These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Innocent Jesus Was Arrested for Humanity's Sin, Evil, Crimes

"1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,

13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people."

(John 18:1-14, KJV)

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When the silent days were o'er and past,
the Lord retired to pray.
He asked His Father 'bout the task,
"Be quit? Or must obey?"

Iscariot, he knew the place,
for Jesus went there oft.
A band, they followed by the leaders' grace
with torches held aloft.

But Jesus marched right up to them,
and asked, "Who are you looking for?"
"Why, Jesus of Nazareth. Yes, him."
"I'm He." They fell to the floor.

He asked, again, "Who do you want to find?"
"Just Jesus of Nazareth, of course."
"I've told you, I'm He. Now, choose to be kind.
Let these go with no recourse."

The saying said, He truly spoke,
"I have not lost a one."
Then Simon Peter's sword awoke
but missed the servant's head.
The ear of Malchus is not a joke.
He wanted him full dead.

Now, Jesus told Pete, "Put it up.
I have to drink it full.
The Father's given me this cup.
His Glory, it must rule."

The captain and his men then took
the Lord and bound Him tight.
They let then Annas have a look,
but Caiaphas had the right.

What he then said was fully wise,
but he might not fully know,
"One man should die. We'll hear His cries
for the people. It was so."

They took Him, uncharged, innocent,
that we might not be lost,
but when they beat Him, clothing rent,
'twas then we'd know the cost.

This night we wait to see the Face
for their verdict, yet unknown.
The Man of Sorrows gave us Grace.
He's the "corn of wheat," now sown.

by Jay O’Toole
on April 5th, 2023