April 2, 2021
John 18:1-11, “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
Today is Good Friday, and so we look at a large section of text right after the Upper Room Discourse detailing how Christ was led to the cross. The official end to Lent was yesterday, but it’s good to think through Good Friday as well. Let’s go to the end of this section - Jesus rebukes Peter for his zealous action in cutting the ear of Malchus. Jesus knows that it has to happen this way and all attempts to stop it are futile and contrary to God’s will. Jesus says, “shall I not drink the cup?” The cup of course, is the cup of God’s wrath. The imagery of this cup is frequent in the Old Testament, like here in Psalm 75:8 -
For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup
with foaming wine, well mixed,
and he pours out from it,
and all the wicked of the earth
shall drain it down to the dregs.
Jesus is making the startling claim that he himself will actually drink this cup, a cup of wrath intended for all the “wicked of the earth.” There is no room here for a conclusion that Jesus died by accident, or simply as a result of unjust people taking down a threatening rival leader; this God’s plan (Is. 53:10). This is why we call Good Friday “good.” Despite is somber tone and appropriate grief, Good Friday is the day on which our salvation is made possible - and that is very good. We can be like Peter and try to find rescue from any other means, or we can rest in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
Prayer: On this Good Friday, Lord, help me to feel the weight of salvation purchased for me on the cross. Let me find this right balance of rest in you and also horror at the thought of my sin putting you, Jesus, on that cross. I give you great thanks for giving your life for mine, showing me your mercy and then also your grace, as we inherit all that you have - based on not goodness in me, but the life of Christ at work in my heart. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
40 Days of Joy: It’s not a joyful piece, but it’s Good Friday after all. Barber’s Adagio is a masterwork of quiet and reflection. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3MHeNt6Yjs
