The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

John 18:1-7, “When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, in which He entered with 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 So Jesus, 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 So when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Therefore He again asked them, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

The Kidron Valley is a sizeable ravine that separates the Temple Mount from the Garden of Gethsemane. It’s seems but a short distance when you’re viewing it; yet, it’s much longer when you’re walking from one to the other. Jesus had gone there to pray, and He was accompanied by His disciples.

Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, had earlier advised the Romans and the Pharisees’ chief priests that Jesus would be there. It would have been a joyful reunion had Judas and the cohort come to hear and receive Christ’s message of salvation. Sadly, they had not come for that purpose. They had come to place Him under arrest.

It’s much like today. There will be people in church on Palm and Resurrection Sundays –not because they’re seeking to hear and learn His Message of Eternal Life, but because tradition beckons them. Some seek to satisfy family members, some of whom have come to truly worship Him.

When Jesus saw them, He asked, “Whom do you seek?” We will all do well to allow Jesus’ question to be asked of us. “Whom do you seek?” –and for what purpose do you seek Him?

Jesus responded, “I AM!” –and the power that exuded from Him knocked them to the ground! Only when He asked them the second time were they able to reply, “Jesus, the Nazarene.” Let me warn you of the power that’s encompassed in His Name. Be careful what and why you ask. It was this Jesus who who spoke– “Let there be light!” And the world’s firmament and the elements in the heavens were instantly exposed to the eyes of all mankind.

Jesus’ enquirers would soon learn of His Power, as the Cross and the Resurrection lay just ahead. For now, His power avails that you might believe on Him! You do believe, don’t you? Oh, I pray that you do!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need
until He becomes all that we have.”
– Corrie ten Boom