When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, 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 garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the 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?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. 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?”
Personal Reflection and Discussion
Jesus takes the disciples to a familiar place. This is a place they have gone to before for rest, but this time, they will be met with unrest.
- Where is a place that you go to when you need rest? Why?
- Over the centuries people have posed a lot of different theories as to why Judas betrayed Jesus….e.g. (1) he was greedy and an opportunist (2) he thought if Jesus was backed into a corner He [Jesus] would come out swinging and show His power (3) … what are your thoughts?
- Jesus knew who the soldiers had come for and why they had come. He readily admitted to being the person they wanted and asked the soldiers to let His disciples leave. Remember that while being God, Jesus was also fully human and was tempted in every way we are. What do you think Jesus was thinking and feeling as these events begin to unfold?
- Peter is often portrayed as a person of extremes. Here he seeks to defend Jesus violently with a sword, later in the chapter he is going to deny all association with Jesus, denying even knowing Him.
- What does Peter’s action communicate about his understanding of who Jesus was and what he was to do?
- How would God have us act in the face of pending suffering, particularly unjust suffering (see 1 Jn 3:16)?
- Is it ever okay to defend yourself and/or your property? Explain.
- If it is permissible to defend yourself, are there conditions or restrictions as to how, or means that are permissible and not permissible? Explain.
- How does Jesus’ reaction demonstrate peace within him?
- How do you tend to react when you are scared, lose control or don’t understand a situation? What can you take away from this section of scripture to help you in those times?
- How did Jesus fulfill the words, “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one,” especially given the greek definition of the word “lost?”
Prayer
Jesus, I do not always understand your ways. I am tempted to get angry, sad, scared and to lose trust in you. In those times, please forgive me. Thank you for seeing me. For never forgetting me. For always being by my side. Help me, in my confusion and anger, to do your will, to show your love, and to trust in you. Amen.
Greek Word of the Day
English Word: lost | Transliterated Word: Apollumi
Death, destroy fully, From apo, an intensive
The middle “ollumi” to destroy. The force of apo here is away or wholly.
Family Engagement Activity
Today, play BLURT if you have it….if you don’t, have each person make a list of random words. Take turns using others words to describe one word on your list. The first person to get it right wins; if they guess wrong, they lose a point or are disqualified. Teach about how our first response is sometimes the wrong response and how Christ’s first response is always love. If Peter had taken the time to think about what Jesus would have done, Jesus wouldn’t have to heal anything, but He, Jesus, DID take the time to heal.
OR
Have a race with eggs or water balloons and see who can get the most from one place to another without breaking any. Once something is broken, they are out. Or do a balloon toss with the same challenge of not breaking any. Talk about how Jesus didn’t hurt ANY of those who were around him, even the enemy, in order to fulfill scripture.
Going Activities To Consider
Today, go to your place of rest. Take your Bible with you. Meet Jesus there today. Consider thinking of actions of vengeance against another and ask Jesus to help you “draw back your sword.” If there is a trial Jesus might be asking you to go through, go through it with the confidence that He allows you to grow through endurance. Thank Jesus for the ultimate endurance challenge.