Published 4/15/19
Read Mark 14:44-46
Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard." And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, "Rabbi!" And he kissed him. And they laid hands on him and seized him.
Reflect
· Are you committed to Jesus? Do you know Him?
· Are you relying on Christ's power?
· Do you believe He has the power to transform your life? (What's blocking the change?)
The horror of what Jesus is facing is so overpowering that He literally throws Himself to the ground, not once, but several times, begging the Father to find some other way. "Abba, Father," He says, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Three times He pleads for the Father to call the whole thing off. He doesn't have to go through with this. He's innocent; He didn't foul up the world with sin, humans did. So why should He suffer? And yet there's His deep, deep love for humanity.
A tremendous, agonizing battle plays out. Three times the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Three times He nearly calls the whole thing off. The struggle is so intense and excruciating that tiny capillaries begin to explode near the surface of His skin, causing Him to sweat not only water but blood. And the final outcome?
Jesus' love is so great He decides that He will lay down His life for mankind. Imagine that: God cares more for our lives than for His own! Suddenly, Jesus' prayer time is interrupted as Judas arrives with a detachment of Roman soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They are carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons. Just to make it clear that He is cooperating under His own authority--not man's--Jesus announces His identity. "Who is it that you want?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they reply.
The power of that statement literally knocks everyone to the ground. (The very men who are about to arrest and kill Jesus find themselves on their faces before Him.)
Peter grabs a sword and tries to fight off the soldiers, but only manages to hack off the right ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus orders him to stop and heals the wounded man right on the spot. The Lord has come to do the will of our Heavenly Father: to save and to heal--even those who are about to kill Him. Jesus gives Himself up without a struggle, and remains completely in control of the situation.
Pray
Lord Jesus, please empower me. Ask Him to deliver you from the sin that entangles your life.