After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

- John 18:38-40 ESV

38 Sinabi sa kanya ni Pilato, “Ano ang katotohanan?” At nang masabi niya ito ay lumabas siyang muli sa mga Judio at sa kanila'y sinabi, “Wala akong makitang anumang kasalanan sa kanya. 39 Ngunit kayo'y may kaugalian na maaari kong pakawalan ang isang tao para sa inyo sa Paskuwa. Gusto ba ninyong pakawalan ko para sa inyo ang Hari ng mga Judio?” 40 Sila'y sumigaw na muli, “Hindi ang taong ito, kundi si Barabas.” Si Barabas ay isang tulisan.

BARRABAS BECAME FREE

Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor had found Jesus innocent of anything worthy of death (Luke 23:15). He knew that Jesus was being railroaded. It was “out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him” (Mark 15:10) Thus, he looked for a way to release Jesus and pacify them.

Pilate, then, offered the fenzy mob a choice, that is, either to release of Jesus or Barabbas. Barrabas was a notorious criminal who had been imprisoned “for an insurrection in the city, and for murder” (Luke 23:19). The release of a Jewish prisoner was customary among the Jews at the onset of the feast of Passover (Mark 15:6)

The crowd chose Barabbas overwhelmingly.

The disparity of the choice between Jesus and Barrabas could not have been more clear-cut. A high-profile rebel and killer who was unquestionably guilty or a teacher and miracle-worker who like a lamb has no guile. Pilate was stunned that the crowd insisted on Barrabas be released, not Jesus. He appealed to the frenzy crowd three times to choose sensibly but of no avail.

Barrabas became free. What happened to Barrabas after his release, nobody knows for certain. Interestingly, some manuscripts of Matthew 27:16–17, Barabbas is referred to as “Jesus Barabbas” (meaning “Jesus, son of Abba [Father]” This is not conclusive though.

The story of Barabbas and his release from condemnation is a fitting parallel to the story of every believer. Everyone of us stands guilty before God and is deserving of death (Rom 3:23; 6:23a). But in an inexplanable turn of events, Jesus was chosen to die in our stead. He, the Innocent One, bore the crucifixion we rightly deserved. We, like Barabbas, were released free with no condemnation (Rom 8:1). And Jesus “suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18).

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John 18:33-38 ESV

33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

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33 Si Pilato ay muling pumasok sa palasyo ng gobernador, at tinawag si Jesus, at sinabi sa kanya, “Ikaw ba ang Hari ng mga Judio?” 34 Sumagot si Jesus, “Sinasabi mo ba ito mula sa iyong sarili, o may ibang nagsabi sa iyo tungkol sa akin?” 35 Si Pilato ay sumagot, “Ako ba'y Judio? Ang iyong sariling bansa at ang mga punong pari ang nagdala sa iyo sa akin. Ano bang ginawa mo?” 36 Sumagot si Jesus, “Ang kaharian ko ay hindi mula sa sanlibutang ito. Kung ang kaharian ko ay mula sa sanlibutang ito, ang aking mga tauhan ay makikipaglaban sana upang ako'y huwag maibigay sa mga Judio; ngunit ang aking kaharian ay hindi mula rito.” 37 Sinabi sa kanya ni Pilato, “Kung gayon, ikaw ay hari?” Sumagot si Jesus, “Ikaw ang nagsasabing ako'y hari. Ako'y ipinanganak dahil dito, at dahil dito ay pumarito ako sa sanlibutan, upang magpatotoo sa katotohanan. Ang bawat isang panig sa katotohanan ay nakikinig sa aking tinig.” 38 Sinabi sa kanya ni Pilato, “Ano ang katotohanan?”

YOU SAY THAT I AM A KING

Pilate summoned Jesus to be brought inside his palace for interrogation. Pilate already knows something about Jesus, thanks to His extremely public reception a few days earlier[see John 12:12-19] Unless there was clear evidence, he won’t allow the scribes' and Pharisees' dirty work for them. He knew for certain that this was a personal vendetta against Jesus (see Mat 27:18; Mark 15:10).

As Jesus referred about a "kingdom" (see John 18:36), Pilate asked Him a clarifying question, “Are you the King of the Jews?” In the real sense, Pilate was not interested in discussing Jesus as the "king" of the Jews—as a result of his own concerns. He was responding to what others are claiming about Jesus. In response, Jesus had proven his motive of asking, by answering with a question. That is, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?”

