As we pick-up again in our study of John’s gospel, we’re going to see how God’s plan of redemption is coming together. Chapter 18 begins the last section of John’s gospel and it is referred to as 'the Passion Narrative'. Over the next few weeks, as we finish our study in this amazing book, we’ll look at things like the betrayal, arrest, trials, crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and reaffirmation of the disciples through Jesus resurrection appearances.

All of this will highlight how from before the foundation of the world God had a plan for the salvation of man. Notice if you will from our text this morning three things that reveal God is at work in Jesus to bring His plan of salvation together.

1) Jesus is where He needs to be.

John tells us here in verse 1 that Jesus leaves with His disciples and crosses the Kidron Valley to an olive grove. We understand this place to be the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. But why this place? In order to answer this question we’ll need to look at other parts of this gospel, and also, what the other gospel letters tell us concerning this part of God’s plan. In chapters 17-19, John mentions 6 times that things happen in order that ‘Scripture will be fulfilled.’ In other words: God’s plan.

Jesus told His disciples in Mat. 20:17-19 that He was going to Jerusalem and while there He was going to be betrayed to the Chief priests and they would turn Him over to the Gentiles to be beaten and crucified. In Luke 21:37-22:6 we learn that Judas was willing to help make this happen…and he was to look for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to the religious leaders (Jews) when no crowd was present (22:6). John tells us in verse 2 that Judas knew a place. Why? Because Jesus had often met there with His disciples (cf. Lk 22:39). Judas knew where Jesus would be.

Let me ask you a question this morning; If a family member or friend were looking for you right this moment, would they look here first? In order for Scripture to be fulfilled Jesus has to be betrayed and arrested. And the Jews needed it to happen in an obscure and out-of-the-way-place, that’s why He is where He needs to be.

2) Jesus is doing what He needs to be doing.

John doesn’t give us the specifics of what Jesus is doing in the garden before Judas arrives. Therefore we have to look to the synoptic gospels again for that information. Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell us that Jesus, while waiting on Judas and the temple police to show up, is praying.

John tells us here in verse 4 that Jesus knows what’s going to happen to Him, and as a result of that knowledge Matthew and Mark say, ‘Jesus prays because His soul is over-whelmed with sorrow to the point of death’ (26:38, 14:34).Luke says, ‘in anguish He prayed…and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground’ (22:44).

There’s something we need to understand this morning about Jesus prayer, it was not to escape what He knew was going to happen—but rather, that He would be faithful while going through what was about to happen. Jesus understood the significance of Preparation Day during the Passover Feast. The fact that a lamb was selected for sacrifice…and He was going to be that Lamb (John 1:29). Jesus understood what being the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world meant. Experiencing the full wrath of God for sin. Not His…ours (2 Cor. 5:21).

Jesus understood perfectly well—this was the reason why He came to earth in the first place (Mat. 20:28). Jesus also understood that maintaining His perfect relationship with The Father was more important than anything this world has to offer…therefore, He prays. Jesus knows the power and the importance of prayer…that’s why He’s doing what He needs to be doing.

3) Jesus is willing to go where He needs to go.

Again, in verse 4, we’re reminded that Jesus knew what was going to happen and He allows the temple guards to arrest Him. If Jesus wasn’t willing to go…it wouldn’t have happened (Mt. 26:53-54). Church—first of all we need to praise God, and then, thank Jesus…that He was willing to go where He needed to go.

Listen closely this morning: If Jesus didn’t go with the guards—He wouldn’t been put on trial. If He’s not put on trial—He’s not falsely convicted and sentenced to death. If He’s not sentenced to death—there’s no cross. If there’s no cross—there’s no resurrection. If there’s no resurrection—the Bible says, ‘our preaching is useless and so is our faith.’ If there’s no resurrection—the Bible says, ‘our faith is futile and we are still in our sins.’ If there’s no resurrection—the Bible says, ‘we are to be pitied more than all men’ (I Cor. 15). If there’s no resurrection—we have no hope of heaven.

But let me offer you some encouragement this morning from verse 14…notice what it says. The religious leaders were so jealous of Jesus and because of all the miracles He was doing—they wanted to kill Him. They believed the people would want to make Him king and then the Romans would come and destroy their nation. This is why Caiaphas said back in 11:50 it would be better if Jesus died than the whole nation.

What Caiaphas didn’t know was this what he meant for evil…God meant for good. Jesus would die—but not just for the people of Israel…He died for you and me as well! Friends—that’s hope you can hang on to. That’s encouragement that you can truly enjoy.

So what can we take away from this passage today? Is there some personal application for us here? Consider this:

Are there times in your walk with Christ you’re not where you need to be? You’re not in Bible study anywhere. You’re not consistently going to church. These are not things to consider…they’re commands from God.

Are there times in your walk with Christ you’re not doing what you need to do? You’re not praying as often as you should. You’re not serving in the fellowship. These are not things to consider…they’re commands from God.

Are there times in your walk with Christ you’re not willing to go where you need to go? This is what it all boils down to…are we willing to follow Jesus. We sing, ‘wherever He leads I’ll go’…but does our walk really line up with our talk? What we see here in this passage today is…it’s all going according to God’s plan. Is the same true for us? Are we following Jesus?

Are we truly where Jesus wants us to be? Are we truly doing what Jesus wants us to do? Are we truly willing to go where Jesus wants us to go?