"Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound." [2 Tim 2:9]

After Jesus had prayed in the garden and submitted Himself fully to God’s will (and not His own), soon after came Judas with a band of soldiers “with lanterns and torches and weapons.” [Jn 18:3] And Jesus, “knowing all things that should come upon Him,” that is, knowing both the physical and spiritual pains of the cross yet to be experienced, completely unafraid, “went forth, and said unto them, ‘whom seek ye?’” [Jn 18:4] We are then told,

“Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound Him, and led Him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.” [Jn 18:12-13]

And then, “Annas…sent Him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.” [Jn 18:24] And again, after Caiaphas, the next day, Jesus was sent to Pilate:

“When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death: and when they had bound Him, they led Him away, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.” [Mt 27:1-2]

Notice how that three times The Holy Spirit mentions Jesus was bound. From the garden to Annas, from Annas to Caiaphas, and from Caiaphas to Pilate. Three times it is written, that Jesus, The Word of God, was bound.

May we find encouragement today in the fact that, as Paul writes, “the word of God is not bound.” Though Jesus was bound in the flesh, yet He was free in the spirit. Though Jesus was bound by the powers of darkness, yet in the spirit Jesus was accomplishing the work of salvation. The tangible, temporal materials which bound Jesus had no power to truly bind Him. For, “the word of God is not bound.” It is not possible that the power and influence of Christ could ever be hindered or made void. His power goes beyond all and is above all.

Praise God that Jesus is not bound. For a moment in time He was bound in the flesh, but it was but a moment, for “the word of God is not bound.” The work and love and power of Christ can never be truly and permanently hindered. In all of history, each attempt of satan to thwart and crush out the influence of Jesus has failed. As it was in Egypt, so it is today, “the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew.” [Ex 1:12] And as it was in Jeremiah’s day, so it is today,

“Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch…who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there were added besides unto them many like words.” [Jer 36:22]

The Lord and His word – for they are but one-in-the-same – can never be removed or destroyed. If the enemy attempts to squash God’s word or God’s people, history shows us, Jesus’ life shows us, that it cannot be done. The attempts of the enemy will only result in the increase and fruit of The LORD and His people. God’s word is not bound. Similarly, in our own lives, whenever the enemy attempts to bind us, or to bind the work of Jesus or His word, let us be encouraged that God’s word cannot be bound. The power of Jesus is never without effect, nor without ability. He is never bound. Rather, there is always room for Jesus to work.

Brethren, may we take this truth to heart today and allow it to penetrate our hearts. May it produce good fruit and good faith in us for The Lord Jesus and His word. May we forbear from being bound in spirits any longer by the enemy, and may we rise up with joy, for God’s word, for Jesus Christ, can never be bound.

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