John 18:1-19

1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)                 
6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”

   “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.

15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
17 “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.”
18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm.
Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

The High Priest Questions Jesus

19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

Embrace the Light

Spend a few moments in silence quieting your soul to receive from the Lord.  Ask God to help you find your place in the biblical story through a word or phrase that “jumps out at you.”

Prayer:

You created the twenty-four hour rhythm of life.
       Day and night; light and darkness.
             I want to embrace your light.
                   Not the light from worldly torches or lanterns,
                        seeking its own plan of manipulation in the shadows,
                               but the light that comes from your countenance –
                                      brighter than any new morning.

I will cling to the light of your word
      which is continuously being fulfilled,
            “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
                  As a little child clings to her mother’s skirt
                        in the midst of strangers
                              so I cling to the light of your word. 

In clinging I find I am more precious to you than a lost coin,
a lost lamb,  a lost child. I will not let anything keep us apart.

You have done your part to illuminate the depth this union.
Today may I do my part to keep the candle burning brightly
            and to bring light into my darkened part of the world.

In Jesus name,
Amen.

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