This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (NIV) Matthew 26:28
It’s Thursday evening. In response to an argument among His disciples as to which of them would be the greatest, Jesus washes His 12 disciples’ feet. God washing their feet one by one. The disciples were fighting for top position, but no one would pick up the towel and do a servant’s job. But, contrary to common sense, Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve others.
After washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus and His disciples begin their Passover meal, their Last Supper together. As they’re eating, Judas leaves to meet the chief priests to carry out their scheme. Jesus tells the remaining 11, that He will be leaving. He begins to give them with their final instructions. It’s the 2 minute warning. What He shares with them is what He wants them to remember when He’s gone.
After their meal they leave the home where they’ve eaten the Last Supper and walk outside the city gates to a place called Gethsemane. There Jesus agonizes in prayer to the point that His sweat was like drops of blood. He prays, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Not my way Father, but Your way – perfect obedience!
It’s now around midnight. . . When Jesus rises from prayer and goes back to the disciples, a crowd comes up. Judas is guiding a detachment of soldiers {200-600 soldiers in all} and some officials.
They’re carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. The lights indicate that they thought Jesus might hide away in the dark recesses of the garden. They are armed because they feared a riot. After all, this must be some notorious criminal – someone so dangerous, the Jewish Supreme Court had gotten involved. But, Jesus voluntarily gives Himself up. Jesus shows an awareness that his life and death are proceeding according to a definite pre-arranged pattern. He knew He had come to give his life as a ransom for many.
Jesus asks them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they reply.
“I am he,” Jesus says. When Jesus says this they drew back and fell to the ground. Like dominoes falling, one after another, flat on their faces before Him.
A little embarrassed, they get up, and brush themselves off. Again Jesus asks them, “Who is it you want?”
And they say, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
“I told you that I am he,” Jesus answered. “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”
Unlike Jesus who voluntarily surrenders, Peter (one of His closest friends) draws a sword. He strikes a servant, cutting off his right ear. But, Jesus tells Peter to put his sword away! Jesus touches the man’s ear and heals him. There would be no blood shed but His own.
Tomorrow is the rest of the story. . .
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