Pilate was given a chance to know Jesus as the king, Should his inquiry was sincere, he must have discovered Jesus’ claim. Jesus presented to him that He is a king, not in a political realm but in the spiritual. Jesus was born for this purpose. However, he was a political figure whose mind and heart are gripped with the pursue of power and influence.

He looked down at Jesus. With a bit of sarcasm, he asked, “So you are a king?”, which Jesus qualified. He answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Yet, his pride prevailed not to believe Jesus. He asked, “What is truth?” For him, truth is relative, and in this case, it’s in his power and disposition.

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John 18:28-32 ESV

28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” 32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

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28 Pagkatapos ay dinala nila si Jesus mula kay Caifas hanggang sa palasyo ng gobernador. Noon ay maaga pa at sila'y hindi pumasok sa punong-himpilan, upang hindi marumihan, at upang sila'y makakain ng kordero ng paskuwa. 29 Kaya't lumabas si Pilato at sinabi sa kanila, “Anong paratang ang dala ninyo laban sa taong ito?” 30 Sila'y sumagot at sinabi sa kanya, “Kung ang taong ito'y hindi gumawa ng masama, ay hindi sana namin dinala sa iyo.” 31 Sinabi ni Pilato sa kanila, “Kunin ninyo siya, at siya'y inyong hatulan ayon sa inyong batas.” Sinabi ng mga Judio sa kanya, “Hindi kami pinahihintulutan na ipapatay ang sinumang tao.” 32 Ito ay upang matupad ang salitang sinabi ni Jesus, nang kanyang ipahiwatig kung sa anong paraan ng kamatayan siya mamamatay.

PREJUDGED

From Caiphas, they immediately brought Jesus early that morning to the governor’s headquarters where Pilate resided. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. It’s a ridiculous thought, isn’t it? They felt uneasy to defile themselves for the Passover feast but was not concerned about their unfair treatment to Jesus.

Pilate asked them why they brought Jesus unto him. And from the way they answered, Jesus was already condemned. They said, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” That they, not Pilate, are the legitimate judges was clearly implied. They would not have stooped down toward consulting with a Gentile governor should it was possible. But, under Roman law, there was no other choice.

Pilate wanted them to handle the case according to their religious law. His dismissive response corresponds with what he already perceived. That was, Jesus was being targeted out of jealousy, not for an actual crime (Mat 27:18). Jesus' enemies were clear - to paint Him as an insurrectionist (Luke 23:2) and actively rebelling against Roman rule (John 19:12–15). This would allow them to not only eliminate Jesus, but to deflect any resulting anger towards the Roman occupiers, instead of themselves.

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John 18:19-24 ESV

19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

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19 Tinanong ng pinakapunong pari si Jesus tungkol sa kanyang mga alagad at sa kanyang itinuturo. 20 Sinagot siya ni Jesus, “Ako'y hayagang nagsalita sa sanlibutan. Ako'y laging nagtuturo sa mga sinagoga at sa templo, na pinagtitipunan ng lahat ng mga Judio, at wala akong sinabi sa lihim. 21 Bakit ako'y iyong tinatanong? Tanungin mo silang nakarinig sa akin, kung anong sinabi ko sa kanila. Ang mga ito ang nakakaalam ng mga bagay na sinabi ko.” 22 At nang kanyang masabi ito ay sinampal si Jesus ng isa sa mga punong-kawal na nakatayo roon, na nagsasabi, “Ganyan ka bang sumagot sa pinakapunong pari?” 23 Sinagot siya ni Jesus, “Kung ako'y nagsalita ng masama, patunayan mo ang kasamaan, subalit kung mabuti, bakit mo ako sinasampal?” 24 Pagkatapos ay ipinadala siyang nakagapos ni Anas kay Caifas na pinakapunong pari.

WHY DO YOU ASK ME?

Immediately, the high priest had subjected Jesus for questioning about his followers and teachings. Jesus answered by stating the obvious. He had taught openly and repeatedly in public so that they must had known His claims and teachings by now. That, He claimed as the Messiah coming from the Father was a public knowledge.

And in a candid manner, He asked, “Why do you ask me?

