HOW DID WE WALK IN LOVE AS CHRIST LOVED US THIS WEEK?

WHAT DID GOD SAY IN HIS WORD?

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.

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?”

12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

Recall from Sunday:

Jesus demonstrates true power (18:1-6) not of the sword but of submission to God’s Word (7-11) to bring salvation (12-14).

Reflect:

Has God ever failed you? What was something you really wanted him to do that he didn’t do for you? Has God ever surprised you? What was a powerful moment when God showed up in your life?

WHAT DID GOD SAY TO ME THROUGH HIS WORD?

Judas came with a powerful mob of soldiers, but Jesus cowed them with just a word (18:1-6). What challenges or problems are looming large in your life right now? How do you think they look from God’s perspective?

Peter tries to win the fight with his strength and sword, but Jesus willingly submits to God’s word, even if that means he will suffer (18:7-11). How do you feel about God’s plans for you probably including periods of suffering? Where do you find yourself fighting for control?

Jesus’s death is not his or God’s failure, but brings salvation for us (18:12-14). Who are you loving in such a way that it costs you? And who might God be calling you to love sacrificially this week?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO ABOUT IT?

Jesus was willing to embrace suffering since it could rescue us. If your suffering is caused by a problem rather than a person, consider how you can surrender to God’s plans for your life and adapt your prayers from just seeking your own rescue to the redemption of your suffering for other people’s rescue.

If your suffering is caused by a person, identify ways you could sacrificially love them and so demonstrate Jesus’s love for them. Pray for each other and encourage each other this week in what you’ve committed to do.