September 16

Luke 22:47-53 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

49And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" 50And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him. 52Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

Observation

Being with Jesus, the followers were quick to committing violence, saying, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" But, it wasn't a posed to Jesus for his permission. Maybe they were filled with "self" righteousness and justice, which failed them to understand the course Jesus must take, and how close "the hour" was. What a ridiculous scene this is, as Jesus pointed out to the chief priests, et al., that they came for him with swords and clubs. Worse yet, his followers resorted to physical violence right before his eyes. What a display of grace, love, and purpose it is that even at the moment of betrayal by Judas, and in front of the "armed forces" (?), his only shout was "No more of this!"

Application

How easy it would be for me to take the stance of "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth", especially when I am wronged. Jesus wasn't speaking only against physical violence but also against violence in many different forms. More often than not, I find myself just like the guy who struck with the sword; I bring an issue before Him in my prayer, and yet my mind is already processing what I am going to do about it.

Prayer

May your "No more of this!" resonate in my heart and mind when I am wronged or hurt unjustly in any way...
May my devotion each day remind me of the meaning of "No more of this!" through your Word...
In Jesus' name.

--jb