placed Himself between the mob and His beloved disciples. In love, Christ showed His love and defended His own.
We, too, are Christ’s disciples, and Christ is our Defender. Though an angry mob may never confront us, Christ, in love, defends us in countless ways. He sends His holy angels to protect us: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11).
Once captured, Christ declares, “If you are looking for Me, then let these men go” (John 18:8). In love, Christ, the Good Shepherd, concerned Himself with the safety of His sheep. In love, Christ demanded the release of His disciples for their physical safety—sure—but also for their spiritual safety. Christ knew that they were not yet strong enough in faith to withstand persecution. To put His disciples to the test now would threaten their still-weak faith.
We, too, are Christ’s sheep, and Christ is our Good Shepherd. In love, He guards us, watches over us, and ever assures us that “God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Let us remember—in love, our Lord allowed Himself to be betrayed and captured. In love, He entered His passion. In love, He died that we might live. As we enter the week of our Lord’s passion, let us keep before us His divine love … His boundless love … for us.
Prayer
Christ, our Lord, we come before You with fervent gratitude; grant us the grace of single-minded devotion to You, so that, as You died for us, we may live for You. Amen.
Response
In what specific ways does His love touch your daily life?