Jesus knew Caiphas’ heart certainly. It was a question for him to ponder in his heart. Was he interested to learn and consider believing His claims? Or, was he asking to trap Jesus in order to justify His unjust arrest? The latter seemed plausible.

And in an authoritative fashion, Jesus challenged him to ask those who heard Him teach. Jesus did not cover or waver from any of His claims. Instead, he affirmed that the people had known and perceived clearly about Him and His teachings. His words and deeds had evidently supported His claims.

For this, one soldier slapped Him, accusing Him fof being disrespectful. Jesus allowed Himself to be slapped but never slapped in return. [1 Pet 2:21] instead, He reminded him of his unreasonableness. Should He has spoken either wrong or right in a court of reason, an act of violence is uncalled for, if not, beastly in nature. This kind of act is not a surprise to be done by people who are full of hatred in their hearts.

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John 18:15-18,25-27 ESV

15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

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15 Sumunod si Simon Pedro kay Jesus, at gayundin ang isa pang alagad. Sapagkat ang alagad na iyon ay kilala ng pinakapunong pari, siya ay pumasok na kasama ni Jesus sa patyo ng pinakapunong pari. 16 Samantala, si Pedro ay nakatayo sa pintuan sa labas. Kaya't ang alagad na kilala ng pinakapunong pari ay lumabas at kinausap ang babaing tanod sa pinto, at ipinasok si Pedro. 17 Sinabi kay Pedro ng babaing tanod sa pinto, “Hindi ba ikaw ay isa sa mga alagad ng taong ito?” Sinabi niya, “Hindi.” 18 Ang mga alipin at ang mga punong-kawal ay nagpapaningas ng siga sapagkat maginaw. Sila'y nakatayo roon at nagpapainit. Si Pedro ay kasama rin nila na nakatayo at nagpapainit.

25 Nakatayo si Pedro na nagpapainit ng sarili. Sinabi nila sa kanya, “Hindi ba ikaw ay isa rin sa kanyang mga alagad?” Ikinaila niya ito at sinabi, “Hindi.” 26 Sinabi ng isa sa mga alipin ng pinakapunong pari, na kamag-anak ng tinagpasan ni Pedro ng tainga, “Hindi ba ikaw ang nakita kong kasama niya sa halamanan?” 27 Muling nagkaila si Pedro at kaagad tumilaok ang isang manok.

WHEN PETER DENIED JESUS

We admire Peter’s bravery by lashing out with a sword one of the soldiers who arrested Jesus (V.10). Fortunately for him, Jesus had requested the soldiers to let them go unhurt (see v.6–9). And Jesus was right that the disciples will be on the hiding after His arrest (Mat 26:56).

Peter's claim of willingness to die for Christ made a dramatic turn (John 13:37). Again, we should give credit for his bravery, at least, he attempted to fight back when Jesus was under arrest (v.10) and secretly followed along to see what would happen to his Master (Mat 26:58). However, under a real threat, and without Christ by his side, Peter gave in to fear. He lied and claimed he was not a follower of Christ. Nothing can be farther from the truth. This was what Jesus had predicted would happen and he was aware of it (John 13:38]. And, Peter would deny Jesus two more times to make this denial an outright slap to his presumptousness (see. v. 25–27). . . 25–27).

What unfolded next was interesting, in that the servant girl had questioned Peter about his relationship to Jesus, but did not seem to do so with John (see.v.17). Scholars had suggested that Peter might have had a distinctive accent which suggested he was from Galilee (Mat 26:73), making the gatekeeper suspicious. She was at least curious enough to ask. And, Peter's response to know not Jesus had become one of the heartbreaking and infamous denial in history.

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John 18:12-14

12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

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12 Kaya't dinakip at iginapos si Jesus ng mga kawal at ng kanilang kapitan, at ng mga punong-kawal ng mga Judio.13 Siya'y dinala muna kay Anas, sapagkat siya'y biyenan ni Caifas, na pinakapunong pari nang panahong iyon.14 Si Caifas ang siyang nagpayo sa mga Judio na dapat na ang isang tao'y mamatay alang-alang sa bayan.

