Gospel

Was A Riot Averted?

by Roland Crim
12/23/19
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Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Mark 14:44-47 NIV

How useless were Judas’ words of Jesus being lead away under guard. Certainly Judas should have known that human guard would not have been a problem for Jesus to overcome. But Judas did not understand Christ.

We know from another account of the events in the garden that it was Peter who took out a sword and cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. But Jesus told Peter put His sword away. In so doing Christ possibly eliminated a potential riot in which many could have been killed or severely injured. But that was not to be part of the plan of salvation. No physical harm was meant to be inflicted upon any of the Lord’s followers at this time. Persecution would come later for the disciples. But for now, the time was at hand for them to flee. The fact of the matter is that Jesus freely gave Himself up to the hands of evil man. It is out of love and grace for us that Christ did so.