In the Garden

In contemplating the passion of our Lord this week, I read John 18:1-11. I was struck again at the fact that the Lord chose the garden for His betrayal. According to verse 1, the garden had been for Him and His disciples a place of respite and retreat. It was a place where their relationships were deepened. Where the Lord prayed with them and taught them. A place where they most likely laughed together. And a place where they shed tears. But the place of respite became a place of great risk. In verse 4, affirming the deity of Christ, it says that Jesus knew all that would happen to Him. In other words, He went to the garden on purpose. More precisely, He went to the garden with purpose. The place of quite rest became the place of risky business. Isn't it funny how often times the places and things that bring us most comfort, our "gardens," become the places of deepest disappointment and pain. The difference here is that Jesus knew the risk and embraced it. In verse 11 it states that Jesus reprimands Peter by saying, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" The Lord willingly fulfilled the responsibility that the Father had given Him. And because of our Lord's faithfulness in the place of respite, and risk, and fulfilled responsibility, the garden bore its greatest fruit; the Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for Your indescribable gift!