The Protection of Jesus -1/14/2024

We ended John 17, which is Jesus' longest recorded prayer. Jesus prayed a faith-filled prayer as He prayed for Himself (17:1-5). He spoke as if He had already been resurrected. As He prayed for the disciples (17:6-19), He spoke as if they had already become the men they would become after Pentecost. As He prayed for future believers (17:20-26), He spoke as if the Church was already operating in unity, His glory, and love.

As we enter chapter 18, Jesus has finished His prayer and walks to the garden with His disciples. This night, recorded over several chapters (John 13-19) up to this point, was full of conspiracy, betrayal, and conspiring, but now we are entering the Passion story as told by John. The story begins in a garden across the Kidron Valley, where Jesus is arrested.

In this scene, we will see the deity of Jesus and the protection and redemption He provides for all He intends to die for, first His disciples and the very people who have come to arrest Him. When the enemy comes against us, the authority, love, and protection of Jesus will always be near to bring His redemption.