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About the author: Carolyn married Jay Maddox seven years ago; and they are blessed to have a blended family of six children and their spouses as well as 11 grandchildren. Carolyn has a love of gardening and refers to her garden on Illinois Street as God’s Garden, and she is just his hands and heart tending the plants. She is very involved in a ministry called Random Acts of Flowers where retail flowers that are past their prime are rescued and turned into beautiful bouquets that are delivered to hurting people in hospitals and lonely people in nursing homes.
About this post: This blog post is part of a series of daily devotionals for Holy Week. To sign up to receive text notification of these posts, text zpc devo to 39970. We welcome your comments and questions each day.

John 18:1-14

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus 

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. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 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. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.

In these passages, we see Jesus' love, mercy, and healing power as well as his dignity and determination to do his Father's will as he faced his arrest and eventual agonizing death on the cross for our sins. When they said that they wanted Jesus of Nazareth, he answered them by saying “I am he.” Acknowledging that he is The Great I AM, the Son of God. And at that moment the troops fell backward and perhaps even then Jesus was giving them a chance to acknowledge him as God. He is very concerned that the men with him will not be harmed. Jesus was in complete control and did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage as he peacefully and willingly accepted his destiny to die for our sins. 

As we accept his beautiful gift of grace, are we willing to acknowledge our true identity as believers when it may not be easy to do so? Are we as determined to do the Father's will as Jesus was on the night of his arrest and accept the life challenges that are put in our paths for his glory? Do we cry out to him to be our strength when we are weak or hurt or scared? It’s comfortable to stand behind our worldly roles and accept that as our identity. When I was a leadership consultant, it easily rolled off my tongue and didn’t require much thoughtful consideration. When I left that title behind as I retired, I struggled with who I was in the world. Eventually, God made it clear that I am not “somebody” but rather I am his child here to do his will. I am grateful for his clarity and I listen for nudges from the Holy Spirit as to ways I can simply and lovingly serve him. As you consider your identity in Christ, spend some time reflecting on the wonderful Lord who deserves to be exalted and praised for the unspeakable gift he gave us when he willingly died on the cross for our sins!

Activity

Reflect and pray the words of the beautiful song, Lord, I Need You.

Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the One that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
Where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
When I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay

You're my one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Songwriters: Christy Nockels / Daniel Carson / Jesse Reeves / Kristian Stanfill / Matt Maher

Prayer

Jesus... Lord God Almighty!

I am humbled by the dignity, mercy, and love that you showed on the night that you were betrayed, arrested, and faced your terrible agonizing death on the cross. Your willingness to identify yourself as I AM and then walk with determination to do the Father’s will is unbelievable to my human mind. Precious Jesus, please help me to look to your example to be confident in putting you foremost in my life and making a difference for eternity. Please help me, Father, to prioritize my days so that I am in conversation with you as I am blessed and as I face challenges.

In your name, I pray. Amen.

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