“Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled. 51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.” Mark 14.48-52
Jesus came to give life and not to destroy it (John 10:10). He did not come to start a rebellion, as he said, but he came to give life. And yet, in order to defeat sin, the devil, and break the cycle of death, Jesus had to stir the pot. He had to fulfill the Scriptures, so the Son of Man had to be arrested, falsely accused, and put to death.
He was a peaceful presence and never once lashed out in unjustified anger (turning the temple tables over was righteous anger and one of the few times he exhibited anger). But they came to arrest him with swords, clubs, and a mob of torches to light the way.
At this point, everyone left him. The NIV version says, “they deserted him and fled.” All those who said they would never leave (i.e., Peter) ran away like scared children. Even an unnamed young man, who was wearing just a linen cloth, was so scared he lost his clothing when they seized him and ran away naked.
And there remained Jesus, watching the whole thing take place before his very eyes. What was he thinking? Was he feeling compassion, anger, hurt, or disgust? I imagine it was a mix of emotions as he watched his followers melt away like spring snow. And there he was, left alone, with soldiers binding his arms and a crowd yelling insults at the Righteous One of God.
The only rebellion Jesus came to defeat was the rebellious nature of humanity. Our own brokenness and sin would soon be defeated by Christ’s selfless act of love. He would soon set free the very evil that came to capture him. And even though this was such a difficult road, aren’t we glad Jesus made this sacrifice for us? So we might live lives of purpose. So we might know the meaning of God’s unconditional love and acceptance.
Today, on this Sunday morning, I pray that you experience his grace. No matter your circumstance, no matter your pain, Christ is with you. Reach out and talk to him, invite him in, and allow Christ to bring you peace.
“O Lord God, you are good. In moments of personal rebellion, I remember your name. I remember that you are a good and gracious God. You have brought forth life out of darkness, and love out of pain. Come now, Holy Spirit, and fill us with your grace. Help us know that you are a good and loving God. I love you, Lord, and praise your name. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen.