John 18:1-11 – It is striking to note that Jesus voluntarily surrendered to the will of the Father. It must have been extremely hard in the flesh, and knowing what was ahead on the cross, dying for our sins, separation from the Father, etc., it must have been very hard to pray that prayer in the Garden, “Not my will but thine be done.”
Now we find the truth revealed in chapter 10 a reality – No man taketh (my life) but I lay it down of myself.” Between the time Judas left the Upper Room and this heinous act of betrayal, about two hours passed. This would have been plenty of time for Jesus to quietly slip away across the Jordan into the wilderness. Doing so would mean Judas would be in a predicament having promised to deliver Jesus. The priests would have no doubt exacted vengeance upon this man. Slipping away would mean that Jesus could save his life.
No, that was not possible. That was not the plan of God. In order for us to be saved, in order for sins to be taken away, Jesus must die upon that cross. God’s wrath must be satisfied. That verse in Isaiah comes to light – Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Thank God, Jesus, God’s son, fulfilled the perfect will of God. In doing so, we have been set free.
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