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The Arrest - the Beginning of the End

John 18:1-11 (NIV)
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."
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?"


As Jesus comes to the end of his last evening - which he spent with his innermost circle of now 11 disciples - he ends up in a garden outside of Jerusalem's walls.  There with his disciples, Judas leads a band of Soldiers and Religious officials from the Sadducees and Pharisees to arrest Jesus.

It is the beginning of the end.

Jesus knows it, and to protect the 11 he goes out to make sure they know who he is...because he knows that is what they've come for.  He does not intend on letting something happen to any of the 11, they will be safe.

Peter's actions are pure Peter.  He is trying to stop Jesus from being arrested.  He has never bought into the idea of Jesus being executed, and so his actions are extreme, but ineffective.  Violence has never brought about righteousness...never will.

Jesus' response is clear...Put away your sword...Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" 


This is what is ahead of him for the next 18 or so hours...a bitter cup from the Father.  In it is more violence, the wrath of humanity's sins to be paid for, the blow of the enemy who strikes Jesus' heel, but does not realize his own head will be cut off as sin's stranglehold on humanity is severed by Christ's death. (Genesis 3:15)

The evening is coming to an end, Jesus' last bitter day is just begun, and it is the beginning of the end for the enemy of God.

John 18:12 (NIV)
Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him

We call it Holy Week...and that is what it is.

Peace

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