April 29
Bible Reading: John 18:1-6
John 18:6, “When Jesus said to them, ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.”
Key to a deeper appreciation of the meaning of the cross is the realization that Jesus’ death was no accident. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “(He) loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20). Jesus deliberately subjected Himself to it all—the betrayal, arrest, sham trial, beatings, and crucifixion. It was His love for the Father and for us that worked to bind Him to the cross.
It was a great crowd (in the hundreds), including the chief priests and elders and Roman soldiers, that came to arrest Jesus. They’d likely heard of or witnessed His miracles, so they came en masse bearing swords and clubs. They were also likely concerned about the response of His followers, hence the size of the arresting company.
They came with torches to search for him, but He did not hide. They came with weapons to overcome any resistance, but He did not resist. He identified Himself to be Jesus of Nazareth, whom they were seeking, by declaring “I am he” (John 18:6). As in John 4:26 and 8:58, the statement was a declaration of His deity, for which on a previous occasion they attempted to stone Him. Behold the power of His word, for in making that statement, that great multitude all drew back and fell helpless to the ground like dominos! It was a miraculous demonstration of His deity, and as such, it unveiled how ill-equipped they were to subdue Him. They were worse off than the Lilliputians in their attempt to bind Gulliver.
But He nevertheless allowed them to arrest Him. He could have called to His aid more than “twelve legions of angels” (Matthew 26:53). Had He chosen to resist, all the armies of the world could not have worked to arrest and bind Him, but He had already, in love for the Father and for you and me, bound Himself to the Father’s will. It was our sins and His love that worked to bind Jesus to the cross! And for that, we should be eternally grateful!
“Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain.” — John Piper
THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
to bear it to dark Calvary. [Refrain]
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see,
for ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
to pardon and sanctify me. [Refrain]
To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,
where his glory forever I’ll share. [Refrain]
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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