Thanks so much for joining us for our reflections on the Gospel of John!  Today is Day 40.  You can contact us at our website, markandkatiemartinez.com.

A Reflection on John 18:1-11

“Shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?” (v 11)

It is quiet in the garden. Peaceful. This is a place that is familiar to the apostles. They have come here often with the Lord. They know this is a favorite spot for him to pray, for them to rest. So, they recline, and listen to the soft sound of the breeze rustling the trees, with no suspicion of what will happen next. It is so serene that they are lulled to sleep.

The noise of the soldiers disturbs their rest. They open their eyes to see their torches approaching. What is a band of soldiers doing out here? Their hearts beat faster as it becomes clear that the mob is coming to the garden, to them, and they see Jesus taking steps to approach them.

Jesus places Himself between the apostles and the soldiers. He stands as a wall of protection between them, taking on the hostility, as He will soon take the world’s punishment upon Himself.

“If you seek me, let these men go,” He insists. As the Lord speaks, they can feel the hostility rising in those surrounding them. Peter, with a surge of anger, pulls his sword and strikes. He is ready for this fight; he has been ready for a long time. But Jesus holds up his hand and rebukes him. The Lord is not going to put up a fight. He is going to go with them. He will drink the cup which the Father has given Him, the cup of punishment meant for us that He has accepted in our place.

“Thus says the Lord: … ‘Behold, I have taken from your hand the cup of staggering; the bowl of my wrath you shall drink no more.’” (Isaiah 51:22)

Prayer: My Jesus, as I stand here in the garden, witnessing all that is happening, I am struck with so many conflicting emotions: confusion and amazement, fear and anger. I am in awe that You can face Your enemies so steadfastly, and even more so that it is Your Love for me that leads You to do so. You have taken the cup out of my hands, and have taken my punishment upon Yourself. Jesus, I am not worthy, but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.

Scripture quotations are from The Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright ©1965, 1966 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved worldwide.