April 2

Thursday, April 2 — John 18:1–19:42
Jesus Is in Control
Read: John 18:1–19:42

Lent Devotion
There are moments in life when everything feels out of control. Things happen you didn’t choose. People say things you can’t fix. Situations unfold and you’re left trying to hold it all together.
That’s what makes this moment in Scripture so powerful.
Following the Last Supper and Judas’ betrayal, Jesus leads His disciples to the garden to pray. Things were coming to a head. Jesus was spending time in prayer, and the Pharisees and Judas were preparing to arrest Him. From the outside, it looks like Jesus is losing.
But when you slow down, you begin to see it clearly—Jesus is in control the entire time.
John 18:4 says, “Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to Him…” He wasn’t surprised or unaware. He was fully aware of what was unfolding. What happens next would shock Jesus disciples – causing even Peter to deny his messiah.
Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and mocked. The apostles attempt to prevent it and even cut a soldier’s ear off. But that doesn’t stop Jesus’ mission. He heals the soldier’s ear and goes willingly with His accusers.
What would happen next sent the disciples into hiding. Could this be God’s plan? I’m sure they asked themselves… how could this be?
From the arrest to Peter’s denial, to Jesus being tried in a broken courtroom, and all this culminating in Jesus being sentenced to death. This raised the question: how could this be the Father’s plan? Why isn’t Jesus fighting this? Where are all the resources of heaven Jesus taught us about? This is God’s Son… this can’t be.
From the outside, it appeared things were spiraling out of control, but nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus wasn’t powerless unsure of what to do next nor was this a rare moment that catches Jesus off guard.
The real story is that all of this was part of the plan and that Jesus wasn’t taken by force, but went willingly. He went to the cross, paid the debt, and accepted our punishment for the world’s sin.

And when He says, “It is finished,” He wasn’t saying He was finished… but that it was finished.
The work is complete.
The plan is fulfilled.
The price is paid.
What looked like defeat…was actually victory. Jesus was always giving Himself for all people. Even at the cross—He was in control.
Reflect
1. Where in your life does it feel like things are out of control?
2. What stands out to you about how Jesus responds in this passage?
3. How does it change your perspective to know Jesus was in control even at the cross?

Prayer
Lord,
When life feels out of control, help me remember that You are not. Thank You that Jesus was in control even at the cross. Help me trust You with what I cannot see or understand.
Amen.