ONE MAN SHOULD DIE

A "band of soldiers", who are of the Roman military, had been searching for Jesus until they arrived in a secluded garden (v.1–3) Judas, who was the betrayer of Jesus, led them there (see John 11:57; 13:2–3; Mat 26:14–16; Luke 22:47–48). Jesus did not run or struggle when He was arrested despite showing divine power (v.4–9) and Peter's demonstrated willingness to fight (v.10–11)

Christ was not interested in physical altercation. His is a cosmic battle, not man’s battle. This is the purpose for which He was born (v.37). He was so determined to fulfill His Father’s plan. As Matthew recorded, “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”[Matt 16:21]

The hardships were overruled by His deep commitment to obey His Father. Should we are committed, we would count the cost in following Jesus. We don’t ask that the journey be smooth and easy, do we? Haven’t Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”? [Luke 9;23,24]

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John 18:10-11 ESV

10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

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10 Pagkatapos, si Simon Pedro na may tabak ay hinugot ito, at tinaga ang alipin ng pinakapunong pari, at tinagpas ang kanyang kanang tainga. Ang pangalan ng alipin ay Malco.11 Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus kay Pedro, “Ibalik mo ang iyong tabak sa kaluban. Hindi ko ba iinuman ang kopang ibinigay sa akin ng Ama?”

SHALL I NOT DRINK THE CUP FROM MY FATHER?

Peter did not waste time to protect Jesus. Having had a sword himself meant he prepared for this. With his quick hand, he stabbed the high priest’s servant, Malchus, cutting off his ear. Previously, he expressed he won’t abandon Jesus. Definitely, He did not take Jesus prophecy that he would fail Him.

We can appreciate the bravado of Peter. Sadly, his grand intention and act revealed his utter weakness – his impulsiveness in the flesh. The flesh won’t please God absolutely. Unbeknownst to him, his protective act was in contrary a cooperation with the devil’s way of hindering Jesus to fulfill God’s will. Thus, Jesus said, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

At one time, Matthew shed light in his writing about Peter’s impulsiveness when jesus mentioned about his impending death. He writes, “And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Jesus must drink ‘the cup the Father has prepared for Him”. The cup symbolized the suffering He is going to undergo until He dies. From His own mouth, Jesus has said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”[John 4:34] What matters to Jesus is doing the will of God, nothing less, nothing else. There is no reason for us to be different. We are dispensable for God’s glory, are we not? As Paul said, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”[Gal 6:14]

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John 18:4-9

4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”

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4 Si Jesus na nakakaalam ng lahat ng mga bagay na mangyayari sa kanya ay lumabas, at sa kanila'y sinabi, “Sino ang inyong hinahanap?” 5 Sumagot sila, “Si Jesus na taga-Nazaret.” Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, “Ako nga iyon.” Si Judas na nagkanulo sa kanya ay nakatayong kasama nila. 6 Nang sabihin ni Jesus sa kanila, “Ako nga,” umurong sila at bumagsak sa lupa. 7 Kaya't muli niyang tinanong sila, “Sino ang inyong hinahanap?” At sinabi nila, “Si Jesus na taga-Nazaret.” 8 Sumagot si Jesus, “Sinabi ko sa inyo na, ‘Ako nga’. Kung ako ang inyong hinahanap, hayaan ninyong makaalis ang mga taong ito.” 9 Ito ay upang matupad ang salitang sinabi niya, “Sa mga ibinigay mo sa akin ay wala akong iwinala kahit isa.”

WHOM DO YOU SEEK?

Judas with the Roman soldiers came to the garden with lanterns and torches. They were seeking Jesus for the wrong reasons – to arrest Him illegaly. Yet, it was permitted by God.

With Judas help, they planned and executed the arrest. Yet, Jesus knew exactly this would happen. Definitely, His foreknowledge to His suffering did not deter Him. He presented Himself by asking, “Whom do you seek?” This was the will of the Father for Him.

As Jesus revealed Himself, all of His captors fell to the ground. By this, His power and authority were felt certainly. They won’t be able to arrest Him should He did not allow them to do so. This is one of the paradoxical moments in Jesus’ life of submission and obedience. The Creator became subject to the creature. Since Jesus has humbled Himself, we have no reason whatsoever to be haughty, have we? As Paul said, “ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”[Phil 2:5]

And, for His love, He asked his captors to let His disciples go unscathed. He has told them earlier that He would suffer alone for they are going to be scattered. Peter did not agree, though. He knew they would fail Him, including Peter, yet He loved them to the uttermost. His commitment to them was not dependent on their faithfulness, for they would fail. Even He prayed for them for the Father to keep them from the evil one. In fact, His love isn’t conditioned by man’s attractiveness, for he is not but a sinner[see Rom 5:8].

