*Scripture: St. John 18:1-18 (NKJV)* 1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” 12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. 15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself. *Devotion* In today’s text we are subtly reminded that the Son of Mary is also the Son of God for our salvation when John under divine inspiration records that Jesus was not taken by surprise regarding any of the events presented. Thus Jesus is not surprised at being confronted by the betrayer in the flesh and seeing in the friend who ate His bread the incarnation of the will of Satan. The quiet majesty with which Christ takes the initiative, goes to meet His captors, questions them and gives Himself into their hands has a shattering effect on them. They came expecting to arrest a meek peasant and instead were met in the dim light by a majestic person. He loves His own to the end; the Good Shepherd goes freely into death in order that His flock may live—and He remains to the end the obedient Son Who cannot but drink the cup of suffering which the Father has given Him. Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” Judas and the mob have come to take the Lamb of God to His slaughter that will atone for sin. So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given Me?” Our gracious Lord’s commitment to redeem us from our sin stands in stark contrast to Peter’s denial of our Redeemer. Jesus continues to be denied by His called people even today, yet He as our long suffering Lord continues to be faithful in His redemptive work as our Mediator unto eternity. The *Lutheran Herald *is a publication of the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America. These daily devotions are authored by the bishop, pastors, and deacons of the diocese. Direct inquiries to The Reverend Jeffrey A. Ahonen at [email protected].
_______________________________________________ Sermons mailing list [email protected] http://cat41.org/mailman/listinfo/sermons
