In the Garden of Arrest

Jesus, always teaching by example.

So here we are entering the events of Holy Week in July. It might feel weird, but it’s a good practice to read the passion narratives outside of our human-created liturgical cycles.

There are at least thirteen times in the gospel of John when Jesus uses the phrase “I AM” [who I am] to describe who he is. Today’s passage is one of them.

John 18:1-14

After he said these things, Jesus went out with his disciples and crossed over to the other side of the Kidron Valley. He and his disciples entered a garden there. Judas, his betrayer, also knew the place because Jesus often gathered there with his disciples. Judas brought a company of soldiers and some guards from the chief priests and Pharisees. They came there carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus knew everything that was to happen to him, so he went out and asked, “Who are you looking for?”

They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

He said to them, “I Am.” (Judas, his betrayer, was standing with them.) When he said, “I Am,” they shrank back and fell to the ground. He asked them again, “Who are you looking for?”

They said, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

Jesus answered, “I told you, ‘I Am.’ If you are looking for me, then let these people go.” This was so that the word he had spoken might be fulfilled: “I didn’t lose anyone of those whom you gave me.”

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.) Jesus told Peter, “Put your sword away! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given me?” Then the company of soldiers, the commander, and the guards from the Jewish leaders took Jesus into custody. They bound him and led him first to Annas. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. (Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it was better for one person to die for the people.)

Prayer

God,

It continues to seem unlikely that you want us to fight with violence in any situation in light of Jesus’ healing of Malchus. What compassion and grace! How can we measure up?

But I want to. Not really to measure up to Jesus because it’s not a competition, but I do want to have such compassion and grace. Not that I want to find myself in situations where people’s ears are getting cut off, but I’m willing to be of such compassion if you’ll grant me the grace to do so.

Honestly, the world too often feels like something between a big fake plastic mirage and a bomb waiting to go off, so use me in real situations with real people who need real help.

Make me like Christ,

By your spirit & in his name,
Amen.