Scripture: John 18:1-11

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.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 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.
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.
7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Observation: a small army of people came to take Jesus, armed and ready for a battle, but little did they know He would have went willingly if only one person had showed up. I always have wondered why Peter had a sword. I never would have pictured the apostles carrying weapons. There must have been incredible conflict in the hearts of the soldiers and priests. When Jesus told them who He was, they drew back and fell to the ground. They knew, or seemed to know, who this man was, and yet they were sworn to duty. I’m guessing there was a lot of regrets by a lot of people as Jesus hung from that cross for their involvement in the whole thing.

Application: What I see in this story is the willingness of Jesus to do the Father’s will. Yes, we read in other accounts of this story of how scared He was, but that never deterred him from doing what He knew He needed to do. That is how I want my faith to be. Unwaivering. I get scared a lot of stepping into the unknown, when trying something new. Sometimes the fear almost cripples me, sometimes I fail because I don’t do it, but the times I step forward in faith and trust, God always blesses. It’s seems to be a never ending journey of being willing and learning to trust and be obedient. Despite my own shortcomings, God is teaching me. He is pruning away what is unproductive. Life with God is awesome and exciting!

Prayer: God you are so awesome. Thank you for the example of this story of Jesus’s willingness to do what you called him to do. You gave him the strength to face what was coming. You gave him courage in a situation which would have made most people run. God give me courage and the willingness to do the things you ask of me. Help me not fear failing, but rather help me to trust in You more. With You guiding me, I know I cannot fail. God I am willing today. Thank you Jesus, amen.