So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
—John 18:3-7, 11, 26-27, 36-37

~~~~~

The King Who Chose The Cross
By Jennifer Kane

He stepped forward—
not dragged, not driven,
but knowing.
The garden held its breath
as He asked,
“Whom do you seek?”
and the name—
His name—
shook soldiers to the ground.

Still, He stood.

No sword in hand,
no resistance in His eyes,
just the stillness
of a heart set on sacrifice.

Peter swung wildly,
trying to stop what love had planned—
but the King raised no shield,
only a question:
“Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”

The trial was a stage,
the verdict already chosen
by hearts that feared truth more than lies.
He, the Word, stood before
the twisting tongues of power,
unshaken,
declaring a kingdom
not of this world.

They mocked His silence,
mistook it for weakness—
but it was mercy clothed in restraint,
glory veiled in flesh.

Peter’s fire flickered.
His courage crumbled in the cold.
A rooster cried
as truth echoed in denial.

And yet, the King did not turn back.

Not when accused.
Not when rejected.
Not even when they shouted for Barabbas,
choosing a thief
over the Giver of life.

He let them.
Because love must.

This was no accident,
no tragic twist—
this was the plan
from the foundation of the world.

He chose it.
Every step.
Every wound.
Every word withheld.

The crown would come,
but only after
the cross.

~~~~~

Scripture: John 18:1-40

John 18 presents a Savior who appears to be on trial—but in truth, He is in control every step of the way. Though arrested, denied, accused, and exchanged for a criminal, Jesus is never a victim. He steps forward willingly (v.4), affirms His identity (v.6), accepts the Father’s cup (v.11), speaks truth to power (v.37), and allows injustice—for our sake.

Jesus’ quiet strength, purposeful surrender, and unshakable identity remind us that even in our darkest trials, God is not absent—He is sovereign.

Obedience over defense – Jesus submits to the Father’s will rather than fight (v.11)
Truth in the face of lies – Jesus bears witness to truth, even before corrupt powers (v.37)
Sovereignty in suffering – Jesus controls the narrative even while bound (v.4–6, v.36)
Grace despite failure – Peter’s denial reminds us that human weakness is not the end (v.27)

When we feel surrounded by injustice, betrayal, or fear, we can look to John 18 and see our Savior walk that path first—not because He was powerless, but because He was purposed. He shows us how to trust God’s will, speak truth, and love even when wronged. The Lamb was never out of control—He was leading the way to the cross… for us.

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, thank You for walking the path of surrender—not because You had to, but because You chose to. Help me trust in Your sovereignty when life feels unjust or out of control. Teach me to walk in truth, love, and courage, just as You did. Amen.

July 13 2025