Luke 22:47-53
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Remember that Jesus has just spent an extended time praying in agony about his coming ordeal. Also recall what he said to his disciples when he found them sleeping afterward. Then read today’s passage, Luke 22:47-53 imagining the events as they unfold.
According to John’s Gospel account, the hostile crowd closing in around Jesus and his disciples contains religious authorities and a detachment of Roman soldiers (John 18:1-3). The religious figures probably recognize Jesus, but the Roman troops don’t know what he looks like, and he obviously doesn’t look like the rebel they are expecting. It takes a kiss of greeting to by Judas to identify Jesus as the target of this operation.
The kiss of a disciple to rabbi was a customary greeting that expressed commitment and respect, and Judas’ brazen use of this gesture indicates the state of his heart. But Judas had kept his darkening motives well-hidden until now. Jesus knew, but the disciples did not see this coming.
John records that close to the end of his earthly life, Jesus gave his followers a new commandment, and he repeated this commandment on two separate occasions when Judas was present:
“…now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” – John 13:34
“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” – John 15:13
Take some time to contemplate this new command of Jesus in light of the betrayal you observed in today’s passage. Talk this over with Jesus.
Read Luke 22:47-53 again.
One word from Jesus could have sent the violent mob running, but Jesus does not answer aggression with aggression. When Peter strikes out, Jesus not only puts an end to the violence but restores the damage done by Peter’s sword. In the midst of utter darkness, Jesus is the light of the world. He is the embodiment of shalom.
For the final moments of this time of reflection, meditate on the restrained power of Jesus in the face of aggression. Then get quiet and listen to him.
What is Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
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