The PassionNäide

My friend is a paramedic. Part of their training is on crisis management, so they can enter chaos and be the calmest person on the scene. In our reading today, Jesus exudes calm even as chaos unfolds all around Him. It’s pitch black when a crowd appears in the garden of Gethsemane looking for Jesus. They’re armed with swords and clubs, sent from the religious leaders and spoiling for a fight. Judas - friend, now betrayer - kissed Jesus to identify Him as the target. A ruckus follows, the crowd clashing with the disciples as Jesus is grabbed. One of the disciples—the apostle John tells us it’s Peter - swings his sword and slices off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Picture the scene: there would be flaming torches waving, men grappling and shouting, clubs and swords clashing, now there’s blood pouring from the servant’s head. Chaos!

Until Jesus takes over. I don’t know if He raised His voice, but when He begins to speak, the chaos subsides. He rebukes Peter for resisting with his sword - Jesus doesn’t need one man’s metal to protect him. He has heavenly legions to call on if He wants to! No, Peter, that’s not the plan. Luke tells us that Jesus picks up the fallen ear, and with just a touch, the servant is healed. Then He exposes the cowardice of the crowd who have come for Him in the dead of night, because they did not dare seize Him in public and broad daylight. Even in the midst of the chaos, Jesus has not lost control, because all that has happened is so that “the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”(Matthew 26:56, ESV) Jesus, in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, is allowing all this to happen so He can reconcile all things to Himself. That’s the plan. That‘s why Jesus is calm in the chaos.

Today, ponder this: When you pray today, you’re praying to the Lord of heaven and earth who allowed Himself to suffer like this. Start your prayers by praising Jesus because every line of Colossians 1:15-20 is true of Him.