Willing, Innocent Prisoner
John 18:1-11
"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.'"
(JOHN 18:7)
For centuries leaders have been falsely accused, arrested, and convicted to die for statements they made or movements they led. Early Christians were fed to the lions for sport, European Protestants burned at the stake by monarchists, indigenous people slaughtered on every continent, abolitionists attacked in England, missionaries threatened in jungles, Civil Rights workers shot in America's southern states. The list of men and women throughout history who have stepped forward to fight injustice and instead lost their life is long and sad. Instead of respect, death became the penalty for what they believed. Many across today's globe still risk all they have for their beliefs.
Jesus, too, stepped forward, an innocent but willing prisoner falsely accused and convicted. His crime? Freeing others from the prisons of sin and selfishness. Yet, this was why He'd come to earth: to offer Himself in the place of His friends. Jesus could have fought, or summoned an army of angels. But He didn't because of His great love for you.
INSIGHT
IN WHAT WAYS IS GOD LEADING YOU TO STEP FORWARD?
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Deuteronomy 25-27
Psalm 92
Acts 16
John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
1 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.
7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"
And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
8 "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "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."[a]
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?"
Footnotes:
a. John 18:9 John 6:39
THE GATE OF SACRIFICE
with Fraser Heston
Have you ever wondered why Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem? Most people miss these significant details, but they are full of deep meaning for your walk with Christ!
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