PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 14:43-52
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs…” (Mark 14:48)
Jesus has no interest in overcoming authorities with the sword.
From the beginning he was clear that he came with grace and truth.
Even his followers were confused by this.
At this moment, when it becomes clear he isn’t going to fight, they desert him.
Sometimes it seems christians do think that Jesus was leading a rebellion.
They arm themselves with political manouvres, boycotts and some even with guns.
They claim to be all about the truth, but fail to lead that truth with grace.
Grace is not weakness, it is God’s strength.
Through grace God started this whole Jesus movement.
But once started, too many of his followers replaced grace with force.
God is not establishing his kingdom by force (political or military).
Grace in action is powerful and world-changing.
To bless the enemy, help the outcast, forgive the offender, treat all as family.
If the church became known for this, we might see more dramatic improvements.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to put away my self-serving sword and join you in loving, blessing and serving my neighbour, no matter what they are or what they’ve done.
“The men seized Jesus and arrested him.” When I think of Jesus as son of God – allowing himself to be arrested by mere men. Jesus let them – it was all about submission. How tempting it would be for Jesus to just throw off the chains – Zap the people arresting them. Jesus had the power. Even as a disciple strikes with a sword – Jesus heals – He has the power. How Jesus had to keep the temptation to react away – to fight it instead of submit to it instead. How tempting! How powerful in the face of dark evil! Oh Lord help me also to stand as you did. God the Father did not take that bitter cup away – and you knew it and you carried through right to the end! You were forsaken so that I would not be!!
The crowd was sent by the religious leaders. Therefore Judas had to identify Jesus. They did not know Him. All the followers of Jesus fled.
Jesus was all alone.
Am I a follower of the cross at all times or am I like the disciples and flee when the going gets tough. I need His strength to be faithful at all times – even when it is tough to stand up for Jesus.
1
Am I a soldier of the Cross—
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His name?
In the name, the precious name,
Of Him who died for me,
Through grace I’ll win the promised crown,
Whate’er my cross may be.
2
Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize
And sailed through bloody seas?
3
Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?
4
Since I must fight if I would reign,
Increase my courage, Lord!
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.