Jesus is Essential
John 18:12–14: Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
The religious rulers were the ones who had plotted all this. Because they were afraid of the people, our Lord went outside the city to give them the opportunity they needed to arrest Him. He is going forward in His dignity and in His glory. They took Him and bound Him—which wasn’t necessary. He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
He is the sheep before the shearers; He will not offer any resistance. I believe John puts this in here to show us that it had already been predetermined that the Lord Jesus was to die. They had already decided that. Old Annas knew how to forge a charge against Jesus to get the death penalty from the Roman authorities. The whole trial was nothing but a mockery. 1
Walking with Jesus
Despite how miserable Christians are being treated in the world, take courage because God is in control. Do not panic. Believe in His word and not in your perspective. He is faithful to deliver you from defeat and lead you in victory.
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14
It is so much better to pray about your future before plotting about it.
Praying
Lord, lead me today into Your holy will for my life. May I trust You more, and depend upon Your grace for the things I do not understand.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (John 11-21) (electronic ed., Vol. 39). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
