As The Scripture Says
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I read this sorrowful story again, make it fresh and new to me, I pray.
Read Mark 14:43-52
[43] Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. [44] Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” [45] Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. [46] The men seized Jesus and arrested him. [47] Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. [48] “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? [49] Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” [50] Then everyone deserted him and fled. [51] A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, [52] he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why did Jesus surrender to arrest so peacefully?This story unfolds on two planes. First, there’s the view of Judas, the guards and the disciples that this was “the moment.” It was either to be a great victory for the authorities who were finally capturing this dangerous madman, or a tragic end to a potential and promising messianic mission. Either way, this night would end it! Hacking off the guard’s ear was the last act of defiance by a hopeless zealot (47). The story also unfolds on a far higher level than the events in that garden. The hypocrisy of both Judas, who betrayed Jesus with a friendly kiss (44), and the authorities, who chose night time, rather than the crowded public spaces of daylight to do their ugly deed (48,49), is the signature of the whole chapter: humans conspiring in vain to frustrate God’s master plan of redemption. Instead, they unwittingly fulfill everything God had planned, and bring about the greatest victory of all (49), the reconciliation of a broken world. It may not look like it right now, but God is working out his plan to save the world, and nothing at all can stop it.
Apply
What are you facing that requires you to take another viewpoint? Ask God for help to see him at work.
Closing prayer
Lord God, thank You that, even in the midst of what looked like defeat, You were working out Your great plan.
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