Arrested by Jesus
An already heaving Messiah wept in Gethsemane. It was just one night before Jesus' crucifixion.
What is you were in Gethsemane too, hidden but watching. How would have you described the arrest of God?
What if you were part of the plot to nail a Savior? How would you have explained the events?
No doubt if you were Caiaphas the high priest, your chest would have bulged in triumph:
at last we have seized him.
Maybe if you were the Roman soldiers' commander you would objectively report:
fourteenth of Nisan, eleven thirty P.M., arrested one Jewish prisoner - Jesus of Nazareth.
But John the Apostle (and Gospel writer) records our Lord's betrayal most differently.
Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’ ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘I am he,’ Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground. (John 18:4-6)
The Lord, instead of waiting to be found, stepped forward to meet the armed crowd. In complete control and confidence Jesus openly identified Himself. Their response was literally to fall to the ground. With only the lifting of His voice did Jesus overpower the army of the world's greatest empire.
Unwittingly, unconsciously this crowd of hatred worshipped Jesus by falling at His feet.
This detachment of Roman soldiers, with its commander and Jewish officials were arrested by Jesus well before they arrested Him.
Next these warriors of satan would declare war on Jesus with ancient beams, a hammer, a spear and six inch nails.
We have a Savior that even the rude, the ignorant and the violent would worship. They fell before Him well before they witnessed Jesus' bloodied body suspended upon the Cross.
How much more then can we worship who are saved, who see and stand on the empty side of the cross?#
Today's Soul Snippet:
"The resurrection will make your heart dance for joy if you fully see the pardon, justification and acceptance which it guarantees you". ~ Charles Spurgeon.
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"LISTENING to JESUS" ... 2016 Lay Ministry Convention - Book Here
#Inspiration from Rev. David Beasant - Narellan Congregational Community Church.