March 29: The Garden: take two
John 18:1-14 TNIV from Biblegateway.com
1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.
Devotional Comments:
Do you remember the garden that God walked about in? It was a beautiful garden – as fresh and innocent as its caretakers, Adam and Eve. But in this garden, Adam and Eve chose to go against God – to follow their own path and eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge (Genesis 3). Despite knowing their betrayal was coming, God walked in the garden ‘in the cool of the day’, looking for his beloved ones. They hid in shame.
Many generations later, Jesus goes to the garden of Gethsemane seeking out his beloved ones – even though he knows their betrayal. When Judas and the whole guard come for him, he does not hide but goes willingly. Jesus has more than enough power (evident in just the words, “I am”) to change the way this story goes. But Jesus chooses differently than Adam and Eve. Rather than following his own path, he chooses to follow his Father’s. And in doing so, he redeems humankind.
Jesus, how are you asking me to follow you today? What does it look like for me to submit to your plan right now? I want to be in line with you, even if it’s hard.
Kirsten Waldschmidt
Pray that this week we may be reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.