JOHN 18:1-6 WHO’S IN CHARGE?

1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, 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 grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and 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.

In the darkness of the world and the darkness of men’s minds, they came for Jesus carrying torches and weapons. We consistently try to bring our own light in order to find the Jesus we are looking for, although he is the Light of the World. Additionally, in our darkness we try to obtain peace by eliminating what bothers us with our weapons even though he is the Prince of Peace.

The darkness is so dense that even when Jesus identifies himself with the divine name his would-be captors are not so much awed as overpowered. They fall not in homage and worship but because of Jesus’ majesty. The significance is that they cannot lay hands on Jesus unless and until he allows them to do so. Jesus is not going to be killed as a struggling victim, he is going to “lay down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11, 15, 17, 18).

Jesus comes into our darkened lives bringing his light and into our moral chaos bringing his peace. We can only obtain them as gifts freely given. There is no way we can earn them or deserve them. Jesus cannot be captured or domesticated, he can only be received and obeyed. He is God and he extends his grace to those who will accept it.

Lord Jesus, may I ever accept your grace humbly and fall before you in worship and awe. May my life be a witness to the gratitude and love I have for you as the Son of God and Savior of the world. Amen.