Judas the betrayer had guided soldiers and temple officials to capture Jesus. However He was not going to run away; He was ready to be taken. The cross was an essential part of His mission, and Satan’s worst schemes would only bring Him greater glory. The passage shows that Jesus was fully in command of the situation. He was not taken by surprise at all. However Jesus’ evil captors were not prepared to meet the holiness of God in the darkness. They were afraid to grasp Him and fell backwards.
Even though Judas was present and clearly visible to the faithful disciples, Jesus identified Himself a second time and agreed to be taken as their victim. Even so, He was in control of the night. He offered Himself to be killed but protected His disciples. It was a little parable of what would happen on the cross a few hours later, when He was punished for the sins of the world. He took the blame for guilt that was not His own, in order to save sinners who believed in Him.
In God’s eyes, evil always looks foolish. It has no ultimate power and makes empty boasts which it can never fulfil. Jesus always saw through evil threats, lies and temptations. Those who are in Christ should learn to do the same because Jesus always looks after His own. He died instead of them so that they might live to serve the Lord. He does not abandon them to evil but delivers them from the Evil One (Matthew 6:13). So do not be afraid! If God is for you, who can be against you!? (Romans 8:31).
The Foolishness of Evil
John 18:4-9
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?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "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." (NIV)
Prayer
Sovereign Lord. Thank You for protecting Your own children. I am sorry when I have felt so vulnerable and threatened by evil, and have not trusted You to protect me and deliver me. Please help me to know that no wickedness ever takes You by surprise and that You are always strong to defend those who put their trust in You. So please help me not to be intimidated, because You have promised to be with me always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Bible Book
© Dr Paul Adams
