Tuesday Tidings, July 14, 2026

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“Again he asked them, ‘Whom are you looking for?’ And they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’” -John 18:7

When the soldiers and the betrayer turn up in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus is ready, they are not.

Jesus stands there before them, it is portrayed so poignantly in the Gospel of John, but there is a momentary failure to act.

Jesus has to ask them not once, but twice, “Whom are you looking for?”

Why the delay? Why did it take so long before they actually took Jesus into custody and led him away?

I do understand that there are reasonable explanations; not everyone would have seen Jesus prior to this, hence they were unable to identify him immediately. It was dark, there were lots of folks jostling about, it would have been a disconcerting moment. In the Gospel of John, Judas seemed more reticent about betraying the rabbi publicly.

But there also seemed to be something profoundly spiritual/sacred unfolding as well. “When Jesus said to them, ‘I am he,’ they stepped back and fell to the ground.” -John 18:6

What an astonishing moment! All these soldiers, even police from the chief priests and Pharisees… when Jesus identified himself they were all awestruck, quite literally overwhelmed, and they flung themselves to the ground in postures of worshipful respect. It was Jesus himself that had to rouse them to their duty.

Far be it from me to criticize these soldiers. In truth, I think theirs was a very natural response. They had just come face to face with the Son of God, the Messiah, the savior of the world; bowing down in reverence is the right thing to do, even in that moment.

Secondly, they were forced to answer that perennial and powerful question, “Whom are you looking for?”

Every person in the Garden of Gethsemane had needs, prayers, hopes, and concerns. There were hurts that needed healed, grief that needed tended to, and confusions that needed clarified. The fulfillment and answer to it all was standing right there in front of them.

The soldiers were looking for a man to arrest and charge, in the end, it was they who were captivated and convicted. Powerful!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

God of goodness and generosity, blessing abounds in our personal lives and in the ministry that we share as a congregation. We pray that you would grant us the capacity to faithfully discern the ministry to which we are being called. Our hope is that our shared endeavors would not only be a blessing to those who are in the greatest need, but also a palpable expression of your love. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.

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