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. Now Judas, who betrayed
him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 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. Then
Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them,
“Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them,
“I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to
them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again,
“Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told
you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill
the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 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.) So Jesus said to
Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the
Father has given me?” (John 18: 1-11).
Today we observe one of the most ironic
moments in all of history. Judas, a follower of Jesus with circumspect motives
along with a large band of soldiers and officers came to arrest Jesus. This
group of heavily armed soldiers came with all the authority of “the chief
priests and the Pharisees”. They came to place chains on the arms of
the Son of God! How could they hope to succeed? The authority of God’s Son is
revealed several times during this brief confrontation. While His enemies used
their authority to arrest Him, Christ exercised His authority to demonstrate
the superiority of His authority. There is a clear revelation here that Jesus
Christ is the King above all kings… “They will make war on the Lamb, and
the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and
those with him are called and chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).
There is a powerful revelation here of authority under control and in
submission to the Father’s perfect will. In the revelation of Jesus’s authority
here we see much more than control over His circumstances… “Knowing all
that would happen to him… This was to
fulfill the word that he had spoken… Shall I not drink the cup that the Father
has given me?” We also see a clear demonstration of care and protection
for His disciples and even mercy for His enemies. Today we get a glimpse of
the authority He shares with us.
Did you know that Christ's disciples have access
to His great authority? Jesus gives us authority through His name, a reflection
of His personality and character… “Behold, I have given you authority to
tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and
nothing shall hurt you” (Luke 10:19). Where do you need to trust and
apply His authority today? Do you need heavenly authority over your budget,
employment, health, or other circumstance? Do you need Christ’s authority over
a broken relationship, failing family ties, or some enemies that oppose your
ministry and keep you from pursuing the Lord’s will? Jesus taught His disciples
how to trust and exercise His great authority.
With His authority Jesus demonstrated the
sovereignty of God. At the simple declaration of His name, Jesus’ enemies fell…
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and
under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). With His authority
Jesus revealed God’s protection… “My Father, who has given them to me, is
greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John
10:29). With His authority Jesus sought to accomplish God’s will, not His
own… “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless,
not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). If we imitate Christ by
seeking to reveal God’s sovereignty, trust His protection, and pursue His
perfect will through all our circumstances and relationships, we will be
covered by Christ’s authority.
As we grow up into Christ surrendering
situations and relationships to Him, we come to know…
The Authority He Shares with Us.
No comments:
Post a Comment