Why did Jesus take His disciples to the Mt. of Olives, knowing Judas was leading the temple guards there to arrest Him? Why did He re-fasten the sliced-off ear of a servant who was party to his arrest? How could Peter thrice betray Jesus, mere hours after he swore to follow Him even unto death?
Having been familiar with the oft-told sequence leading up to the Passion of Christ, none of these questions have crossed my mind for years, if ever. It just happened that way: it was God's plan for man's redemption, and Jesus was the consummately obedient Son. Sure it was hard; His sweat fell like drops of blood as He considered His near future.... but we all know how it ends.
Spending an hour every Monday night reading a chapter of John, with people who know the story only from the movies (and movies are nothing like the book), brings a new dimension to Jesus' life. What He did for us, and bears in us now even though we know better, is the same picture painted with a different color. I'm falling in love with my Savior all over again as I discover Him again through the eyes of those who have never heard of His goodness. He knows me better than anyone. I call out His Name, and He is already by my side. He is my personal friend. And I can see it all now clearer than ever.
