Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Numbers 8-10
     New Testament Reading: John 18

Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to him, went out and said to them, “Who is it that you’re seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “I am He,” Jesus told them (John 18:4-5).

Human history began in a garden, and the first sin was committed there. The first Adam disobeyed God and was cast out of the garden. The last Adam, Jesus (1 Cor 15:45) was obedient as He went to the garden of Gethsemane. In a garden, the first Adam brought sin and death to humanity, but Jesus, by His obedience in the garden, brought redemption and life to all who will trust Him. He was obedient to the point of death – even to death on a cross (Phil 2:8).

With torches and lanterns, the soldiers searched for the Light of the World. And the Light just stands there shining in the darkness. But those standing in the darkness did not even recognize Him.

The soldiers with their swords ready were expecting a fight. Judas, expecting a deception, arranged to identify Jesus with a kiss. But Jesus stunned them both by boldly presenting Himself to them. Jesus knew exactly what was about to happen. He was in full control, for He had nothing to fear and nothing to hide.

As the omniscient Son of God, Jesus knew the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain and suffering that awaited Him. But He didn’t avoid it. He accepted that God’s will for Him included pain, struggle, and loneliness. Jesus confidently walked forward toward His death, entrusting Himself to His Father.

As Christians, sometimes suffering and pain enter our lives. When it does, we need to look to Jesus for our example, knowing that God’s perfect will for us often includes agony. And more than that, God’s goal for our spiritual maturity demands that we face trials (James 1: 2-4).

At times, the deepest pain, the most hurtful sorrow, comes from when we do right, but our words and actions are misunderstood. They are twisted and turned against us. Often by people we least expect to do so. With every step from the garden, through the trials, and to the cross, Jesus left us an example of how to bear up while suffering unjustly.

For what credit is there if when you do wrong and are beaten, you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God. For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly (1 Peter 2:20-23).

Christianity is a narrow road with many twists and turns. When trials come, as they often will, we need to walk strong with Jesus as our example and continue in prayer, God’s Word, and the encouragement of other Believers.