“When Jesus said, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground. Again He asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’ And they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ ‘I told you that I am He,’ Jesus answered. ‘If you are looking for me, then let these men go.’…Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. Jesus commanded Peter, ‘Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?'” (John 18:6-11)
The Bible tells us that the Garden of Gethsemane was a place that Jesus took the disciples regularly to relax, meditate and pray. It was located on the hillside just across the Kidron valley from Jerusalem. One could sit under the olive trees and have a wonderful view of the whole city and all its glory without the noisy hubbub of the crowded streets. It was most likely the place that Jesus was a few days earlier when He wept over the beloved city. Yes, this was a special place whose significance was about to be forever changed.
Now the serenity that made this garden on the Mt. of Olives a sanctuary was being invaded by a crowd with different intentions. The peace that one could normally find here has been replaced by tension as two different worlds collide. They have come armed and ready for battle. They are made up of soldiers, priests, officials and Pharisees that were brought there by an inside informant…a betrayer. Among the trees of the garden are 11 sleepy disciples and a few other followers of Jesus. As the two groups approach each other the soldiers slide their hands to grip the hilts of their swords. The disciples ready themselves for a fight but also look for a way of escape in case things go horribly wrong. The stage is set for an epic shoot out between good and evil but this is not a situation forged by men.
Standing between these two groups of confused sinners is a clear minded Savior who is confidently following a divine plan. The hunted fugitive is the only one on the hillside that knows whats going on. In fact, it seems that He is the director of this symphony of activity. The soldiers fall back as He speaks to them and answer to His questioning. The disciples are protected by Him and reprimanded as well. No, there is no mistaking who is in charge here. The Lord of Lord’s has a plan to follow and no force on earth will distract Him from it. Then, by His own will, He presents Himself to His captors for arrest and begins the final leg of this long journey to rescue both soldiers and disciples from the grip of the grave.
Jesus wasn’t hiding in the garden…He was waiting. Things weren’t out of control…He was the ONLY one in control. Jesus wasn’t trapped by Judas or tricked by the Pharisees…He was following the plan set forth from the beginning to reconcile this lost world to Himself. Why? Because He loves us. As you reflect on this today realize that Jesus still stands in the midst of the chaos of your garden as the Lord of Lord’s.