If we think that in obeying God we are losing, believe me in the end, you are victorious.
John 18:1–12
THE ARREST OF JESUS
Jesus left and went to the other side of the valley called the Brook Kidron. He entered a garden there, and His disciples were with Him. Judas, His betrayer, also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples.
Judas brought a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They carried lanterns, torches, and weapons.
Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?”
They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
Jesus said, “I am He.”
When He said this, they drew back and fell to the ground.
Again He asked them, “Whom are you looking for?”
They said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He. If you are looking for Me, then let these men go.”
This fulfilled what He had said: “Father, I have not lost one of those You gave Me.”
Then Simon Peter drew a sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”
Then the detachment of soldiers, their commander, and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus and bound Him.
MORAL LESSON:
Jesus bravely faced suffering. Even before the suffering began, He was already prepared for the pain that awaited Him. Even though He could have refused it, He did not — not because He wanted to remove it, not because He desired to glorify Himself, but because His heart carried the very heart of God.
Mission: To save all who would believe in Him.
From verse 11, we see Jesus asking Peter if He should not drink the “cup of suffering” given to Him by the Father. Even if Peter tried to fight with a sword, this was destined to happen.
The hardship, suffering, accusations, and humiliation though painful were not fought with violence. Jesus remained humble. In the eyes of people, it seemed like His enemies had won.
But here comes the PLOT TWIST!
God wins. In the midst of suffering, He is still the Hero.
If we think that obeying God makes us losers, believe this, brother and sister in the end, YOU ARE VICTORIOUS.
In the eyes of people, you may seem defeated. In the eyes of God, He is already preparing to glorify you with Him.
Hold on to Jesus! You are not defeated forever!
You may feel crushed by the hardship of surrendering to the Holy Spirit.
You may be freeing yourself from anger and unforgiveness.
You may feel drained from understanding and serving others.
In Jesus, in the end and forever your victory is real.
It is not temporary, but eternal especially in the life to come.
