DAY #175: John 18:1-27

To get to the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus and the disciples had to cross the Kidron Valley, a ravine that starts north of Jerusalem and goes between the hill where the Temple is built and the Mount of Olives, then moving on to the Dead Sea.

Though Judas had left the group while they were still in the upper room, he calculated that Jesus would go to Gethsemane with his disciples because that seemed to be a favorite place for Jesus and the disciples to get away from the crowds when they were in Jerusalem.

Judas acted as a guide to two groups: (1) a battalion of Roman soldiers (about 600 men), and (2) Temple guards who were Jewish Temple police. The Jews were given authority by the religious leaders to make arrests for minor infractions. The soldiers probably did not participate in the arrest but accompanied the Temple guard to make sure matters didn’t get out of control.

Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion transpired according to the prearranged, divine plan—he fully realized what was happening. The betrayer, Judas Iscariot, had been selected by Jesus. He knew from the beginning that Judas was a devil and would be his betrayer. The time of his arrest was predetermined; it would happen during Passover, not before or after. The method of execution (crucifixion) was predetermined, so Jesus knew that he would be lifted up on the cross.

Jesus was willing to turn himself over to the soldiers, but he asked them to let these others go, referring to the eleven disciples who were with him. By this action, he fulfilled his own statement, “I have not lost a single one of those you gave me.” Jesus was the Good Shepherd who would lay down his life for the sheep.

Once the religious leaders had Jesus in their power, the events began to move with planned precision. Since the point of the effort was to kill Jesus, determining his guilt or innocence was a mere formality. To the leaders, the issue of timing the death was more important than asking whether Jesus deserved to die.

The Jews and the Romans arrested Jesus and tied him up like a common prisoner. Jesus was immediately taken to the high priest’s residence even though it was the middle of the night. The religious leaders were in a hurry—they wanted to complete the execution before the Sabbath and get on with the Passover celebration.


SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have heard?)

Every time I read this passage, I am moved by the compassion of Jesus towards everyone - even Judas. Oh Lord, give me a heart like Yours. Give me the ability to see beyond the flaws and short-comings in people and see their potential. Help me see people like You do.

Lord, today, help me be a conduit of Your love, of Your grace, of Your forgiveness. Help me extend the grace of Christ and the mercy of Christ.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 (NIV)