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I think one of the most powerful moments in the entire Easter story occurs during Jesus’ arrest. We know he and the 11 disciples left the Last Supper and came to the Garden of Gethsemane. There Jesus spent time in agonized prayer while His disciples fell asleep. Then Judas came with the soldiers and officers from the chief priests to arrest Jesus. It’s in this action that this powerful moment occurs.

John 18:1-6 (ESV)

18 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.

Did you catch that? When Jesus said to them “I am he,” Judas, a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees pulled back and fell to the ground. Many had arrested multiple people. They knew how to do it. Yet when Jesus comes forward and speaks, they fall to the ground? What could be going on? Maybe they had never encountered a “fugitive” who willingly identified himself and stepped forward to get arrested. Maybe they saw the authority and determination of this man. He did not cower in fear from them. He stepped forward to carry out His Father’s mission.

Then another astonishing event occurs. Jesus helps the arresters get on with their task.

John 18:7-12 (ESV)

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?” So the band of soldiers and their captain and officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him.”
Jesus ensures that His own arrest actually happens. He stops Peter’s rescue effort. He goes with them to fulfill God’s mission of love for you and me.

No matter what we face today or in the future with this pandemic, we know Jesus is our persevering Savior. He persevered in prayer in the garden. He persevered through His arrest. He persevered through the abuse and torture inflicted on Him over the next hours. He persevered in not calling legions of angels to rescue Him. He persevered through the agony of the cross so that we might be forgiven. He continues to persevere in His love, care, concern and help for us today.

“Lord Jesus, I think I would have run if knew my arresters were hesitant or afraid. But you stepped forward. I would have resisted when they tried to tie my hands. But you cooperated even though innocent. Your willingness to take my place demonstrate your great love for me before we were even born. Forgive me when I doubt your love for me now.”