Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus - John 18:1-11

READ JOHN 18:1-11

Jesus, you are the lamb of God. Your love for the sinner meant that you needed to give yourself to those who would butcher you. This is so horrendous, and I don’t want to face the reality of my sin. I see myself in the soldier’s place. Not able to see clearly and not caring; ruled by cultural mandates. I’m sorry. Thank you for giving yourself so that I could know you. Please open my soul to the real nature of your death for me. Amen

I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it. - Psalm 39:9

These men had often at other times sent to seize him but had not been able. And so it is plain that this time Jesus voluntarily surrendered. – Chrysostom

Jesus had to help his killers kill him. He had to make sure all would go according to plan. He was not simply a victim here; he made sure the slaughter would happen.