We now arrive at John's version of the Garden of Gethsemane. This quiet and rugged place was a place the disciples came to often. Judas arrives, knowing well that was where Jesus would likely be. A religious posse approaches with all kinds of weapons to take Jesus. When Jesus says "I am he," the arresting people fall to the ground. No doubt John is thinking of the other times he has written "I Am" statements about Jesus (before Abraham was, "I am"; "I am the bread of life," "I am the living water," "I am the light of the world." They speak of both his humanity and his divinity as the Son of God.
Jesus, like a good leader, takes the risk upon himself and asks that the disciples be let go. But Peter is not going to go down without a fight and defends his Savior (only John tells us that the one who lost his ear and had it restored was Malchus). Jesus rebukes Peter. Soon Peter will prove to be a very fickle defender in just a few verses.
The posse brings Jesus before Annas. I've already discussed the corrupt relationship between Annas, Caiaphas and the Herods. This plot is so thorough in its execution that it defies any sense of decency or rightness. They are "spiritual leaders" and yet their self-protection and corruption has made them wicked beyond description. I used to be quick to pass judgment on them, but I have discovered over time that it can happen to any one of us.
We are now about to enter into the religious and secular trials of Jesus. The Pharisees (the liberals of the day) and the Saducees (the conservatives) have now become "bedfellows" in opposition to Jesus. Where might you find yourself in these characters around the arrest and crucifixion(the conservative or liberal religious leaders, the disciples, the pawns of the leaders, the family members, Herod, Pilate, Jesus, the stunned crowd)?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment