Daily Devotion for March 10, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPASSIONATE Christ
Day 10

 

Rebellion?

 

"Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?  Mark 14: 48

 

Jesus answered them. His accusers had not spoken to Him with words, but they had used violent actions, and their actions spoke every bit as loudly as a thousand words. They took Him to be a criminal, and the situation was beginning to get out of hand. With a few words, Jesus was able to re-establish control, particularly over His disciples. Once again we are reminded of His majesty in the midst of an unseemly and grubby squabble.

 

It was worse than it had seemed at first. They did not even come against Jesus as a thief. They would not have needed such a large band of people, or such a wide array of weapons, if He had only been a thief. Rather, they brought swords and clubs, as if they were out to apprehend the leader of an armed band. The word Jesus used, which is often translated ‘thief’ is really a much stronger term. It means ‘robber’ or ‘cutthroat.’ Martin Luther translated it as ‘murderer.’

 

Have you ever been misunderstood and treated like someone evil?  Imagine how Jesus, who was without sin, felt with this treatment. 

 

So, they came to arrest the Savior, and to add insult to injury they armed themselves as if He was… Barabbas! How ironic, then, that they should later release the murderer and slay the Prince of Peace. Jesus must have wept within His heart as He saw how He was being rejected by His own people. Nevertheless, He knew that the Scriptures were being fulfilled. God can use even the crass stupidity of men to bring about His own, saving purposes.

 

Prayer
Lord, help me to have Your character in the midst of adversity; to love rather than hate, to forgive rather than hold a grudge.  Forgive me when I fail.  Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
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