FHBC Sermon Notes

The prayer of our Lord has ended and in this chapter to work of Jesus begins.

In a place familiar to the disciples, a garden outside the city limits Jesus after praying for his disciples is confronted with his betrayer. The priest guards and an auxiliary force of the Romans probably in Jerusalem because of the Passover festival came to the garden. These forces are present as a deterrent against rebellious uprisings, etc. They are led there by his betrayer, Judas. However, it is Jesus himself who addresses them. Whom do you seek he asks. Jesus of Nazareth. I AM is his response. This is the same language in Isaiah 40-55, when God himself calls himself I AM. This is a display of his glory in fact. Note their response. They fall back. Every knee shall bow. Sometimes we have trouble understanding the judgement of God in the Old Testament. That will be nothing compared to Jesus at the end times. Yet before that judgement there is first this incredible act of love and grace.

Here Jesus says let them go, referring to his disciples. This is his burden to bear. We cannot bear this. Only he can. Furthermore He is fully in control of these entire events. V.4 John say that Jesus knew in full why was to happen. For instance, he led them to that garden knowing they would be found there. He initiates the dialogue, in a sense turning himself in. He also is able to demand that his disciples be let go. He even rebukes Peters violent defense in the situation. And finally, he states in his own words that he must drink the cup.