John 18:1-11, “The Brook and the Garden”

Jesus Christ was no victim. The Gospel-writer, John, makes certain we know that. Though Jesus is arrested in John 18, there’s no doubt who’s in charge: he picks the spot, he initiates the confrontation, and he commands the troops to release his friends.

Though he had the power to evade capture (and more), he chose the way of the cross. He chose the way of love. He knew how bad it would be, and he went through with it anyway — for love of the Father, and love of you.