Torches, Lanterns, and Weapons

my son and a serpent
early 1990s

"So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons." (John 18:3)

While reading the one-year Bible this morning, John 18:3 caught my attention. Why would God include in His word a detailed description of the things carried by the posse?

Hmmm...Wanna dig into the Word of God, beloved?

Who were Judas, the soldiers, the officials and the Pharisees in this scene?

Answer: They were enemies of Jesus.

What did the enemy carry?

Answer: Torches, lanterns, and weapons

What's a torch? 

Answer: A stick on fire.

What is fire's potential?

Answer: destruction and death

What's a lantern?

Answer: A source of light.

What does God teach about the devil in 2 Corinthians 11:14?

Answer: Satan masquerades as an angel of light—evil appearing as good.

What weapon did the Roman soldiers commonly carry?

Answer: A sword.

What is God's sword according to Ephesians 6:17?

Answer: The Word of God

What are Satan's words according to John 8:44?

Answer: Lies.

So, what truths might God be teaching us through John 18:3?

Answer: Our enemy—the devil and his demons—comes disguised as good but speaks lies. His mission? to destroy followers of Jesus.

Therefore, beloved...

"Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the  world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." (Ephesians 6:10-13)

my son and a serpent
2019