If you know the geography of Jerusalem, you realize that Jesus could have run. On the Thursday night that he was arrested, Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane on the east side of the city. The garden was right on the edge of the Judean wilderness, the cave-filled desert that was ideal for escaping from your foes. Judas was leading a group of soldiers from the west, and Jesus knew it, which meant he had the perfect chance to flee to the east and save his own life.
But Jesus didn’t run. Here’s why: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11-14).
Unlike some selfish shepherd who only “serves” for his own self-interest, Jesus served for the sake of others. In order to save us from the wolf of sin, he was willing to lay down his life. What a sacrifice!
The next time you read about Jesus in Gethsemane, think about how he could have escaped. Then marvel at the love that held him in place until the work of saving you was done.
