When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
Christ power is on display, even in the darkest moments. Judas was hired to betray Jesus. He needed to find a time that Jesus was not surrounded by crowds. Since Jesus had regularly gone to the garden to pray, Judas had the occasion he needed. In the midst of the arrest of Jesus, however, we read that Jesus’ power was fully revealed to those sent to capture Him. First, it was displayed when Jesus simply spoke to them. His very breath was more powerful than their stance. Imagine not being able to stand up in front of someone when they spoke, because their speech was so powerful. This might explain the words of the writer of Hebrews:
(2) but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. (3) He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
God created the world through Jesus. The word of HIs power is just that: powerful! He created and upholds the world by His spoken word. Why these people did not fall down and worship Him is quite amazing,
The second display of His power comes after Peter tries to stop the arrest with a small dagger. He was going to slice his way through a battalion of soldiers to start a revelation to over through the Roman government with a six inch blade he had tucked in his tunic. Imagine the foolishness of this man. He still didn’t get the fact that Jesus had to die for mankind to live. That was Christ’s kingdom, not this one (many Christians today forget that, as well). When Jesus heals the servants ear we have another display of His great power. Again, no one worships Him. Here we have two displays of His power and they still take him to be tried and crucified. God display His power for mankind to see and behold and worship. Only those who live by faith see it. Even Peter missed it. We ought to rejoice in the power of Christ on our behalf.
No comments:
Post a Comment