The Garden of Gethsemane
John 18:1-11
After a night of prayer, instruction, and preparation, Jesus led His disciples to a familiar place, a Garden called Gethsemane. For Jesus, the journey to the garden must have carried a dimension of heartache. In addition to bearing the knowledge of His coming cross, He would undoubtedly have considered its cause. Many generations before, God spent time with His children in a different garden–walking with them, talking with them, and abiding with them (Genesis 3:8). That perfect garden was also where humanity’s rebellion against God began and sin-stained the world, causing humanity to be separated from God. We know this sin all too well. It has impacted each of our own lives, causing suffering and brokenness. In today’s passage, Jesus humbly approaches a different garden. Originally, wrong towards God in a garden caused great separation. This time, the wrongdoing of Judas initiated what would become a perfect restoration between God and sinners through a painful crucifixion on a criminal's cross.
God’s heart longed for this broken relationship to be made right. So, He sent His Son, who, unlike us, would never disobey our Father. He humbly submitted to His Father’s will, lived for the flourishing and protection of His people, and did so because He longed for His lost sheep to be found. Let this be our guiding principle for today.
When facing personal trials, we often do not know what lies ahead. This is for our own good! However, because of His divine nature as fully God and fully man, Jesus knew exactly what was coming. He knew He would be betrayed by one of His closest friends for thirty pieces of silver. He knew He would face false accusations. He knew that He would be beaten, mocked, and scorned. He knew that He would be spat upon. He knew the nails that would be driven through His hands and feet, that He would cry out in thirst and be met with mocking voices. He knew all of this. And even in the face of death, His thoughts were for His disciples and their protection, asking that they would be released after identifying Himself as the one who was to be arrested (v. 5, 8). This is the sign of a true Shepherd–one who puts the interests of those He loves before His own. It is obvious that He truly came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28).
Verse five paints an image of incredible meekness from our Lord. The simplicity of Jesus’ response to the band of soldiers was enough to knock them to the ground. Only words truly from the mouth of God could carry such power. And yet, Jesus withheld His ability, allowing for the band of soldiers to seize Him.
Verse five paints an image of incredible meekness displayed by our Lord. They sought Jesus of Nazareth, and In His response, the power of God could not be hidden.
“I am He (v. 5).” This simple utterance from the mouth of Jesus was enough to throw the band of soldiers to the ground. His words held power and strength and His name all the more. With humility, Jesus allowed the men to seize Him. Though He could have destroyed them with simple words, His will was to surrender as a lamb to be slain.
As our perfect example, Jesus is the forerunner of our faith. He shows us what it means to serve rather than to be served, to be wounded rather than to wound, and to bear in love all things for the sake of those around us. The disciples were not perfect people. We are reminded of this when they could not even keep their eyes open amid their teacher’s darkest hour (Mathew 26:40). They were broken and sinful just like us, yet their teacher’s heart displayed a perfect, unchanging love.
Today, consider how Jesus truly lived for the sake of His sheep. He cared for their protection even when He was in great danger. More than this, He longed for their salvation, submitting Himself to death on a criminal’s cross. The God of immeasurable power, wisdom, and strength bore the sinner’s wretched, painful, gruesome cross. Do you know this great love? Do you know that He still thinks of you, always making intercession on your behalf (Hebrews 7:25)? If so, let your heart reciprocate this love! Lean into Him, yearning to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He is our Shepherd, the one who considers us when we do not deserve. May we be more like Him, considering His glory and the well-being of others as more significant than our own.
