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LifeLink Devotional

Monday, March 29, 2021

As we prepare for Good Friday and Easter later this week, I think it would be beneficial for us to read the Apostle John’s account of everything that happened prior to Christ’s crucifixion.  I will provide you with the passage of Scripture. I will also point out some significant truths about Jesus. It will be up to you to find more and make personal application to your life. Let the Scripture speak to you. Our journey begins in John 18.

John 18:1-11 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. ²  Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. ³  So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. ⁴  Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” ⁵  They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. ⁶  When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. ⁷  So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” ⁸  Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” ⁹  This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” ¹⁰  Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) ¹¹  So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

1. Jesus had a favorite spot to meet with His disciples for prayer and personal time. (verses 1-2).  Where is yours and why?
2. Jesus knew all the details of what was going to happen, yet He didn’t hide. In fact, He initiated the contact. (verse 4). How often do we avoid tough things? Can our faith in God’s purpose and power grow to the point of courage to confront rather than cower in fear?
3. The words of Jesus spoken with the authority of God cause the soldiers and religious leaders to fall to the ground. When Jesus says, “I AM HE’” all earthly standing is destroyed. (verses 5-6). Have you surrendered your earthly standing to the authority of Jesus?
4. Jesus volunteered Himself to the authorities, but not without assuring that His disciples would be safe. Having just endured the intense spiritual battle of submitting His desire to the will of the Father, Jesus showed His unending love and concern for His people. His surrender to God’s will meant a denial of self and an unwavering love for others. (verse 8) Has God’s love so captured your heart that you place the needs of others ahead of your own?
5. Jesus corrected the impulsiveness of Peter by healing the cut off ear of Malchus. Jesus then tells Peter that we are not to fight against what God has ordained for our lives. (verse 11) How often do we try to change the circumstances of our lives when they are in fact God’s ordained cup from which we are to drink?

Enjoy your personal time with the Lord.

Pastor John