Sometimes, when one starts with the wrong idea, it can be difficult to see things correctly. For example, when my Sunday School teachers talked about Jesus being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, I pictured a quiet, orderly scene. People came from town, found Jesus, and told him that the High Priest would like to see him. In response, Jesus got up and quietly followed them back to town. That picture could not be further from the truth.
Mark 14 says, “As he (Jesus) was speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs” (verse 43). That does not sound very peaceful. Rarely does an armed crowd show up in a quiet and orderly fashion.
Then things deteriorated even more. “The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear” (verses 46-47). John tells us that Peter was the one who drew his sword and started swinging (John 18:10). This should not surprise us. Peter said that he would die with Jesus if he had to, and he was true to his word (Mark 14:31).
The scene must have looked more like a mob brawl than a quiet night in the park. However, during this chaotic scene, two amazing things take place.
First, Jesus healed the man (Luke 22:51). Jesus was always about healing and restoration. When others were ready to fight and wound, Jesus stepped in to heal and mend.
The second amazing thing is that even though he is the one facing crucifixion, Jesus is the calming influence. He reminds them that violence never brings about the righteous things of God (James 1:20). They come in anger and Jesus responds in love and service.
Those two pictures are worth remembering any time you start to question who Jesus is and what he might do. During the most chaotic and stressful night of his life, Jesus heals and Jesus calms.
He can do the same for you.
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