He didn’t fight it.

Devotion for Holy Thursday

John 18:3-6

So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and 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.

Maybe you’ve seen video coverage of SWAT teams doing their work. They’re always on high alert, extremely watchful, very well-armed. That’s how we should picture the detachment of soldiers. They thought they were going to arrest a man who wanted to foment rebellion; they knew he had followers. So, these guys would have been on high alert!

Jesus quickly reveals that he’s the one they were looking for … and they all fell to the ground. What? Did this highly armed, highly alert group of professional soldiers just become so surprised that they all fell over? Of course not! Instead, Jesus knocked them all flat! Why so?

It proved to them – and to us – that if he were taken captive, it was only because he allowed it to happen. And, he allowed it to happen.

Yes, that’s how much Jesus loved them, and loves you and me. He allowed them to take him captive, and to eventually put him on the cross. He allowed it, because he loves you!

Thankful for Jesus’ allowing love, just like you,

pastor