Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

I often try to have some perspective when reading the Bible. Not only do I ask how the people who walked with Jesus must have thought about the things He was doing, but what was the Son of God Himself thinking in those moments?

I’m sure there are times when we all wish we knew the outcome of our situations and difficulties. “Will I get this promotion? Will we be able to have kids of our own? Will I survive this diagnosis?” Imagine being born for the outcome itself. This is the case of Jesus; this is the perspective of the Savior. “I will be betrayed. I will be beaten. I will be crucified.” In all the inevitable outcomes that awaited Him, He still said, “I will do it.”

I look at chapter 18 of John as a whole and see the completion of what God intended for His people from the beginning. It’s no coincidence that where sin entered the word was in a garden where we as people, even though we were told the consequences of our actions made a decision. It was a decision of complete abandonment from the Father that we chose.

Likewise, we see our Savior, where else but in a garden making a decision for which He knew the consequences. Once again, we will inevitably see complete abandonment from the Father. This is what Christ would ultimately take on for us to be reunited with God.

John 18:4-9 shows us this specifically:

4 Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to him, went out and said to them, “Who is it that you’re seeking?” 5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “I am he,” Jesus told them. Judas, who betrayed him, was also standing with them. 6 When Jesus told them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 Then he asked them again, “Who is it that you’re seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. 8“I told you I am he,” Jesus replied. “So if you’re looking for me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the words he had said: “I have not lost one of those you have given me.”

Perspective. Jesus knew the outcome. What was His response? “I will do it for you.”

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
  
• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
  
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
  
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
  
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

The Way of Jesus: 7 Marks of Discipleship

As we begin a new series, we encourage you to lean into the 7 Marks of Discipleship each week. The 7 Marks of Discipleship provide a simple tool to help us identify areas where we are thriving in our calling and where we can grow. Check here each week for a new 7 Marks Challenge that will encourage you to follow Jesus closer every day.