“At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a man inciting a revolt? Every day I used to sit within the temple grounds teaching, and you did not arrest Me” (Matthew 26:55).
Jesus was in the garden praying. A group of men came to arrest Him. Why was there fear underlying their actions? Why should they be afraid? Jesus was available for arrest at any time. Why the secrecy? They were afraid and rightly so. They were afraid of the people, but behind that, in their spirit, they were afraid of Jesus. We do well to fear the One through whom all things have their being.
Lord, how funny it is that the world dances in opposition to You. You are the One through whom all things have their being. You created us and deep down we know this. Teach us so that we do not dance around You. Join us in the dance of a relationship with You. Sometimes there is fear to engage with You in a real and personal way. Take that fear away so that no matter what those around us think, we are with You forever.
Lord Jesus, You went through this insult for me. You did this so that I could live life as it is meant to be lived. Lead me so that I humbly come to You, willingly living according to Your goodness and mercy. Guide me in the way of living that does not practice my faith privately, but lives it publicly. You know what I need. Grant me what I need to practice righteousness according to the Father’s will. Amen.
