“Jesus … went out with His disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden …. Now Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place …. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him, came forward and said to them, ‘Whom do you seek?’ They answered Him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am He.’ Judas, who betrayed Him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground. So He asked them again, ‘Whom do you seek?’ And they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus answered, ‘I told you that I am He. So, if you seek Me, let these men go.'”
(John 18:1-2a, 3-8 ESV)
It’s crystal clear from this story that Jesus is in charge of His own arrest. The soldiers can’t even lay hands on Him until He agrees to it!
But Jesus agrees to be arrested, with one requirement—”Let these men go,” He says. Jesus is protecting His disciples and getting them safely away from His own danger. He intends to die for them—and for us!—so that they will live.
What a wonderful Savior we have, who walks willingly to the suffering and death, protecting and saving the people He loves! Because this is just the start of His great work. As He lays down His life on the cross, He frees all of us who trust in Him forever from the powers of darkness. And through His resurrection, He raises us to live with Him forever.
We Pray: Lord, thank You for saving me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Who in your life has protected you from something, small or great?
* Whom do you protect?
* What would you give to protect the person you love most?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on March 15, 2024
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights