Today’s Reading: John 18; Psalm 54

When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. – John 18:1-3

Jesus was not hiding from Judas; he was no longer avoiding the arrest he knew was coming. It was time. So Jesus took his disciples to the place Judas knew. He went to the beautiful garden where he had often spent time with those closest to him, including Judas, and he waited there. He was submitting to what was ahead because he was willing to do whatever God needed him to do for the sake of our salvation.

“Look, my betrayer is here!” – Mark 14:42b

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)
When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. – John 18:4-6

The soldiers were on assignment. They knew what they were there to do, yet at the sound of his voice, they involuntarily pulled back and collapsed to the ground. They experienced the power of the spoken word of Jesus, yet they were determined to complete the mission rather than worship the Messiah. Judas walked over to Jesus and greeted him with a kiss.

But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” – Luke 22:48

This kiss was Judas’ last moment to touch Jesus — his last moment of freedom. He had been a follower of Jesus, a student of his teaching and a witness of the power of Jesus to heal. Now he was the one handing him over to those who were eager to arrest him.

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 commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” – John 18:10-11

The disciples were not expecting all that was happening around them. Jesus was back from praying and they had once more fallen asleep. As they were shaking off the heaviness of sleep, the drama of Jesus’ betrayal played out before them. At a loss of how to respond, Peter grabbed the sword he had brought with him and took a swing. But this was not the way Jesus wanted his disciples to handle the situation. They longed to defend and protect him, but he intervened with the power of these four words:

“No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. – Luke 22:53

I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you;
I will praise your name, O Lord,
for it is good. – Psalm 54:6

They took Jesus first to Annas and then to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest – the one who had joined in the plot to kill Jesus. They brought many false witnesses in to tell lies about Jesus. Then the guards mocked him and beat him, they blindfolded him and hurled insults at him. The next day, Jesus stood in front of the elders, leading priests and teachers of religious law. They condemned him for saying he was the Son of God. They bound him, led him away and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.

When Judas heard that Jesus had been condemned to die, he went back to the leading priests and tried to undo what he had done. It was too late. Filled with remorse, he threw the silver coins down, left the Temple and hung himself (Matthew 27:3-5). He had allowed Satan to control the way he lived and now he listened to the evil voices that told him how to die.

When Judas chose sin, he chose slavery; when he chose to do things his way, he was tortured by his shame and regret. It was God’s plan for Jesus to die so that we could experience salvation, but it did not have to be through Judas. He willingly participated in Satan’s plan and was overwhelmed with the weight of his sin. Yet Jesus did not die because of Judas; He died for Judas. Did you catch that?

JESUS DID NOT DIE BECAUSE OF JUDAS; HE DIED FOR JUDAS. AND HE DIED FOR ME, AND HE DIED FOR YOU.

Father God, as we enjoy our Christmas celebrations, we are reminded of how much we have to be grateful for. You are our Provider and our Protector; you are our Savior and our Redeemer. Your willingness to give your Son for our salvation fills our hearts with gratitude. May this Christmas draw us closer to you as we acknowledge all you have done for us, and all that Jesus so willingly sacrificed on our behalf. Lord, we ask for fresh perspective and a new word as we study your death, and then go back and study your birth. May this time in your presence make this Christmas one we will never forget. Amen.