Mark 14:42-52
Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.
Read Mark 14:42-52 picturing the sights and sounds described in the passage.
This chaotic scene unfolds just feet away from the olive grove where Jesus surrendered his will to that of the Father. A mob armed with swords and clubs arrives, sent to do the dirty work for the religious leaders whose jealousy and hatred for Jesus has become their overall driving force. Jesus’ followers were warned that this moment was coming, but even after multiple explanations of the non-violent, upside-down ways of the kingdom of God, one of them slashes away wildly at the attackers. Fear consumes everyone…except Jesus.
Stop for a moment and consider the reasons for the fear of the three groups: the religious leaders, the mob hired by the religious leaders, and the disciples who are with Jesus when the mob arrives.
Read Mark 14:42-52 again focusing on Jesus’ words to the mob.
Jesus’ teaching and explanation of the Scriptures is revolutionary to say the least, but Jesus’ mission is a mission of restoration, not aggression and destruction. The myth of “redemptive violence” says that a righteous end justifies violence as a means to achieve that end. Here by the olive grove Jesus rejects this false way of thinking. In the midst of the chaos, his purpose remains firmly fixed in his mind. He has studied the Scriptures and guarded his connection with the Father, and now he will fulfill God’s purposes in God’s ways.
Violence can take many forms. It can be physical, verbal, emotional or psychological. Have you ever been treated with violence in any of these forms by someone who believes they are justified because of a cause they believe in?
How do you react when someone disagrees with a position you hold dear or actually acts aggressively against your position?
When we’ve been triggered by someone, our natural tendency is to react with violence to one degree or another. Only if we are prepared beforehand to seek peace and trust in God’s perfect purposes can we choose to act differently.
Spend some time talking this over with Jesus. If there are ways Jesus is calling you to become more prepared to seek peace and trust him, make a plan for taking some first steps. If you realize that you have acted violently toward someone else, confess this to Jesus and accept his forgiveness.
If you feel prompted, you may want to seek forgiveness from the person or people toward whom you have acted in violence.
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