Jesus in John's Gospel
Monday, April 15 John 18:1-18
“Jesus is arrested”
Jesusmoves into the events of his betrayal, arrest, trial, crucifixion and deathwith a calm courage, even anticipation. This is why he has come. Jesus isthe central actor, the prime mover, throughout these events, not Judas or Annasor Caiaphas or Pilate, although their judgments and actions may seem todetermine what takes place. It is Jesuswho “went out” with his disciples, and “went forward” to meet his enemies whenthey came, and asked that they let his disciples “go their way” and not arrestthem.
Peter follows the arrested Jesus, as does “another disciple.” The intimate details which tell us how Petergot into the courtyard from the outside indicate that John was that otherdisciple, but he does not mention his name. The servant girl at the door asks Peter, who a few minutes before wasswinging his sword in defense of Jesus, if he is not one of Jesus’disciples. Peter’s response of denial,“I am not,” is a contrast to Jesus’ identification of himself as “I am he” whenthey come to arrest him.
For my sake, Jesus, you allowed yourself tobe taken by evil men. Amen.
Tuesday, April 16 John 18:19-40
“Jesus is put ontrial”
Annas,who is here referred to as a “high priest” because he held the office in thepast, asks Jesus about his disciples and his teachings. He must be wondering if Jesus has beenfomenting revolution. In response, Jesusdeclares that none of his teachings have been secret or hidden. We sense Jesus’ strong authority comingthrough in his answer. Those who heardhim could testify that he shared the truth openly. Annas sends Jesus to Caiaphas, who in turnsends him to Pilate. Meanwhile, we aretold that Peter is given two more chances to confess that he is one of Jesus’disciples, but each time he denies it.
Jesus, the lowly Galilean, is brought face to face with Pilate, thepowerful Roman Governor. As thecertainty of Jesus’ innocence becomes increasingly clear to Pilate, the strugglein his soul intensifies. One can feelthe vacillation and uncertainty in Pilate as he moves back and forth, in andout, from the quiet probing conversation with Jesus to the angry politicalpressure of the Jews who are demanding the death of the man he is questioning.
Not even death, Jesus, can conquer yourtruth. Amen.
Wednesday, April 17 John 19:1-16
“Jesus is sentenced”
Pilate subjects Jesus to the physical cruelty and sarcastic taunts ofhis soldiers, thinking this may satisfy the accusers. While the scourging and the twisted crown ofthorns, the purple robe and the shouts of derision are all a mockery of Jesus’kingship, yet at a deeper level, the kingdom level, he is being proclaimedKing. It is part of John’s inspiredgenius that he makes it clear here that this humiliation in Pilate’s court isJesus’ hour of glory. He is a Kingsuffering for the salvation of his people.
AsPilate genuinely tries to save Jesus from execution one way or another, thepressure of the scribes and chief priests for Jesus’ blood keeps building untilfinally he succumbs to their threats and delivers Jesus to them to becrucified. Pilate does not have theinner resources to withstand his own anxious desire to stay in the good gracesof Caesar. And the Jews, who had notaccepted Jesus as Savior when he came teaching and healing, now accept him asthe one to be killed.
You, Jesus, are myKing, and no human ridicule can change that. Amen.
Thursday, April 18 John 19:17-27
“Jesus is crucified”
Every criminalwas identified by a placard over his head on the cross listing the crimes forwhich he was being executed. How ironicthat the governor, a pagan, should proclaim the kingship of Jesus to the manyJews who passed. Jesus was a King souniversal that it was announced in the three major languages of that day. This is surely a sign that this “grain ofwheat” which was falling into the ground would “bear much fruit.” And what Pilate had written he refused tochange in spite of the protests of the chief priests. In a strange way, Pilate has had the lastsay.
As there werefour unbelieving soldiers at the cross, so there were four believing womenstanding by with fear and sorrow. Thesefriends did not leave in Jesus’ hour of desolation. Surely strength and comfort were shared withJesus in this act of faithful companionship. Jesus now reaches out in his hour of death and cares for his mother asshe cared for him in his boyhood years. It is to John the disciple that he gives the responsibility for her wellbeing.
You have given usone another, Jesus, that we may care for each other. Amen.
Friday, April 19 John 19:28-42
“Jesus dies and isburied”
Here is theheart of the Gospel. Jesus has completedall the work his Father has given him. He has left nothing undone. Andevery detail of his ministry has been the fulfillment of Scripture, even hiscry of thirst. Jesus’ last words, “It isfinished!” is a cry of victory. He isreally in charge, and he willingly accepts death because it is the completionof God’s plan. It was the Roman customto leave the bodies of the crucified victims on the cross as a warning toothers. But according to Jewish law, adead body was not to remain “overnight on the tree, but you shall surely buryhim that day, so that you do not defile the land” (Deuteronomy 21:22-23).
Two discipleswho have been “secret believers,” “closet disciples,” come forward and publiclyask Pilate for the body of Jesus. Inspired by Jesus’ sacrifice, they openly confess they are hisfollowers. Having been among thoserulers who “believed in him, but because of the Pharisees . . . did not confesshim” (John 12:42), now, after a long time of silence and fear, they comeforward to announce their allegiance.
As did Joseph and Nicodemus, Jesus, may Itake a stand for you. Amen.
Saturday, April 20 John 20:1-18
“Jesus is risen”
WhenMary sees the open tomb she assumes the body is gone. She runs to share this disturbing news withPeter and John, who take off running for the tomb to find out what might havehappened. The empty tomb and the foldedgrave clothes are quiet evidence that Jesus is alive. And they believe. After the two disciples leave, Mary remainsat the tomb. Having seen two angels inthe tomb, she turns to see a man she mistakes for the gardener. Then the risen Christ speaks her name, andshe knows his voice.
Theresurrection of Jesus is not a spectacular event with crashing cymbals andblaring trumpets. No, the discovery thathe is alive is like the quiet dawning of a new day heralding the defeat of thenight. The risen Christ meets hisfriends personally and intimately at unexpected times and places, overcomingtheir grief and doubt. They are filledwith joy and peace as they move from sight to faith. It is Mary Magdalene who first comes to thetomb. She had sinned much and Jesus haddone for her what no one else could do. He had forgiven and cleansed her.
Iknow you are alive, Jesus, for I have heard you call my name. Amen.