JANUARY 21, 2026 – DRINKING CUP

READ: Jn. 18:1–11: … Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him … if you seek Me, let these go their way … that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.” … Shall I not drink the cup …

After Jesus’ prayer to His Father He goes with His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, located across the brook Kidron, between the eastern wall of Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. Jesus likely went there often, which is why Judas knew the place. John does not mention the intense prayers Jesus first offered there to His Father while the disciples waited for Him.

He describes what follows immediately: Judas comes with a detachment of armed soldiers and some chief priests and Pharisees toward Jesus. Jesus is fully prepared: it must happen according to the will of the Father (v.4). When He calmly asks, “Whom are you seeking?”, the soldiers mention His name: Jesus the Nazarene.

John does not mention Judas’ kiss. When Jesus then calmly says, “I am He,” the group draws back. It must be because Jesus presents Himself with no confusion and radiates royal authority.

Jesus again asks whom they are seeking. He confirms their repeated answer and immediately arranges that His disciples be allowed to go free, because only He is sought. Thus, He protects His followers, so nothing will happen to them. They could not at this moment bear imprisonment together with Jesus, given their still-weak faith.

John therefore points to the High Priestly Prayer, in which Jesus reminds His Father of this. In this way, He preserves them from losing their faith. Later, after His resurrection, when they understand and accept the necessity of Jesus’ suffering and death, they will be able to endure persecution for the sake of their faith.

Thus Peter will later be prepared by Jesus for his death (Jn. 21:18–19). That Peter does not yet understand is shown by his act toward Malchus and by his denial. But Jesus points out that in this path of arrest He will fulfill the Father’s counsel (v.11).

Is it still necessary for believers to give their lives? 

Sing: Hymn 21:2 (1984) / 25:2 (2014)