Hello, I’m Daniel Westfall on the channel “Pray with Me”.
Who was in charge of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion? Was it the religious leaders who concocted charges? Pilate who had Jesus whipped and crucified? Maybe God who seemed to be watching from afar?
John’s gospel gives the answer.
After the Last Supper, Jesus went across the Kidron Valley, near Jerusalem, with his disciples. Judas was waiting there, with soldiers and religious officials to arrest Jesus and shut down his irksome program of miracles, disciple-making, and religious subversion.
Jesus said to them, “Who do you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied (v 4-5).
“I am,” Jesus said, echoing an Old Testament name for God. The arresting party didn’t get it, but John did.
At Jesus’ words, the soldiers fell down. Really? Soldiers, accustomed to strong language and stronger weapons, tripped over Jesus’ words? Just because he spoke God’s name?
After they got themselves back up, Jesus asked again, “Who do you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth” (v 8).
“I already told you! That’s me,” said Jesus, sounding annoyed. “Take me if you want. But let my disciples go” (v 9).
Peter, who had recently promised he would die for Jesus (John 13:37), drew a sword and chopped off a man’s ear. Maybe it was a miracle, or maybe his incompetent sword-play that kept him from cutting off the man’s head.
Jesus told Peter, “Put your sword away. My Father is giving me this cup to drink” (v 11).
Jesus doesn’t play victim. He doesn’t lawyer up to protect himself. He doesn’t want his disciples to act like security guards. In this play, Jesus has the lead role and the main speaking parts.
Judas, the betrayer, made a brief appearance, but John shooed him offstage to put Jesus in the spotlight. Jesus is also the director, giving orders, keeping soldiers on script, telling Peter how to act his part.
Let’s pray.
O Jesus, how easily we get off script in the play of lives. We write our own lines, speak our own thoughts, choreograph our own moves.
Teach us to be actors in your play. Like the soldiers, may we bow down at the name of God. Like Peter, may we drop our swords at your command. Like you, may we drink the cup the Father gives us.
As we play our part in your great drama, help us obey your directions. May we say the lines you write for us, and play the role you script for us. May our story be the story where you are in charge.
Amen.
I’m Daniel, on the channel “Pray with Me”.
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