John 18:1-11
“Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to Him, so He stepped forward to meet [the Roman soldiers and Jewish chief priests and Pharisees]. ‘Who are you looking for?’ He asked. ‘Jesus the Nazarene,’ they replied. ‘I am He,’ Jesus said. (Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.) As Jesus said ‘I am He,’ they all drew back and fell to the ground! Once more He asked them, ‘Who are you looking for?’ And again they replied, ‘Jesus the Nazarene.’ ‘I told you that I am He,’ Jesus said. ‘And since I am the one you want, let these others go.’ He did this to fulfill His own statement: ‘I did not lose a single one of those you have given me.’”
After the last supper with His disciples, Jesus now moves closer to His death. He and the disciples travel to the Garden of Gethsemane, a familiar place that Judas would have known well. Jesus isn’t hiding. He even steps forward when the detachment of Roman soldiers (500-1000 of them) arrives at the garden armed and ready for a battle. By twice asking the Roman soldiers who it is they’re looking for, Jesus shows both His complete control of the situation and His protection and love for His disciples. His divine power and majesty are on display for all to see.
Respond in Prayer
Spend time in worship of a Savior who came not to defend Himself, but to defend you. Thank Him for His great love for you and protection over you. Ask Him to give you the kind of awe and wonder these Roman soldiers experienced as Jesus simply declared who He is.
For Families with Kids at Home
Today, ask your kids if they would be willing to pray aloud and thank Jesus for what he’s done. If they’re not comfortable or able to do this yet, that’s okay! Pray and thank Jesus for his sacrifice for us—even in his walk to the cross.