The apostle John wrote how Jesus, “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 there with his disciples”, and in chapter eighteen and verse three of his book John shared how, “having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons” where we read:
Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees,
came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.
The verse reads, “Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, ...” John began with the words, “Judas then” which means “Judas Iscariot whose name means he shall be praised therefore, wherefore, consequently and on this account”, “having received” or “laying hold of, claiming and procuring” “a band of men” which means “a military cohort, company or detachment of soldiers” “and officers” or “and attendants, servants or magistrates” “from the chief priests” which means “away and out of the high priests” “and Pharisees” or “and the men who were part of the sect that seems to have started after the Jewish exile. In addition to Old Testament books the Pharisees recognized in oral tradition a standard of belief and life”. John shared how “Judas Iscariot” assembled a “militant cohort” and “servants” from the “high priests” and religious leaders known as “Pharisees”.
The verse continues, “... came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.” John added the words, “came there” or “arose and appeared at the garden” “with lanterns” which means “with lights” “and torches” or “and lamps with flames which are fed with oil” “and weapons” which means “and instruments or tools used in warfare”. John shared how “Judas, the detachment of soldiers and servants from the high priests and Pharisees” entered the “garden” where Jesus and His disciples assembled.
When we meditate upon John's words in this verse, we learn how Judas along with an army of soldiers and servants from the religious leaders known as “high priests” and “Pharisees” “came” to the “garden” where Jesus and His disciples resorted. This was to be the group who would arrest Jesus and bring Him to trial. The plan of God's “salvation” through His Son Jesus was being fulfilled, and soon Jesus was to be tortured and crucified for the sins of mankind. This “band of men” meant to stop Jesus from His ministry, but they were being used to carry out God's purpose for His life. Those who yield their lives to Jesus will be “saved” from their sins and granted everlasting life with God, and those who are wise will surrender their lives to Him.
Next time we see John shares what Jesus did, “knowing all things that should come upon him”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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