Acting In The Flesh

Luke 22:47-53

Luke 19 describes Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Just three days later, in this passage, we find Jesus arrested, on Wednesday evening. We have obviously not examined every second of his time, yet it has taken three chapters to cover the most important events. Suddenly John’s comment in John 21:25 makes us aware of what else must have transpired in such a short period. “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” Things were happening so fast that Jesus had not finished telling his disciples they needed to pray before the multitude came to arrest him.

“And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:47-48)

A kiss is generally viewed as a symbol of love. Judas has chosen to use this act that indicates love as the means of betrayal. Unfortunately, people often use symbolic actions to conceal their real purpose. Jesus was not deceived, calling Judas’ attention to what he was doing and giving Judas an opportunity to repent.

Though Jesus had repeatedly told them that he would be killed, the disciples had not really believed him until this time. Suddenly it dawned on them what was about to happen. Horribly outnumbered, and having only two swords, they were willing to take on the entire multitude.

“When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.” (Luke 22:49-50)

All the apostles had said they were willing to die for the Lord, and Peter impetuously steps forward and attacks without waiting for the Lord to direct him, as John 18:10-11 tells us. “Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”

Peter’s pride had not deceived him in how much he loved the Lord. He was willing to die for him. It had deceived him in believing he knew what needed to be done. Had he successfully stopped the crucifixion, we could not have been saved. Acting in the flesh, with the best of intentions, Peter forced the Lord to take time to correct his mistake.

“And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.” (Luke 22:51)

That same failure to let the Lord lead him is what caused Peter to deny the Lord a few hours later. I shudder to think how many times my fleshly efforts to please God have forced him to correct my mistakes before he can accomplish his purpose. Knowing my intentions, he has fixed them, time after time, just telling me to put up my sword and trust him. It is critical that we learn to walk in the Spirit.

For the last four days, Jesus had preached in the temple every day. If there was legitimate concern about what he was teaching, the leaders could have intervened at any point with no need for force. The fact that they were plotting to do it undercover of night indicated that they knew what they were doing was wrong.

“Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” (Luke 22:52-53)

The Apostle Paul said he obtained mercy because he killed Christians in ignorance, believing he was doing the right thing, in I Timothy 1:13. By pointing out the wickedness of their action, Jesus removed any excuse. They are fully culpable. Even if they didn’t recognize who Jesus was, they knew their actions were not justifiable.