Grace and Truth, John 18:1-14, Jesus' Strength

When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.

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

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

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.

 

Luke 22:39-53 gives more details of this scene. Jesus prays, pouring out his anguish to his father, but accepting his father’s will.

 

By this time, Jesus is able to show his strength, and he confronts those who come out to arrest him. He says he is the one they have come for, so strongly, that they fall back afraid.

 

He is looking out for his followers, saying that since they’ve come for him, they should let his disciples go free.

 

Peter was ready to fight, cutting off one of the men’s ears. But Jesus assures Peter he is ready to do what his father has asked him to do. And although it doesn’t say so here, Luke tells us he healed the man’s ear, showing kindness to one of those who came to arrest him.

 

Jesus, I know you were afraid and brokenhearted, but you stepped forward to do what had to be done, and did so with strength and compassion. Thank you, Lord.