Day 18
John 18:4-6
Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground.
I’m sure Judas must have thought he was catching Jesus by surprise when he pulled up on him with soldiers, police, and Pharisees in the garden. However, Jesus had just finished the high priestly prayer and walked to the exact place where he knew he would be arrested. More than any other Gospel, John portrays Jesus as in control of the narrative around his crucifixion. He was ready and willing to fulfill his assignment. Verse 4 says he knew all that was about to happen to him. Yet he didn’t shy away from it. He leaned into the sacrifice that was needed for him to fulfill his mission on earth. Instead of waiting for Judas to point him out, Jesus steps forward and asks who they are looking for. As if on cue, they answer “Jesus of Nazareth, “calling him by his earthly title. He replies, “I am,” declaring his heavenly identity. Jesus boldly identifies himself with the covenant name of God revealed to the people of Israel when they were delivered from Egypt. On his final day, we find Jesus preparing to lay down his life while revealing that he is God, so there is no question about who’s making this sacrifice. When he utters that statement, “I am,” the guards and soldiers fall on the ground as if blinded by an intense light– the same way Paul was blinded on the road to Damascus. Here, we see this scene echo back to the very first lines of John that describe Jesus as the light that shines in the darkness and can never be overcome. Jesus was about to get arrested and crucified even though he was completely innocent. There could be no deeper darkness than that. Yet, the darker the night, the brighter the light of Jesus’ glory shone. This is the paradox of the cross and the upside-down logic of the Kingdom of God. Through death, Jesus brought life; through darkness, Jesus brought light. Amid fear, Jesus brings peace, and when all hope is lost, the love of Jesus does its best work. On the dark night of his crucifixion, Jesus reveals the radical reality of the kingdom of God. To keep our life, we must lay it down. To become first, we must be last. If we humble ourselves before God, he will lift us up. To experience true intimacy with God, we must carry our cross and walk in the way of the kingdom. Jesus shows us that on the other side of complete surrender, we find glory in a God who uses the foolish things of the world to establish his Kingdom on earth.
Next Steps
Read John chapter 18 and take notes, making observations and asking questions as you read.
Mediate on 1 or 2 verses that stood out to you. Focus on what they reveal about God and how the Spirit is inviting you to respond. Find a helpful guide to biblical meditation here.
Write down whatever the Holy Spirit puts on your heart.
Reflection Questions
Why do you think the account of Jesus’ arrest in John 18 is so different from those found in the other gospels?
The same soldiers who were literally blown away by Jesus’ light went on to arrest him. Why didn’t the light change them like it did Paul in Acts 9?
Imagine you were Peter, and on the same night, you were willing to kill for your best friend and Jesus but unwilling to admit that you even know him only a few hours later. Can you relate to Peter’s inconsistency? What caused his disloyalty?
Prayer Points
God teach me the wisdom of the kingdom that uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise
Lord, show me how to face my calling with courage rather than backing down when things get hard
Lord, show me what needs to die in my life so I can live for you
