The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

John 18:1-6, “When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, into which He Himself entered, and His disciples.

2 Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place; for Jesus had often met there with His disciples.

3 Judas then, having received the Roman cohort, and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth, and said to them, ‘Whom do you seek?’

5 They answered Him, ‘Jesus the Nazarene.’ He said to them, ‘I am He.’ And Judas also who was betraying Him, was standing with them.

6 When therefore He said to them, ‘I am He,’ they drew back, and fell to the ground.”

Jesus had just finished His prayer for His disciples. Now, He is leading them across the Kidron Valley and to the Garden of Gethsemane, the place of prayer. Prayer can be offered anywhere; however, having a familiar place to pray has some decided advantages. When I was in my first two years of college, a close and dear friend, Dr. Clyde Leonard, and I used to pray in an old chemistry lab. Those are times I will never forget.

Judas Iscariot was among the prayers, but he was not there to pray as we think of prayer. He was there to prey upon the LORD Jesus Christ by betraying Him with a kiss. He brought with him Roman officers, chief priests, and the Pharisees. Not everyone who walks among believers is himself a believer.

Jesus spoke boldly, asking, “Whom do you seek?” When they said, “Jesus the Nazarene,” He replied, “I am He.” And immediately, the coalition of evildoers fell backward! The authority, the fearlessness, the innate power by which He spoke forced them back! His authority, fearlessness and power still operate through us when we stand boldly and announce that we are His!

It’s a long story and I cannot tell it all here, but I was scheduled to speak in the largest venue we could obtain in the City of Perth in Western Australia. One of the wise, old pastors said to me, “We’re bringing all kinds of people in here tonight to hear the Gospel. There could be trouble. If there is, cry aloud the Name of Jesus! He will quiet the crowd.”

Thankfully, there was no trouble and some gave their hearts to Christ at the invitation. Yet, I will never forget that pastor’s admonition. I now pass it on to you: Share Jesus Christ with

everyone! Use His authority and fearlessness. They will fall at the feet of His Cross. You will be amazed at what He can do!

We love you and pray for you! May the witness the LORD allows us bear fruit,

Nana & Dado III

(Rose Marie & Gene)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”