Day 90

Deuteronomy 26–27 | John 18:1–18 | Psalm 39

The moment had come.

The prayer had been prayed.

The betrayal was underway.

And Jesus—knowing everything that was about to happen—did something remarkable:

“Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him, came forward…” (John 18:4)

He stepped forward.

Into the dark.

Into the arrest.

Into the betrayal and brutality and injustice and pain.

He didn’t run.

He didn’t flinch.

He didn’t hide behind a tree in Gethsemane or try to reason with Judas.

He moved toward it.

He Knew What Was Coming

The verse says Jesus knew all that would happen to Him—the beating, the spitting, the mock trial, the scourging, the cross.

And still, He stepped forward.

Who does that?

Who walks willingly into suffering, into injustice, into agony?

Only someone with a deeper purpose.

Only someone with a love stronger than self-preservation.

Only someone who came not to be served, but to serve—and to give His life as a ransom for many.

He Chose This

Let’s be clear—this wasn’t a trap.

This wasn’t Jesus caught off guard.

He wasn’t a victim of circumstance.

He wasn’t helpless.

“Whom do you seek?” He asked them.

“Jesus of Nazareth.”

“I am He.”

And when He said it, they drew back and fell to the ground. (John 18:4–6)

He had power to stop it.

He had authority to call down legions of angels.

But He chose to stay.

To speak.

To surrender.

He was never out of control.

He was always in command.

He wasn’t caught off guard—He stepped forward with full knowledge.

And that makes His sacrifice even more staggering.

Because love isn’t love when it’s forced. And sacrifice means more when it’s chosen.

He Stepped Forward—for Me

I’ve had moments—especially in the last few months—where I’ve been tempted to pull back.

From friends.

From community.

From hope.

From trust.

There have been days when suffering felt too heavy and grief too loud and healing too far away.

But this morning, I read that verse—and I saw Jesus again.

Not stepping back.

Not standing still.

Stepping forward.

Into betrayal.

Into pain.

Into everything I deserved—so I wouldn’t have to bear it.

He Stepped Forward—for You

Maybe today you feel like hiding.

Maybe you’re overwhelmed by fear, uncertainty, or sorrow.

Maybe obedience feels like too much, and trust feels too fragile.

Look at Him.

He sees it all.

He knows what’s coming.

And He doesn’t retreat.

He steps forward. For you.

Not because you’re strong—but because He is.

Not because you’re worthy—but because He is.

Not because you asked Him to—but because He loves you.

⸻

Lord, thank You for stepping forward. When I would’ve run, You stood still. When I would’ve fought, You surrendered. When I was still Your enemy, You moved toward me with love. Help me trust You when I feel afraid. Help me follow You when it’s costly. And help me remember—You were always in control. Amen.