Lent Day 27: The Initiative of the Cross (John 18:1-8)

Lent Day 27

The Initiative of the Cross

John 18:1-8

1 After Jesus had said these things, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.

2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.

3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)

6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”

◇ The group that had been conspiring to kill Jesus finally took action. They sent soldiers ahead, led by one of Jesus' own disciples, Judas Iscariot.

Jesus was the first to speak, asking them, “Who is it you want?” The soldiers sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees couldn't possibly not recognize Jesus. Moreover, their leader was Judas Iscariot, a disciple who had been with Jesus. It's unlikely that he wouldn't recognize his teacher. Perhaps they were hesitating. Even Judas, the disciple, couldn't step forward readily, and the Jewish guards also couldn't take the lead. They knew very well who Jesus was! At that moment, Jesus took the initiative and asked them who they were looking for.

When they answered that they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth, he responded, “I am he.” Jesus had no intention of fleeing. Instead, he approached those who sought to capture him, questioning them and revealing himself. It seems that Jesus was not being taken by force, but was giving himself up willingly. He acted as if he had been waiting for this moment. Finally, he asked for his disciples to be let go. Jesus protected his disciples and moved them to a safe place.

Jesus actively accepted his own death. He did not face his death passively; he actively stepped forward to embrace it. Despite the fear of suffering and death, he was proactive because it was God's will, and because it was the only way to unite everyone with God. Through his own death, he saved his disciples and all of us. That is who our Jesus is.

Lord, I am grateful that you have overcome the fear of suffering and death to save me. Holy Spirit, grant me the courage and boldness to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Lead me in your truth!