Lesson 3584

 (Lesson 3584)(10-26-21) John 18:1-11

    “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”

    The main issue in today’s quote is that Jesus confronted those who were going to crucify Him and He did it willingly. Praise God.

    There is a secondary lesson that should be taken from the quote having to do with the veracity of EVERY word that is written in the bible.

    Sadly, there are some who will argue that every word in the text of the bible is to be taken literally as it is written. That is wrong and is also easily proven wrong. 

    In today’s quote John is recorded to have said that when the Jewish leaders came to arrest Jesus, He went willingly and was the first to confront them: However, Matthew 26:46-56 tells a different story as to how Jesus was taken by the Jews: “And while He yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed Him gave them a sign, saying, Whosoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Master: and kissed Him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend,Wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.”

    Although it makes NO difference to the overall veracity of the gospel of Christ, there is a direct disparity between what is described in today’s quote and the Matthew account of the same event.

    I mention this ONLY for the benefit of those who believe that every word in the text of the bible is to be taken literally. 

    To be certain, there is NO conflict in the overall intent of the gospel as taught by Jesus Christ and His Apostles. However, there are many literary conflicts in the narration of the events spoken of in the bible.~