Whom Do You Seek?

Introduction

After Jesus had finished praying to the Father, even to let this cup pass from Him and had spoken with and prayed for both His current and future disciples (John 17), his betrayer, Judas, who was one of the twelve apostles met Him in the garden of Gethsemani.

Christ’s Betrayal

Judas knew that Jesus and his disciples often came to the garden (v. 1-2) and so did Jesus!

I am He who has power over His enemies despite what they think. (vs. 3–6)

Luke 22:47–48 ESV

47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ Jesus’s Use of “I Am”

When Jesus refers to himself as “I am” without a predicate (John 6:20; 8:24, 28, 58; 18:6), he connects his personal identity with the covenantal identity of Yahweh.

I am He who protects His own. (vs. 7–8)

I am He who fulfills Scriptures. (v. 9)

I am He who perfectly obeys the Father (vs. 10–11)

Luke 22:49–51 ESV

49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.

Matthew 26:53–54 ESV

53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

Christ’s Arrest

I am He who suffers and dies for the Jews. (vs. 12–14)

John 11:49–51 ESV

49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,

Applications from Jesus’ Betrayal & Arrest

Jesus has power over our enemies as well (vs. 4–6)

Jesus will protect us and do what He has promised in His Word (vs. 7–9)

Just as Jesus obeyed the Father, we are expected to do the same despite persecution and problems in our lives that arise because of our obedience to Him. (vs. 10–11)

Jesus suffered and died for us! (vs. 12–14)

John 11:49–52 ESV

49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.

John 10:16 ESV

16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.