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John 18:1-3

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

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Nang masabi ni Jesus ang mga salitang ito, siya'y umalis na kasama ng kanyang mga alagad na tumawid sa libis ng Cedron, patungo sa isang pook na may isang halamanan, na pinasok niya at ng kanyang mga alagad. 2 Alam din ni Judas, na sa kanya'y nagkanulo, ang lugar sapagkat madalas na si Jesus ay nakikipagtipon doon kasama ng kanyang mga alagad. 3 Kaya't si Judas ay nagdala ng pulutong ng mga kawal at ng mga punong-kawal mula sa mga punong pari at mga Fariseo, at pumunta roon na may mga ilawan, mga sulo, at mga sandata.

IN THE GARDEN

After their supper, Jesus and His disciples except Judas went to the garden. It is a place thought to be situated at the base of the Mount of Olives beyond the Kidron Valley. Because of its reference to an oil press on a mountain ridge covered in olive trees, it is assumed to be a small garden, plot of ground or enclosure tucked away and relatively private.

What is the significance of this place?

Jesus often met there with his disciples. This was the reason why Judas knew where to bring the Roman soldiers later in order to find them. Thus, this became the last place the disciples would spend with their master before His arrest and death. They would see Jesus as a freeman for the last time. He would be arrested and subsequently would undergo unfair trials.

However, this place must be remembered by the disciples. A rendezvous with the King of kings and the Lord of lords. During the tail end of Jesus ministry, he evaded the crowd in order to be with his disciples most of the time. Their most intimate moments with the master.

Today, let’s find a ‘garden where we can spend time with our Savior’ Not necessarily a garden but a secluded place where we can have a meaningful time with our Savior. Such moments had inspired Anne Murray to write “In the garden” hymn in the past;

“I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses

He speaks and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing

I stayed in the garden with Him

Though the night all around me is falling

But He bids me go, through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling

And He walks with me

And He talks with me

And He tells me I am His own

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known

None other has ever known

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John 17:24-26 ESV

24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

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24 Ama, nais kong ang mga ibinigay mo sa akin ay makasama ko kung saan ako naroroon, upang makita nila ang kaluwalhatiang ibinigay mo sa akin, sapagkat akoa'y iyong minahal bago pa natatag ang sanlibutan.25 O Makatarungang Ama, hindi ka nakikilala ng sanlibutan, ngunit nakikilala kita, at nakikilala ng mga ito na ikaw ang nagsugo sa akin.26 Ipinakilala ko sa kanila ang pangalan mo, at aking ipapakilala, upang ang pag-ibig mo sa akin ay mapasakanila, at ako'y sa kanila.”

THAT THEY WILL BE WITH ME

As Jesus winds up His prayer here, He repeats several earlier points made in this High Priestly Prayer. He also echoes these promises and statements He made to the disciples earlier in that same evening. That is, these saved believers have an eternal destiny "with" Christ, and that Jesus is an uncreated, eternal, divine part of the Trinity.

Previously, Jesus said His followers knew "the way," to this destination though they did not know the actual "where" to which they were going. Thus, He made the famous claim, that is, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Let’s not forget that faith in Christ, not personal effort or knowledge, is what saves us (Titus 3:5; John 3:16–18). Here, as He ends His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus reiterates this promise. Those who place their trust in Jesus are guaranteed both eternal life (John 10:28) and, eventually, a total transformation (1 Cor 15:50–55; 1 John 3:2). Eventually, they would be with Him forever someday.

However, it impossible for non-believers to understand truth for it is spiritually discerned (1 Cor2:14). They can not "see" or understand God, which prompts Christians to shine God's truth to the darkened world (1 Pet 2:12) While others become violent (John 16:1–4), others will properly respond by coming to faith (1 Cor 6:9–11; Titus 3:5; 1 Tim 1:16). Those who truly follow Christ are not perfect, but they hold on and accept that He is who He claims to be (John 17:6–8).

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