SEP 10

John 18:1-8
Memorise Matthew 10:16
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves...”

As soon as Christ had finished praying, the tranquility of the garden was broken with the arrival of Judas and a band of men bearing lanterns, torches, and weapons. Throughout Christ’s ministry, the Jewish leaders were always there, seeking ways to find fault with Him, harass His followers and prevent Him from teaching the truth. Such was their persecution that they chose these circumstances to arrest Him − armed, under the cloak of darkness as though He was a dangerous criminal. Confronted with this crowd, Jesus, unarmed, went forth boldly and calmly, and asked them who they were looking for. He took the initiative to approach them first even though He knew the answer. He did not cower or hesitate. He stood His ground with quiet resolve, responding to their threats in a very matter- of-fact way. Jesus did not flinch when facing arrest. Despite His immediate predicament and danger, He had the presence of mind to lovingly think of the safety of his disciples. Christ’s injunction to Peter to put away the sword and let God’s sovereign will be done diffused the situation. In the heated situation and under great duress, Christ also paused to heal the wounded captor. Peter’s act could have easily sparked off a fight. People would have been needlessly harmed and all the disciples arrested. But it was Christ they wanted. He alone would be arrested. And alone to the cross He would go. In Christ’s firm, gentle and selfless demenaour throughout His arrest we see His great strength. Christ knew exactly what lay ahead for Him. He had known all His life. Was He afraid? Yes. Courageous? Yes. Courage is not the absence of fear but possessing the strength to persevere and withstand that fear.

Persecution goes further than someone mocking you or making fun of you. Persecution also includes ill treatment, hostility from people that follow and pursue after you even when you flee. They persistently seek you out to harass you. Persecution marked the life of Christ, the disciples and many of the saints of the early church. Perhaps some of you face persecution for your faith or your stance on the truth. How have you faced up to this persecution? Did you run away in fear or embarrassment? Hesitate? React and lash out in anger? For those of us who have not faced persecution yet, we still need to prepare ourselves for it, so that should that day come, no matter what form the persecution may be and how unexpected, we will respond in a manner worthy of Christ our perfect example who amidst ‘wolves’ was ‘wise as a serpent’ and ‘harmless as a dove’.

Thought: Are you prepared to face persecution with courage?
Prayer: Grant me courage to face persecution and sin not.