April 13 - The greatest story ... or the great escape?

Contributed by Julie Zimmerman, assistant director of public relations on Friday April 13

Scripture

John 18:1-12 After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus replied, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they stepped back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go." This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, "I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me." Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?" So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him.

Prayer for the week from Builder O wonderful Teacher, Counselor, Savior and Lord: When I was lost, you called me home; you saved me from my wandering and provided all I need. Now let me walk with you all the days of my life; may I receive with joy the gift of salvation you paid such a heavy price to ensure. Amen.

Devotion

On the Mount of Olives, Jesus literally places himself at a crossroad. He must finally decide if he will allow himself to undergo the horror of arrest and death on a cross.

From the grand city of Jerusalem, celebrating the Jewish Passover, Jesus makes the short walk down into the Kidron Valley, up to a small garden on the Mount of Olives.

The significance of this garden’s location is unspoken but very clear to anyone familiar with the topography of the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem and the history of the area. Jesus has gathered his disciples to pray and wait for his arrest in a strategic place where a simple escape is possible. Jesus could easily slip over the Mount of Olives into the safety of the Judean Wilderness, away from Jerusalem. This is the identical escape route by which King David left Jerusalem when his life was in danger.

In another gospel account of this garden moment, Jesus prays to God asking “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done.” Jesus has positioned himself to flee!

Waiting for just one word from God, he and his disciples would disappear from Jerusalem into the safety of the wilderness. The irony of this Passover is too bittersweet; Jesus is waiting for God to lead him to escape. But the truth is that exodus now is found not in the wilderness, but in death in the city.

God chooses another, harder path for Jesus and for all of his followers. They must remain in the garden for the arresting soldiers.

The angels must have wept as they, too, waited for God to tell Jesus to head for the Judean hills. Those same angels who had filled the Bethlehem sky with praise must have sung a most plaintive dirge that night.

What is the topology of your story? What cup are you asking God to remove today? If God is offering you escape: praise God! But if you are asked today to pick up your cross, may God’s Spirit strengthen you for the journey toward your time of trial and cross.

goshen college | campus ministries | devotions | lent2001