SEALED WITH A KISS
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Opening Prayer
Spirit of God, as I come to the Word today, I ask that you give me understanding, that you turn my understanding into conviction, and then, that you move me into action.
Read MARK 14:43–52
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Jesus Arrested
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.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
When you find yourself confronted by dark places, in what ways are you strengthened by the light of God’s truth?
The onset of anarchy! It’s dark in the wooded garden and it’s difficult to pick out who Jesus is, emotionally vulnerable, as he rises from his moment of crisis in communion with his Father (vv. 35, 36) to discover his isolation from his closest friends, asleep on watch. The rabble, sent to arrest Jesus, appears disorganized, armed with a mixture of improvised weapons. An affectionate kiss becomes the sign of betrayal. There is a mild skirmish, then Jesus is left alone with his betrayer and his accusers. His followers, even the youth who stayed longest, have deserted him.
There is, however, a certain measure of clarity that emerges from the shadows. First, the real perpetrators are obvious. The full authority of the whole Sanhedrin lies behind the rabble (v. 43). It may be enacted under the cover of darkness, but this is the moment of decisive attack. Second, the fragile courage of the followers of Jesus is made plain. When push comes to shove they run, after some token resistance. Finally, there is the openness of Jesus. As he points out, he had confronted the authorities in the open (v. 49a): they arrested him in the darkness. But this is how it must be (v. 49b).
The world we live in is a shadowy place. It’s not always clear where right and wrong lie. Often, they can appear uneasy bedmates. Sometimes the violent chaos of war, starvation, greed, and desire confuses us. Even the good guys can be bad in a crisis. We want to shine as bright lights, but our bulb is rather dimmed by doubt. We long for clarity: Clarity about who and where the enemy is. Clarity about our own limitations and how to put these at God’s disposal. Clarity about the power and authority of Jesus. Let’s turn on the light.
Apply
Jesus brings light1 and you are to be a light.2 Shine that light on something that perplexes you at this moment.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, knowing full well the great price you would pay, you went to the cross for my salvation. Please give me the wisdom and courage I need to stand for you, no matter the cost.
1 John 8:12 2 Matt 5:14–16
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