Scripture
By Lecha Price
Lesson Text: John 18: 1-13
Related Scriptures: John 11:45-53; Matthew 26: 36-57; Mark 14:26-50; Luke 22:39-53
In our lesson today (John 18:1-3), we learn of Jesus’s arrest in the garden of Gethsemane after the betrayal of Judas. In our related scriptures, the synopsis gospel each has a different outlook of the same message. John11: 45-53 tells us of the initial plot to kill Jesus after He raised Lazarus from the dead. The scriptures say, many believed in Him but others went their way to the Pharisees and told them all that Jesus had done. Caiaphas being the high priest, the same year said to them it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the nation, and the plot began.
Matthew 26: 36-57 reminds us Jesus brought his disciples to Gethsemane, a place where they visited together to pray. Jesus knowing within Himself that the betrayal and arrest were at hand, began to be very sorrowful even unto death. He asked his disciples to wait with him and watch while he went to pray. He went a little farther, and fell on his face and prayed saying, O my Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me but nevertheless, not as I will but as thou wilt.
In Mark 14:26-50,Jesus teaches us in this moment, the place where situations or trouble will occur is the place, we must visit and offer up a prayer. In this moment, the Father did not take the cup, but strengthened Jesus to be able to take and drink the cup. Luke 22:39-53 points out as Jesus prayed in the garden that an angel was sent from heaven strengthening him to complete fully the Father’s will. As he prayed in agony more earnestly, his sweat was as great drops of blood falling to the ground. The lesson we learn from Jesus in this is, that as we seek the Father earnestly with all diligence in prayer He will surely send the help we need to complete His will.
Synopsis
By Deborah Hillman
In this story of Jesus being betrayed by one of His disciples (Judas), we see greed and self gratification as the motive of betrayal. So, a band of Jewish religious leaders and officers was given to Judas by the chief priest. The Pharisees were equipped with lanterns, torches and weapons as he would be paid for his act of treachery. Matt. 26: 14-16 states,” One of the twelve called Judas Iscariot went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver”.
In demonstrating the power of the Father, Jesus steps forward saying “I Am He”. The arresting officers staggered backward and fell to the ground, literally being knocked off their feet. Further demonstrating His divine authority, He commanded His disciples to be set free since it was Him they wanted. As the Son of God, He was still in complete control but His Father in heaven would always have absolute sovereign foreknowledge of all situations. John 6:39 says, “And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day”.
As Jesus identified himself, He accepted the Father’s will knowing what was really at stake. Peter, feeling that Jesus was being wronged, attacked the servant of the chief priest with his sword cutting off his right ear. Peter was trying to protect Jesus not realizing that He was well aware that his Father’s cup awaited Him. Jesus rebuked Peter and affirmed His submission to all that would take place. John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.
Practical Application
By Brittenne Boykin
This week’s text opens with Jesus being betrayed and arrested. The events of the garden were setting in motion the steps that would lead to the cross. We can all relate to moments where we must do the thing which is most difficult, agonizing, even painful. Moments that we must endure in order for God’s plan for our life to be fulfilled. These moments can be difficult at best heart wrenching at worst.
How do we respond when those difficult moments are ushered in by those that we are close to?Betrayal is a word that makes us both uncomfortable and angry. To think that someone we let into our home, our thoughts and often into our hearts would abuse our trust, deceive us and come into union with those who seek to do us harm is unsettling to say the least. Christ shows us through His betrayal in the garden how we are to respond. Peter was incensed by what was happening; he chose violence (Vs. 10) but Christ, ever our example, provides a better model.
Instead of responding in kind He demanded Peter put up his sword (Vs. 11). He understood that oftentimes betrayal must take place so that the will of God can be done. Let us live in such a way that views everything through the lens of God’s perfect plan not only for us but for others. When we do this it allows us the precious privilege of seeing others through the perspective of God’s eyes. Offenses, hurts and betrayals will come but let us surrender it all at the feet of our ever loving, ever forgiving father.
