The High Priest didn’t really need Judas, but his offer to lead them to Jesus sure made it easier. Though they preferred NOT to mess with this during Passover fearing a riot (Mark 14:2), they could not pass up Judas’ offer to help. They were afraid of the people, and feared what would happen if they arrested this popular miracle worker in their presence. They needed to arrest Jesus outside of Jerusalem, preferably at night, away from the crowds. An associate would be able to identify Jesus in the dark.
When you know someone is looking for you to do you harm, you don’t go where they know you will be. Judas knew the Garden of Gethsemane was one of Jesus’ favorite places to go. (Luke 21:37-38) After leaving the upper room, that is exactly where Jesus headed. Jesus went where He could be found.
When you know someone is looking for you to do you harm, you don’t go where they know you will be. Judas knew the Garden of Gethsemane was one of Jesus’ favorite places to go. (Luke 21:37-38) After leaving the upper room, that is exactly where Jesus headed. Jesus went where He could be found.
Judas led them to straight to the garden. There were priests, Jewish political leaders, servants and curiosity seekers following behind. In case of a violent response by the offender and his men or this arrest triggered a riot, a speira of Roman soldiers, armed with spears, swords and torches, accompanied them. This could have been as many as 1000 soldiers, though most likely only several hundred. They represented the power and authority of Rome. If for no other reason, they were there to show who was in control.
When they all came marching into the Garden, with their power fully on display, Jesus did not hide; He did not run away; He didn’t even stand still. He approached them. In a rather casual exchange, something quite dynamic happened. Jesus asked them who they were looking for. They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus calmly responded, “I AM.” Most translations add “he” for clarification, but Jesus’ exact words are quite significant. “I AM” is the very name of God given to the children of Israel (Exodus 3:13,14). When Jesus said, “I AM,” everyone – all 1000 fell down – even those too far back to hear Jesus’ words! Something unseen was definitely at work.
Once dignity was restored, everything seemed to go as planned. The only thing that would have made it ideal for the Jewish leaders is if Peter’s rash attempt to take control had gotten them all killed right there in the garden. (John 18:10) That would have provided a quick solution to the High Priest’s problem, but done nothing to eliminate ours. Jesus quickly and unobtrusive healed the severed ear before others even knew what had happened. (Luke 22:51) He made sure that the only suffering and bloodshed that night would be His own. Beginning a night of brutality, Jesus was painfully bound with ropes and spear jabs. However, the only thing that truly bound Him was His love for us!
Jesus had ultimate control of whether or not He paid the cost of mankind’s sin debt making possible the grace of salvation through faith. (Matthew 26:53,54) He decided we were worth the horrendous suffering He knew was coming. He never lost focus on His love for us, even when blood and pain clouded His vision. “For the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2) – He endured it all for the joy of having an eternal love relationship with each of us! In darkness’ hour of power, when evil seemed to be in command, it was actually Christ’s love that was ultimately in control and victorious.
Making It Personal
God did not make Judas betray Jesus or the Jewish leaders reject Him and go to such extremes to eradicate Him as a threat to their power. It was their choice, yet God sovereignly worked through their evil plan for greater glory and incredible grace. How does God’s redemption of evil impact your perspective on scenarios where evil seems to be winning? (Romans 8:28)
What does it mean to you that Jesus decided that you were worth all the pain and suffering your salvation cost Him?
According to Philippians 2:9-10, falling on your knees at the name of Jesus will not be optional. Choosing how and when is your choice: freely or forced; now or ultimately. The celebration of Christ’s victory over evil, sin and death is a perfect opportunity. (Psalm 5:7; Psalm 95:6; Psalm 138:2; Micah 6:6-8)
