Christian Reflection and Prayer

Lenten Devotion

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

Read John 18:1-12.

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.

THE 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.

Written by Rev. Wayne Palmer