From the Garden to the Cross (5) - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

When He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”
John 18:22

From the Garden to the Cross (5)
No sooner does the blessed Savior, in the scene before us, express His determination to drink the cup, than a company led by Judas arrives. The traitor appears with an armed band. And now let us follow the Lord for a moment or two. They take Him, and bind Him fast. One Gospel says, “Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest” (Jn. 18:24). Annas mocks Him, and sends Him to his son-in-law, Caiaphas. There He is jeered at, mocked, spat on, and smitten with rods. They even blindfold Him, and then, when He is smitten, ask, “Who is the one who struck You?” (Lk. 22:64). That is what man will do to Jesus, the Son of God. “He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth” (Isa. 53:7). He makes no reply. He bears it all in patient grace. He bears all the jeering, and jibing, and mockery without resistance.

Presently, Peter comes in, and three times he denies his Lord: “I do not know the man!” he cries with oaths (Mt. 26:72). Thus one who really loved Him denies his Master.

And then what happens? “The Lord turned and looked at Peter” (Lk. 22:61). Was it a withering, scornful look that said, “Miscreant! False man! You do not know me?” No, I believe the look was a tender heartbroken look, which said louder than words, “Peter, you do not know Me; I know you, Peter, and I love you, and I will die for you.” That look broke Peter’s heart, and he “went out and wept bitterly” (Mt. 26:75).

W. T. P. Wolston

Though thy sins are red like crimson,

Deep in scarlet glow,
Jesus’ precious blood can make them

White as snow.

Frances R. Havergal