Sunday, May 25 – John 18, 19

1. What happened to the crowd that came to apprehend Jesus? John 18:5, 6

2. What did Jesu say about his involvement in world politics? John 18:36

3. What is the meaning of Jesus’ words, “it is finished”? John 19:28-30

The passion of Christ unfolds in John 18 and 19 with solemn intensity. On the final night, officers sent to arrest Jesus returned empty-handed. When questioned, they could only reply, “No man ever spoke like this Man.” (John 7:46). The priests, fearing the people’s growing faith in Jesus, insisted on silencing Him once and for all.

In Gethsemane, as the mob approached, Jesus said, “Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” (Matthew 26:46). Without traces of recent agony, He stepped forward, asking, “Whom are you seeking?” When they answered, “Jesus of Nazareth,” He declared, “I am He.” At that divine utterance, a light shone from His face, and the angel who had just strengthened Him stood between Jesus and the crowd. A holy radiance filled the garden, and the entire mob, including Judas, fell backward like dead (see The Desire of Ages, Ch. 74).

Yet Jesus remained. Calm and composed, He stood glorified during a hardened band now powerless at His feet. When they rose again, He repeated, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way.” He willingly stepped into captivity to protect His disciples.

Judas, still pretending innocence, came forward, kissed Jesus, and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” (Matthew 26:49). Jesus responded with heartache, “Friend, why have you come? Are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Matthew 26:50; Luke 22:48). Jesus did not resist the kiss nor the arrest. The mob, emboldened by Judas’s touch, seized Jesus and bound His hands, hands that had only ever done good.

Peter, who had once declared unwavering loyalty, would soon deny his Master three times. As Matthew Henry comments, “The beginning of sin is like letting out water… one lie demands another.” Fear overtook Peter, and while Judas betrayed with calculation, Peter denied it with weakness. But in Peter’s story, there is redemption. “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.” (Luke 22:61). That look was not condemnation, it was grace.

Jesus stood before the High Priest and then Pilate. Unaware that the events unfolding would become the focus of history and worship among the greatest of men, Pilate agreed to hand Him over. The soldiers mocked Him and crucified Him. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was not nailed to the altar among sacrificial lambs but between criminals condemned to die. He took our place so that we might be set free.

At Calvary, prophecy was fulfilled: the Roman soldiers unknowingly carried out acts written long ago in Scripture. Pilate’s refusal to alter the sign above the cross, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews,” was a subtle testimony of divine sovereignty (CBMH).

Then came the dying cry: “It is finished!” (John 19:30). That cry held eternal significance. The Father’s plans for the Messiah’s suffering were now complete. All types and prophecies of the Old Testament pointing to Messiah’s sacrifice were fulfilled. The ceremonial law was satisfied. “Transgression was finished, and everlasting righteousness was brought in.” Jesus’ life was not taken by force; He laid it down willingly.

This cry, “It is finished,” resounded through Earth, Heaven, and the unfallen worlds. It declared redemption secured, Satan’s defeat sealed, and the universe eternally safe (The Desire of Ages, Ch. 78). The angels rejoiced. Though they did not fully grasp all its meaning, they knew sin’s destruction was sure, and man’s redemption was made possible.

In Gethsemane and Golgotha, Jesus stood resolute, surrendered, and victorious in our place. As we reflect on His passion, may we see His sacrifice anew, love Him more deeply, and live for Him more fully.

God bless you all, brothers and sisters.