trying to find His way
“But this is your hour — when darkness reigns.” (Luke 22:53) Jesus describes this moment as a moment when darkness reigns.This is not the only moment when darkness seems to reign.People around the world still experience the reign of darkness.Currently I think of Haiti, Ukraine the Middle East, and so many more places.Think about the darkness…
“‘No more of this!’ And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.” (Luke 22:51) Peter takes a slice of this enemy to resist him.Jesus takes the bloody ear and heals the enemy.Who are the enemies in my life that I want to strike?Am I responding like Jesus, or like Peter?In this moment we see the…
“Are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48) Judas knew he was betraying Jesus.Yet I can imagine he had mixed emotions about Jesus.It was not hate that motivated him, but fear and selfishness.This was likely a painful kiss for Judas too.His later regret and despair seems to support this. My heart goes…
And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:44) What kind of picture do You have of God?When we imagine God, we use images of power, glorious light and majesty.We stress the awesomeness and holiness of God, a God to be feared.What image…
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) Jesus taught His disciples to pray like Him.He taught them to pray: ‘May Your kingdom come, may Your will be done’.This is how Jesus is praying in Gethsemane as well.That was His ‘on earth as it…
“If you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (Luke 22:36) Once a very sincere christian used this verse to defend gun ownership.They were convinced that Jesus urges His followers to arm themselves.Jesus isn’t preparing them to fight; He will tell them to drop their swords (Matthew 26:52).He is fulfilling the words of Isaiah…
“Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33) Growing up in church we sang many songs about commitment to Jesus.“Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to Thee…”“Though none go with me, still I will follow…”“I love to the tell the story…”In a sense Peter is singing…
“You are not to be like that.” (Luke 22:26) What makes someone great in God’s eyes?Greatness in the world is determined by position, strength and power.It is to be on top of others, exercising authority as a ‘Benefactor’.When those on the bottom do not follow the rules, they must be lorded over.Top down authority, ruling by…
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20) There is a sad irony in this shared cup of communion.Jesus says this cup represents a new covenant relationship.A covenant is an agreement between two or more parties to be in relationship.Like a marriage, or a treaty between nations,…
“The Teacher asks: ‘Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’” (Luke 22:11) As I see it, this was not a mind-reading or future-telling miracle.They were expected, the host knew they were coming, and the room was prepared.Like making plans for Christmas today, Jesus would have made Passover plans.Jesus eagerly…