John 18:1-6 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, 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 grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and 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.
 
JOHN 18 relates Jesus’ arrest and trials before Jewish authorities and Pontius Pilate. To help us understand John’s view of these events, it is good to know John does not offer the same details as the other gospels. Some of these differences are easy to explain. Some are less clear because we do not have all the information. Still, we can be assured of Scripture’s truth to know all gospels agree that 1) Jesus was arrested at night in Gethsemane. 2) Judas led the arresting party. 3) Jesus was tried before the Jewish councils and Pilate. 4) Peter denied knowing Jesus. 5) Jesus was condemned and crucified. 6) Jesus died and was buried in a tomb. 7) Jesus rose from the dead. 8) Jesus ascended to heaven.
   This may seem obvious to most of us; yet, we must be aware the world and certain “scholars” will try to sidetrack our faith with, “The gospels tell the story differently.” In truth, these differences help us understand more and affirm the story is not a lie the disciples and early church developed to support their claim.
   One of the differences in Jesus’ arrest is in verse 6: When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. What’s happening here? We can understand why John records this detail when we understand its meaning. What seems to us as Jesus simply identifying himself to the arresting guard, he is again declaring his divine status. Remember how John records several “I am” statements of Jesus: “I am the Good shepherd … the Living Water … the Gate … the Resurrection and the Life, etc. He does the same here. With “I am he.” Jesus is declaring he is the divine “I AM”, the eternal God. He had said this to the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:25-26 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am he.”
   With, “I am he.” Jesus declared he is God in the flesh, come to save the Jews and mankind from our sins. Then his divine power is displayed as the arresting party drew back and fell to the ground. This is the response in the Scriptures of all who confront the holy God. When the holy God reveals himself, we can only fall to the ground in worship or in fear.
   Note, too, the arresting party is acting under Jesus’ permission and authority. He knows they are coming. He goes to meet them. He has been teaching his disciples and praying for them. Now I AM is prepared to be arrested and confront death, so you will be free to live forever.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that you submitted yourself to arrest, so I would be free of sin’s bonds. Amen.
 
 

John 17:24-26 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25 Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
 
WHAT do you want for the people you love? You want them to be safe and well. You want them to be free of disease and danger. You want them to live in peace, joy and love with you and with others. You want them to face uncertain days with a hope and trust in the Lord’s care. In short, you want what is good for them as defined in God’s Word. Most of all, you want them in the Lord’s care, saved to eternal life.
   That’s what Jesus wants for you. As you are his disciple, he wants you to see him in heaven, so you will fully see his glory. In love and joy, Jesus’ desire is for you to live in God’s righteousness. No sin exists where Jesus is. In heaven is the full display of God’s holy character. In anticipation of God’s great salvation the psalmist proclaims: Psalms 24:7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.  
   Does this stir your heart to desire God’s presence? If not, I pray you come to that place in your faith walk. Celebrate! Know the King of Glory, Jesus has come through heaven’s gate to open your way to his Father’s house. He has said that in John 14:1-3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” And he says it here.
   Do you need more proof? Then remember: But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5)
   The gospel of God is true. The King of Glory has lifted the gates of heaven to welcome you in by the blood of the Son. Believe it and rejoice.  
 
Prayer: I confess today, Lord, I am a sinner. I have lived a life separated from you. Forgive my sins. Jesus, you are my Savior and Redeemer. Receive me into your kingdom. I want to live forever where you are. Amen.

John 17:20-21 “I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. 21 I pray that they may all be one.”
 
WOW! Do you want to know Jesus loves you? Then I sincerely hope you see John 17 as Jesus’ loving words to the Father for you. The apostle displays our Lord as one who deeply loves God the Father and all who are his disciples in this “High Priestly Prayer”.
   Prayer is certainly one of the cornerstones to the Christian life, isn’t it? How is that evident? As Jesus is our model for all aspects of faithfully following God, prayer was foundational to Jesus’ human life. Yes, Jesus, the Son of God, prayed regularly and deliberately. And so should we.
   What are some prayer benefits? Prayer gets our minds focused on God. Prayer gets our hearts in the right place to relate to God and to others. Prayer connects our mind to God’s knowledge. Prayer protects us from evil thoughts and Satan’s temptations.
   To pray also means we are willing to submit to God’s purpose for our lives. Taking time to pray means we are worshiping God. We honor his majesty and holiness as we praise, thank and petition the sovereign Lord. Prayer is putting a priority on your Creator, who has personally demonstrated his deep, personal love for you.
   You can see God’ love for you as Jesus’ prayer puts a priority on you – yes, you. He not only asked the Father to watch over his disciples with him that night, he petitions God to unite and protect all who believe through the ages. Jesus long ago prayed to the Father to care for and protect you today.
   And please note one other purpose of this prayer. He prayed that all believers may be one with each other! How sad it is in the Christian church to see how we focus on disunity. We allow very minor differences and personal preferences to separate us. Instead, we should center our minds on the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As we are one with him, we will be one with others.
   Let’s consider this: The next time we are inclined to speak of how the church next door is different or how someone’s faith is not in line with ours, let’s stop and pray we all may be one under God’s authority, grace, mercy and forgiveness. This is Jesus’ prayer for you. And so it must be your prayer for his church.
    What a remarkable Savior Jesus is! He prays his church will be one church in Christ, joyfully living in his love.


Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your amazing love for each one of us. Thank you for praying for us then, and for praying for us now. You have paid the price. You have atoned for our sins. May we love you and follow you as one church with a deep sense of awe, wonder and gratitude. Amen.