“Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.” Mark 14.43-47
It was night. They were on a hillside and could see for miles around. Judas approached Jesus with a crowd armed with swords, clubs, and, I imagine, torches or lamps. This was not a stealthy group. It’s not as if Jesus couldn’t see or hear them coming. And even if he didn’t use his natural human senses, he knew because he was God, and nothing was a surprise to him.
Jesus could have run away, but his resolve on the hillside, his prayer to the Father, and his commitment to saving the world kept him in place. He knew his mission and was not about to let the devil win. Humanity needed a Savior. We forced God’s hand into it from the moment Adam and Eve entered the Garden. And now, several thousand years later, here was God’s answer to that problem—an unblemished Lamb waiting in another garden to be taken away to be sacrificed.
I’m not sure I would have had the courage to remain. I might have tried to sneak away and let someone else do the job. The pain and suffering, the humility and the rebuke—Jesus could have left many times, but in the end, he was always willing to remain faithful to the One who called him.
In the midst of the impossible, Jesus was willing to remain faithful. It reminds me of what he said in John 15: “I am the vine and you are the branches….remain in me as I remain in you.” Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins. Even when the world was coming against him, he did not give up. He held fast so that you might have abundant life this day and eternal life to come.
Glory to God.
“O Lord, it’s summer, and I’m serving you specifically through presenting the gospel to kids at camp and raising up future pastors for your churches. I thank you for these two masterpieces that you are painting before my eyes. Thank you for allowing me to retell this age-old story, this message of the cross. Come now, Holy Spirit, guide my steps. Help me find my hope in you. Allow me to walk in obedience and to be directed every step of the way. I love you, Lord, and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.