The Painted GospelsSample

He Could Have Called a Thousand Angels
by Dave Yauk

What would you do with unlimited power and control if it was given to you? What did Jesus do with it? 

We don’t often think of Jesus’ moment dying on the cross as a place where his power was demonstrated in all its glory, but consider this painting for today, and the idea that Jesus could have summoned a thousand angels, and yet did not. Herein lies the real stroke of authority and control when it comes to Christ’s ability to rule, govern, and fill all things. 

Consider 1 Peter 2:21-25 for a moment, which says,

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

It is true that Jesus is all-powerful, but to truly have control and all authority, one has to know how to both perfectly show power and perfectly restrain it. The humility of Jesus is astounding in Peter’s words here. Jesus had the right and the ability to justify himself, defend himself, and even placate the whole horrific situation, and yet he did not. He used all his power not only to take upon himself the complete wrath we deserved, but also to demonstrate perfect restraint through ultimate patience and self-control. 

As we close, John 13:3-4 also records Jesus’ presence at the Last Supper. Check this out:

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.

Did you catch that? When given ALL power, Jesus’ choice was to serve, and service seems to be the vocation of the angels. Maybe Jesus wasn’t just saving us on earth through serving to the uttermost, but maybe he was also further teaching and modeling for the angels the glory for which they too were created.