Sword Wielding

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to walk through the Garden of Gethsemane.

It is a beautiful, serene, olive tree-lined garden. The sun streams through the branches and dances on the ground below. It is also the setting where Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss.The dichotomy between beauty and betrayal is the impetus that caused me to look more closely at this last miracle Jesus performed while on earth. Let's read Luke 22:47-48:

While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

In the culture of first-century Israel, a kiss on the cheek was a common greeting, a sign of deep respect and brotherly love. It angers me that Judas used such an intimate expression of love to betray Jesus! Do you find yourself feeling similar emotions? Let’s read on - Luke 22:49-50:

When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

(As a side note, John tells us, in his gospel account of this story, that it was Peter and Malchus, a servant of the high priest.) If I’m being totally honest with you, I’d be standing right there with the disciples giving Peter a high five. But let’s read Jesus’ words in verse 51:

But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

Jesus healed the servant who was there to help with his arrest! Why? What Peter maybe still didn’t understand was that Jesus’ message was one of peace. Jesus wasn’t a revolutionary fighter. Peter wanted to bring in the kingdom by force, and Jesus said to Peter, "There is another way." The Scripture had to be fulfilled and the divine plan had to be accomplished.

Friends, this may be the last miracle Jesus did while on earth, but God is still in the business of doing miracles today. Rarely is it the way I’d imagine or make it happen if I was in control. (Thank goodness I’m not!) I can’t answer the question of why, sometimes, He miraculously heals a broken body on earth and at other times He brings healing through heaven.

As I’ve been thinking about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, my heart aches for the enormous pain innocent people are experiencing. Not to in any way minimize their suffering, I’ve talked with many of you who are going through your own pain due to broken relationships from the fallout of all that has happened in our world over the past few years. It’s easy to pick up our swords and figuratively cut off someone’s ear on social media or send our children to picket in front of their schools, but I don’t believe that is what Jesus would have us do!

Our human instinct is to wield swords at our enemies. But today, I’m looking inward at myself at areas where I need to submit to God’s kingdom rather than usurping God’s power by my own means.

When do I need to put down my sword, swallow my pride, and apologize or offer forgiveness to someone who has hurt me deeply?

I invite you to do the same, so that as we move towards Easter, we can truly have peace in our hearts as we celebrate the resurrection of the Prince of Peace! Let’s pray.

Father God, thank you for your mercy and grace. Help me to follow your example and live my life like you did while on earth, as a servant. Jesus, help me to love well and to put my wants and desires to get even away and instead, to offer forgiveness and grace. Amen!

Pastor Pam

‍