September 28, 2025

Revealing Life

Pastor Rok Lee

John 18:1-8

1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” 5 They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these people go.”

Today’s passage shows us Jesus who seems to “lose” for the sake of others. The Scripture we read describes the night when Jesus was arrested. The Bible says about the place: “because Jesus often met there with his disciples.” This means that this event took place in a place very familiar to Jesus and his disciples.

Jesus often went up to this small garden with his disciples. They must have shared many conversations there. Jesus probably explained parables there, and the disciples may have asked him what the kingdom of heaven was like. It was a place of memories, a place of fellowship.

Perhaps they lay down on the grass like a blanket, looking up at the sky like a cover, and shared stories together. When the sun was setting, they would go back to the village again.

That place, always peaceful, became a place of betrayal. The night became dark. The quiet place was now filled with the heavy footsteps of soldiers. Judas came up the hill with soldiers. The shadows of armed men fell across the garden. They came closer and closer to where Jesus and his disciples were.

And at this moment, Jesus stepped forward toward the soldiers. Instead of hiding, Jesus stood face to face with the soldiers who came with weapons. He asked them, “Who are you looking for?” The soldiers might be so overwhelmed by Jesus courage that they fell to the ground. Again Jesus asked, “Who are you looking for?” They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth…” And Jesus said boldly, “I am he!”

This act of Jesus required great courage. To stand before people carrying weapons to arrest Him was not easy. But Jesus showed us that there are times when we too must reveal who we are. In Matthew 5, Jesus said we are the salt and light of the world. Light cannot be hidden. Even in the darkest corner, light shines brighter. Salt cannot be seen, but you can always taste it. It cannot be hidden. So as salt and light, we cannot live hiding. We must be seen.

Jesus did not hide in Gethsemane. In the same way, we must not hide our faith in this world. Why did Jesus step out so boldly? John 18:8 tells us: “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” In other words: “I am the one you are seeking. Let my disciples go free.”

Jesus knew He would be arrested, suffer, and die. Yet He stood in front of the soldiers to protect His disciples. Even in the place of betrayal, Jesus protected them. The betrayal of Judas, or even the fear of the other disciples, could not stop Jesus’ love.

His love was unconditional. That same love continues for us today. Jesus gave Himself for us. He did not hide, but went forward so that the eyes of the crowd would not fall on the disciples. That same love covers us today.

Jesus still goes before us to protect us. His protection does not depend on our condition, our heart, or our actions. He loves us unconditionally. Because of this grace, we have nothing to fear.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 says, “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

Luke 4:10 says, “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully.”

The Bible is full of promises that God will protect us. So we can live boldly, showing our faith to the world.

But the story after today’s passage is very different. It is the story of Peter’s denial. When people said Peter was a disciple of Jesus, he answered: “I am not.” Again, “I am not.” And finally, even with curses, he shouted: “I do not know him!”

Don’t we sometimes do the same? We proudly say we are Christians in church, but outside we hide it. When people ask, “Don’t you go to church?” or “Aren’t Christians supposed to live differently?” we may avoid the question. We don’t want to be noticed.

Today many people think badly of the Church. So Christians often hide. We are afraid people will distance themselves from us because of religion. But we must not play hide-and-seek anymore. Like Jesus, we must live openly, even if people criticize us, even if we suffer loss.

Jesus suffered. How can we expect an easy life if we follow Him? Christian life may look foolish to the world. But if it is God’s Word, then we follow.

Dear church, have you lived saying, “I am not” out of fear or shame? Today, let us live saying, “Yes, I am.” “I am a Christian. I am a child of God.” Do not hide your faith. Do not be ashamed.

Luke 9:26 says, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory.”

But if we live showing our faith, being salt and light, then on the final day the Lord will remember our name.

Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Our life is like a race with a finish line. At the end of that race, Jesus waits with open arms. Sometimes the finish line feels far away. Sometimes we stumble, fall, or feel too tired to keep running. Sometimes we want to give up.

“Lord, I have lived the life you gave me. I stumbled, I was hurt, I failed, I was mocked, I suffered loss for my faith—but I have finished the race. And now I return to you.”

And the Lord will embrace you and say:

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” (Matthew 25:21)

So what if we suffer some loss in this world? So what if people think we are foolish? God’s “foolishness” is wiser than human wisdom. Faith in Christ may look foolish to the world, but we know one soul is worth more than the whole world.

So, live a life that shows your faith. Do not lose faith. Run toward the goal until the end. And one day, at the finish line of each of your race, let us meet again in the arms of Jesus.

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