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Day 31 John 18 John 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. 2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. 3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus said unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. 6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. 7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: 9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spoke, Of them which thou gave me have I lost none. 10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? 12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, 13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. Who are you? Do people know you or do they need to ask your name? Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane when Judas arrived with officers from the chief priest and Pharisees. He asked them who they sought for two reasons. Jesus wanted them the verify whom they sought, and He wanted His disciples and you who would read John’s gospel to know they sought Him. In Jesus’ prayer, He prayed for all those who would know Him, not just those who knew Him then. In the Upper Room, Jesus asked the disciples if they had swords. Peter assumed it was the time to use his sword when he cut off Malchus’ ear. However, Jesus told Peter, it wasn’t the time of swords, it was time to fulfill Scripture. You also see Jesus’ power as their Messiah. When God led Moses to the burning bush, Moses asked God who He was, and God told him, I AM. Moses reaction to God’s declaration was to hide his face from God. Exodus 3:6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. (KJV) In the presence of Almighty God, the officers of the chief priest and Pharisees, could not stand before Him and fell to the ground at Jesus’ declaration of who He was. As Christians, what is your attitude when you come before Jesus in prayer? Do you give reverence to Him as Almighty God, the Son of God, the Author and Finisher of your faith, your Creator? Or do you go about your business as though He was another person equal to you? Jesus is not your equal. He is God, and you must reverence Him as God. Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (KJV) At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow. When the officers from the chief priest and Pharisees heard Jesus’ proclamation, they could not stand, but fell to the ground. You need to respect and have reverence for Jesus whenever you come into His presence. You need to give Him the same and greater respect than you would your leaders in high office. For men, it means taking your hats off in His presence. For women, it means giving Him the same respect you give your husband as your head. Jesus showed the officers of the chief priest and Pharisees who He was when He demonstrated His power, the power of His name, and the power to heal Malchus’ ear. At that moment, they knew Jesus was no ordinary man as they led Him from the Garden of Gethsemane to Annas, father-in-law to Caiaphas the high priest. Do you know who Jesus is? Do you acknowledge His lordship over your life? Do you give Him respect and reverence for who He is? If you don’t now, you will. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be my Savior. I worship You and give You praise as I acknowledge Jesus’ authority in my life. Help me give Him the respect and reverence He deserves and never come before Him as my equal, but always as my God, my Savior, my Redeemer, my King. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 2 January 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay