(Inspired by John 18: 12-27) As Jesus’s disciples fled through the dark, forested hillside, the Roman soldiers roughly arrested Jesus and tied His hands like a criminal. Satisfied that the first part of their orders were completed, the Roman cohort and the temple guards marched the Nazarene down the hill, across the Kidron Valley, and into the sleeping city. After escaping the pursuing militia, Rock ran into young John and pulled him into the dark shadows of a large rock. “They took the Teacher, Rock,” John said in anguish, “and we didn’t do anything to stop it!” “I tried,” Rock said defending himself, “but the Master wouldn’t let me! He made me put away my sword!” “There were too many of them,” John returned. “He probably saved your life. It turned out like He said. He got taken by ... Read More about 40 – Discovering You’re Not Who You Think You Are

(Inspired by John 18:1-11) When Jesus completed His special prayer for his followers, He turned and led them to the little garden that was His favorite spot on the Mount of Olives. The burden that He was carrying was almost more than He could bear, and He needed to spend what time He had left talking with His Father about it. Judas of Kerioth had not hesitated when he rushed away from the disciples’ Passover meal. He quickly made his way through the city to the house of Caiaphas to complete the deal for betraying the Teacher. He was hoping to tell them where to find Jesus, collect his money, and leave. He never wanted to have to see Jesus or any of the others ever again, but Caiaphas had other plans. There would be no mistakes tonight. The guards were ordered to take Judas with them. ... Read More about 39 – God’s costly Cup

(Inspired by John 17:1-26) Jesus stood on the Mount of Olives, looking across to the city of Jerusalem glowing in the moonlight. The Teacher had just finished encouraging His disciples on this sad night, and now He was contemplating His ministry. He had spent almost three years revealing to the Jews what their heavenly Father was really like. In the Father’s name He had showed them miracles, wonders, and signs, and still most had rejected Him. Even now they were making their plans to kill Him. The Teacher looked at His followers. They had been with Him the whole time, had seen it all, and heard every one of His lessons. But after all this, they understood so little and still lacked the genuine faith He tried to instill in them. As Jesus looked lovingly on His broken and weak ... Read More about 38 – Jesus’s Last Gift to Us Before the Cross

(Inspired by John 16:16-33) There was a lot on Jesus’s mind. He knew that His friend Judas was betraying Him right at that moment and that his treachery would lead Jesus to the cross. The Teacher needed some alone time with His Father in heaven before it all started, so He led the eleven remaining disciples to His favorite spot, the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. After the warnings Jesus had given them that evening, the disciple’s mood was heavy with sadness. Even so, Jesus would not allow their last few hours together to be ones of silence. There was too much to talk about. “You’re all still upset because I said I was going away,” Jesus said as they walked. “Of course we’re upset, Lord,” John spoke up. “None of us want you to go away.” “When are you going, Master?” ... Read More about 37 – In Christ Even Our Failures Bring Peace

(Inspired by John 16:1-15) As Jesus led His disciples along the road up the Mount of Olives on the moonlit night, there seemed to be something ominous hovering over them. A short time earlier the Teacher had announced that He was leaving them, and they weren’t sure why. He had also told them that they would all forsake Him this night, and that had broken their hearts. “I want you all to know,” Jesus said loud enough for them all to hear, “that things are not going to turn out the way each of you thought they would. The reason I’m telling you all these things before hand is so that when they do occur, you won’t be disheartened and give up.” “What’s going to happen, Teacher?” Matthew asked nervously, dreading the answer. “Soon you will be going out to tell others about Me,” Jesus ... Read More about 36 – The Helper is Coming