"Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him, came forward and said to them, 'Whom do you seek?'" (John 18:4). Read John 18:1-12.
Jesus has led His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane. Out of the darkness we see lanterns and torches winding their way across the Mount of Olives toward the Garden. Judas leads Roman soldiers and Jewish officers. Jesus knows what is about to happen. But He doesn't cower in the corner; He goes out to them and asks whom they are seeking. They reply, "Jesus of Nazareth."
Jesus answers with three short words, "I am He," and the power of His words knock Judas, the soldiers and the officers backward. Firmly in control of the situation, Jesus orders the guards to let His disciples go. The soldiers obey, and they flee away into the dark.
Not only did Jesus protect His disciples, He also made one last attempt to reach Judas. In the dark hour to come, when Judas would be overwhelmed with guilt, Jesus wanted him to remember this moment. Jesus was not a helpless victim swept away by Judas' kiss. Jesus was in complete control. He permitted Himself to be arrested, tried, condemned and crucified. He could have stopped it at any time. But because of His love for the Father and for each of us, He will not end it but carry it through to its completion-and our ultimate salvation.
Because He loves us so much when those powers of darkness were trying their worst, so He also loves us when those powers of darkness come after you in your life.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for stepping forward to suffer death for our sins, even death by crucifixion. Give us courage and confidence in the dark hours of our lives to remember that You are still completely in control. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 8-10 Luke 4:1-30
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