So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified. They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, carrying His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which in Hebrew is called, Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. John 19:16-18
Has it ever occurred to you how willing Jesus was to go to the cross? Every indication in Scripture shows us that Christ was willing to die on the cross for our sins. This is so remarkable because He was God and had the power to resist the forces that were falsely accusing him, yet he didn’t.
John’s account of Christ’s betrayal by Judas is one of the most moving. In John 18:3-6, it says, “So Judas, having obtained the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, *came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, came out into the open and *said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He *said to them, “I am He.” And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them. Now then, when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.”
In this passage, John describes this crowd of soldiers, religious zealots, and leaders all coming like a scene out of a wild west movie with torches and pitchforks ready to string Jesus up! Notice what Jesus does… He goes out to meet them! He doesn’t run and hide. This is part of the plan of God, and our Savior is ready.
Another thing we see is John records something that the other Gospel writers don’t. When Jesus answered them with, “I am He,” the people that came for Jesus drew back and fell to the ground! The picture is that they all fell down. Here they thought they were the mob and had control of the situation.
It would appear that Christ was reminding them who was really in control. It is another proof that He was willing to die for us! Not because He was scared of them. Not because they had all the power and might in the situation. He went because He was willing!
What this tells me is that our Savior knew the agony He would endure. He knew the accusations and treachery. He knew the blood that would flow from the wounds He endured. All of this for us! Willingly for us! If you have had struggles with believing, God values you or believing He Loves you.
His willingness to die for you should be the answer; we need to trust and believe Him.
This Resurrection Sunday, I would encourage all of us to receive the awe-inspiring thought that Christ went willingly to the Cross because of His love for you and me.
In awe of my willing Savior,
Pastor Mike