Last week we looked at the scene in the garden as if you were one of the disciples.

Have you ever grown frustrated with the disciples for never getting the point after all the times Jesus warned them? Or were you ever frustrated that they kept falling asleep? I don’t know about you, but growing up I just wanted to jump into the story and make them understand; as I get older I realize I would have been the same way. 

Today we are going to look at a bit more of the story and I would like you to really consider how you would you react… 

You and the other disciple follow Jesus’ gaze down the mountain. A chill runs down your spine. Roman soldiers, priests, and elders are coming up the road with lanterns and torches. They are armed with clubs and swords. And was that Judas? As they approach you remember that Jesus said Judas would betray him. It did not make sense at first but now you understand. Judas comes up to Jesus saying, “Rabbi! Rabbi!” and kisses him.

Jesus replies to him, “Friend, why have you come? Judas, are you betraying the son of man with a kiss?”

Your heart is pounding as he steps towards the soldiers. Jesus askes them, “whom are you seeking? 

They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

“I am He.”

Something comes upon those men. It’s crazy; you aren’t quite sure what it is. Terror, shock, horror; maybe a combination of all of those.  For when Jesus said those words, they all backed up and fell to the ground. 

You hear Jesus again asked, “whom are you seeking?”  You continue to watch the soldiers ready for anything.

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they answer.

Jesus responds, “I have told you that I am he. If I am the one you are looking for, let these man go their way.”

Wait… what does this mean? Is he turning himself in to these men? Why would he do that? Aren’t we supposed to fight for his Kingdom? Isn’t that why we are all here? This couldn’t be happening right now!

One of the disciples beside you asks Jesus, “Lord, shall we strike with our swords?” Those of you who have swords raise them, but Peter is the first to strike. He hits the servant of the high priest and cuts off his ear. 

Jesus says to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword, will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to the Father, and He will provide me with more than twelve legions of angels? Should I not drink the cup which my Father has given me?” Jesus touchs the man’s ear and heals him.

Jesus asks the chief priest and others there, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”  

They gather themselves from the ground and grab Jesus, binding his hands with rope. You and the disciples glance from Jesus to each other terrified. Jesus had told you not to fight, so none of you know what to do.  Was he just going to let them take him? One of the men who had followed with you was grabbed and he ran leaving his clothes with the men. Then you all flee; fear overtaking you and having no ability to do anything for Jesus, you all just run.

Maybe you were one that came to the cross and watched as Jesus died with the multitude, who mourned and lamented for him believing all hope was gone. Maybe you were like Peter who went to the court with Jesus and yet turned and denied you even knew him. Maybe you were once like Judas who traded Jesus for earthly things or idols or desires. Maybe you were like John you went with him to the court; you even got Peter in and you followed Jesus all the way to the cross with his mother. Maybe you were like one of the soldiers who didn’t understand who they were dealing with. Maybe you were like Peter who wanted so much to give his all for Jesus and even tried to defend him in his own strength but still ran in the end. Maybe you were like the one who was grabbed but you were so desperate to save yourself you fought and ran away. Maybe you were like the man on the cross beside Jesus who cried out for mercy declaring that Jesus is God. Maybe you were like one of the guards or other people who mocked him and told him that if he was God to show them by getting himself down. Maybe you were like one of the temple priests, who out of jealousy or desiring for God to be who they wanted him to be, crucified Jesus. Or maybe you were like Pontius Pilot who understood even to some extent who Jesus was but had too much fear of man to save him.

Maybe you once had one of these heart postures, but by the grace of God He is changing and forming you into something new. Praise God!

Maybe you still see one of these heart postures inside of yourself. If so, it is time to bring it to the Lord and let Him transform you. 

If you are someone who still does not have a relationship with the Jesus, you can declare that you want him to be Lord of your life. Repent of running from him and sinning against him and others.

1 John 1:9:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 10:9
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

To be honest with you, I feel like a couple of these characters right now; by God grace He is working on my heart. I am learning a lot about surrender and laying down fear. What are some of the things that God has been teaching you? Let us know in the comments below.