Unlimited: Scripture Must Be Fulfilled | Good News Unlimited
Unlimited: Scripture Must Be Fulfilled
Jul 30, 2024 1355
“Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled” (Mark 14:48-49, NIV).
In Gethsemane, Peter took out his sword and attacked the servant of the high priest.
And as blood flows, there was uproar.
As usual, it’s Jesus who took control.
Notice that in the gospel of Mark, instead of speaking to Peter, Jesus addressed his words to the mob. To understand what he meant when he asked, “Am I leading a rebellion that you come out with swords and clubs to capture me?”
You have to understand something of the environment in which the Jews were living at the time.
It was a time of great political and religious upheaval. Every few years, the Romans had to put down rebellions and uprisings. Self-proclaimed “Messiahs” led quite a few of these with both political and religious agendas.
Jesus pointed out that he wasn’t leading an armed rebellion of the kind that they were used to. His kingdom was of an entirely different sort.
Jesus also pointed out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders in not arresting him when he was teaching publicly in the temple courts, because they didn’t want to upset the people during Passover.
If Jesus doesn’t come to you with swords and clubs, then how does he come to you? He comes to you with gentle words and loving deeds. He comes to you with understanding and mercy to bind your wounds.
– Eliezer Gonzalez
Eli’s Reflection: Think about your life, and how Jesus has come to you in the past. Think of one special experience and write it down. Share it with a friend, or if you are brave enough, on social media. His kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4, NIV).
