John 18:1-11

Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.

Read John 18:1-11 as if you were there observing the scene. Take note of anything in the story that stands out to you.

The events that unfold in this passage must have been chaotic and confusing. John is the only Gospel writer who gives us an account of the prayer Jesus prayed for his disciples and the words of preparation he shared with them just prior to these events. The three other Gospel writers, only one of whom was an eyewitness, share similar but not identical accounts of Jesus’ time with God the Father in the olive grove, but John jumps straight to Jesus’ arrest and describes the scene with graphic language: “…a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards…” “…blazing torches, lanterns and weapons…”

In the midst of the noise and chaos, John shows us Jesus, as calm and grounded as ever. The question Jesus asks in this passage is reminiscent of the question he asked the two disciples of John the Baptist at the very beginning of his earthly ministry (“What are you seeking?” John 1:38), but now Jesus’ question is laser focused on his own person and identity, “Who are you looking for?”

The Greek word Jesus uses in both questions is “zēteite” - to search for, desire, require, demand. Stop to meditate on the two questions of Jesus, the one at the beginning of his earthly ministry and the one he asks now. Hear him asking you these questions, and as answers form, share them with Jesus.

What are you seeking?

Whom are you seeking?

Read John 18:1-11 again noticing Jesus’ clear declaration of his divine identity and mission.

Jesus knows who he is and he knows why he is walking the earth. He is the great I AM who came to take upon himself the suffering of the world which came about because of human rebellion against God’s good and perfect ways. Jesus’ kingdom, the very kingdom of God, will overcome not by force and violence but by the laying down of his life and his refusal to answer violence with violence.

Stop to contemplate Peter’s violent reaction to the unfolding events of Jesus’ arrest.

Unless we have purposefully meditated on the peace of Jesus and emulated the ways of Jesus, we are likely to react from a place of anger and panic when we face opposition or confrontation. Jesus calls us to participate in his mission, to lay down our lives for others and to love and bless our enemies.

One of the ways we can do this is to pray for blessing for those we might consider to be enemies.

For the last minutes of this meditation, ask Jesus to bring to mind anyone you struggle to love. As people, or groups of people, come to mind, purposefully pray that God would bless them.

If you sense that Jesus is asking you to do something, or do something differently, as the result of this meditation, take action today.

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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.