There's another reason we can gloss over it: we've heard it all before. Even if you only attend church services one time in a year it's usually at Easter. The story is always the same. You hear about the death and resurrection of Jesus. Since you've heard it all before, it's easy to gloss over these readings now.
Let me encourage you to imagine life differently. When you read through these accounts over the next several days, I encourage you to imagine being there at the time. Imagine living in the day leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus. More than that, I want to encourage you to ask yourself a question: "Which person would I be?"
You will read about many people who surrounded Jesus throughout this night and day leading up to his death. Which one (or ones) do you relate to the best? Who would you be, if you were there?
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. Jesus replied, "Do what you came for, friend." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. (Matthew 26:47-50 NIV)
People came with torches (it was night) and weapons to arrest Jesus. Clearly they thought he might need to be subdued. They were also afraid of him. John's account tells us that they "drew back and fell to the ground" when they found Jesus (John 18:5-6). Why? They were afraid of him and wanted him put away where they would all be safe. Are you afraid of Jesus? Perhaps, then, you relate to one of these soldiers.
With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" (Matthew 26:51-54 NIV)
Notice something here. Jesus didn't fight. Jesus didn't allow his companions to fight for him. He didn't call upon twelve legions of angels to save him. He didn't make the soldiers fall down. He simply went with them. As you walk through these accounts this week, you will see that Jesus is never forced to go to the cross. He went willingly. He was fulfilling his part of The Father's plan - the plan to take away the sins of the world. Jesus' life wasn't taken. He laid it down...for you.
Peter was the one who drew his sword. He wanted to fight and save Jesus' life. Peter knew who Jesus was. He had already proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God (Matthew 16:16), but he clearly wasn't willing to accept God's plan. Peter wanted to save Jesus. God wanted to save humanity. Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, yet still work against God's plan? Do you fight against God with good intentions even though God already told you how things were going to work? If so, you may relate to Peter.
In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. (Matthew 26:55-56 NIV)
When Jesus was arrested, the twelve deserted him. His strongest proponents, closest confidants, and best friends all ran away. Jesus was left alone to complete this part of The Father's plan. His twelve were afraid. Do you have a close relationship with Jesus, yet run away when things get tough? Do you "save yourself" in order to live to "fight another day" or do you stay close to Jesus throughout any trial faced?
How about you? Have you found someone like you?
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