Christian Reflection and Prayer

Lenten Meditation

Jesus' Arrest

Scripture:

Read John 18:1-12.

TEXT: "Then Jesus, knowing all that
would happen to Him, came forward
and said to them, 'Whom do you seek?'"
(John 18:4).

Jesus has led His disciples to the
Garden of Gethsemane. Out of the
darkness we see lanterns and torches
winding their way across the Mount of
Olives toward the Garden. Judas leads
Roman soldiers and Jewish officers.
Jesus knows what is about to happen.
But He doesn't cower in the corner; He
goes out to them and asks whom they
are seeking. They reply, "Jesus of
Nazareth."

Jesus answers with three short words,
"I am He," and the power of His words
knock Judas, the soldiers and the officers
backward. Firmly in control of the situation,
Jesus orders the guards to let His disciples
go. The soldiers obey, and they flee away
into the dark.

Not only did Jesus protect His disciples,
He also made one last attempt to reach
Judas. In the dark hour to come, when
Judas would be overwhelmed with guilt,
Jesus wanted him to remember this moment.
Jesus was not a helpless victim swept away
by Judas' kiss. Jesus was in complete
control. He permitted Himself to be arrested,
tried, condemned and crucified. He could
have stopped it at any time. But because of
His love for the Father and for each of us, He
will not end it but carry it through to its
completion-and our ultimate salvation.

Because He loves us so much when those
powers of darkness were trying their worst,
so He also loves us when those powers of
darkness come after you in your life.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank You for stepping forward
to suffer death for our sins, even death by
crucifixion. Give us courage and confidence
in the dark hours of our lives to remember
that You are still completely in control.
Amen.

Lutheran Hour Ministries