Lent: March 12

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?”

John 18:4-11

Encountering Christ demands a response. Indifference or obedience. Betrayal or belonging. In the garden those who pursued Jesus to put him to death encountered Christ and their first response was to draw back and fall to the ground. But there is a day coming when every creature in heaven and on the earth, and under the earth will all bow the knee in worship and confession. There is a day coming when the question, who do you seek? will become a statement: You are the highly exalted One! The name above every name!