- 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. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. John 18:1-2 – Our enemy knows the places we go to find our fill. The relationships we lean on for help, the activities we do to get our mind off of things, and the places of stillness we go to. Our enemy knows about them. See he wants to keep us running on empty because on empty its very hard for us to pour out on others the joy and love we’re called to. So be aware that he is going to seek to disrupt those relationships you have with people that help you. Be aware he is going to try to find ways to weave sin into the activities that bring you rest. Know he wants you empty and will do all he can to keep you empty. Fight then for the health of those relationships and the purity of those activities. Don’t allow the things that fill you become drains just because the enemy has his way with them. Keep them holy so they can remain places you go to find your fill. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1410
- When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. John 18:6 – Context of our verse is Jesus has just left the dinner space with the disciples that we’ve been studying about the last few days and is now in the garden praying. Judas, with a band of solider and officers, arrives at the garden in search for Jesus. After announcing they are looking for Jesus, we find our verse above. Jesus powerfully answers them like He has a few times in then book, and answers them like the Father told Moses to declare His name…I am. From Bibleref, it says this about our verse, “This overt demonstration of power is the last fully active deed in His earthly ministry. From this point forward, Jesus will submit to His own fallible creations as they condemn and murder Him.” As we read the rest of this chapter, and into the following chapters about Jesus’ beating and crucifixion, allow yourself to remember the power demonstrated in this moment. A band of soldiers, armed with weapons and torches, fell to the ground in terror at simply the announcing of His name. So when we read and see what happened to Him, remember He had the power still and He had the power to shut things down if that’s what He chose to do. He didn’t choose though to shut down all the brutality that came His way, and do you know why? Us. While standing before the soldiers, officials, the high priest, and Pilate, what He saw was us and He saw the Father. Praise Jesus that He was willing to go through all He did for our sake and willingly humbled Himself so we could be raised to new life. What a mighty God we serve! I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2768
Daily DEVO 