Joel M Bradshaw

47But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. 48But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

49When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, “Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!” 50And one of them struck at the high priest’s slave, slashing off his right ear.

1But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

52Then Jesus spoke to the leading priests, the captains of the Temple guard, and the elders who had come for him. “Am I some dangerous revolutionary,” he asked, “that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? 53Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there every day. But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns.”–Luke 22

1. The reason Judas got paid was that he uniquely knew the hangout spot and could easily pick out Jesus in a crowd in the dead of night.
2. I’m picturing the fishermen swinging swords around. I used to get that way when I got a new toy lightsaber!
3. I always tell my kids when we are in public and they don’t know what to do, to follow my lead. Match my attitude. Jesus wasn’t fighting, so match Jesus.
4. I would love to hear more from the man with the healed ear. Did his faith story change that night?
5. Jesus had a very public ministry. The religious leaders were cowards arresting Him at night away from the crowds who would have protested.
6. Remember, Satan thought he won when he arranged the arrest, trial, and death of Jesus. The power of darkness might never have been stronger. But it was about to be defeated once for all!
7. How would you have responded that day if you were one of Jesus’ closest friends? Who do you identify with in this story?–JMB