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At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture Me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled. (Matthew 26:55-56)
This must have been the last thing the disciples heard as they fled into the darkness. Jesus is making it clear to His enemies that what they are doing is both wrong and ridiculous—and yet, it’s happening to fulfill the prophecies in the Bible. It’s the only protest He’ll make; He will not refuse to go with them, He will not call down thousands of angels to rescue Him. But Jesus does make this one protest. Why?
I think it’s because Jesus is always our Savior, and He can’t see people as enemies—only as the people He will die for, in just a few hours. And so He tells them the truth they need to hear the most at this moment. Perhaps they will remember it, later, after He rises from the dead. Perhaps it will grow, like a seed in their hearts, and produce the good fruit of faith. Perhaps.
Jesus does this for us as well. Even when we are deep in sin, He is still looking out for us, finding ways to call us back to Himself. He will not give up on His enemies, and He will not give up on us.
WE PRAY: Lord Jesus, help me to hear You when You are trying to reach my heart. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- When you are in danger, how do you think about the people who are against you?
- How does Jesus’ attitude differ from yours?
- Do you think Jesus’ appeal succeeded with anybody? Why or why not?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
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