The moment Judas appeared with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders (v. 47), a rapid chain of events began to unfold.
Jesus asked the crowds whom they were seeking, and when they said, "Jesus of Nazareth," Jesus answered, "I am He." When He spoke those words, the crowd mysteriously stumbled back and fell to the ground" (Jn. 18:6). This was another sign of Jesus' identity and power. The great I AM had spoken His name (Jn. 8:58; Ex. 3:13-14). It was only because of His mercy they lived.
Judas then stepped forward and kissed Jesus, the prearranged signal. The ignominious betrayal was complete, and Jesus was arrested.
Now Peter springs into action. Peter who could not watch and pray with Jesus for one hour was ready to fight. When we fail to watch and pray, we do the wrong thing every time, or at least in the wrong spirit.
Drawing his sword Peter swings wildly at the nearest target, who happened to be the servant of the high priest. (Nice job, Peter.) He meant to cleave his head, but it was a bad aim. The glancing blow only severed the man's ear, which for him was painful enough.
Though under arrest, Jesus freed himself and took control of the situation. Loudly, he said to Peter, "Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" (v. 52-52).
A Roman legion had about 5,000 soldiers. Jesus point to Peter: I am trusting my Father for His plan; you should too. Don't take things into your own hands; if you do, you will die prematurely. As followers of Christ, we are invited to carry the good news, not fight in the kingdoms of this world (Jn. 18:36).
Then Jesus touched the servant's ear and healed him. Imagine for a moment what it would have been like to be that servant. What a story you would have to tell the high priest. What a witness of Jesus' compassion and power to the most powerful man in Israel. Jesus was certainly sending another message of mercy to that leader.
But today we end with Jesus' final words to Peter and to the mob, "How then would the Scriptures be fulilled that say it must happen in this way?" (v. 54). "But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." (v. 56).
Never can we look at Jesus' sufferings and death as an unfortunate accident, or the result of human capriciousness. It was all foreseen by God from eternity. And under inspiration, it was predicted by the prophets and sages of Scripture.
From Genesis to Malachi every significant detail of Jesus' Passion is described. (See, for example, Ps. 22, Ps. 69, Isa. 53). Jesus knew what was coming because He had read and studied His Bible carefully, with eyes annointed by the Spirit of God. All this was happening as a part of the plan to redeem us from sin, to restore the lost sheep to God's fold, to bring His children home again.
Will you respond to His invitation? He wants you.
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