Surrender

Scripture/Bible:  When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples across the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, procuring a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to befall him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" 5 They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When he said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he; so, if you seek me, let these men go." 9 This was to fulfil the word which he had spoken, "Of those whom thou gavest me I lost not one." 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. 11 Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?" John 18:1-11

Reflection:  I have often seen fear gripping a mob or a locality on account of a murder or an untoward death.  However brave one may be it is still contagious and the brave in their cowardice state may even make plans on how to protect themselves.  In fact most of bravery is handling the many fears that can grip an individual.

Today for Jesus is a tragic moment when the drama has reached a stage further than the initial betrayal.  Judas has come with the soldiers to arrest Jesus and that too by night.  Jesus could have escaped this terrible moment, just like Jonah the prophet, since he had the foreknowledge of his imminent arrest and trial and the ill-treatment followed by the most tragic and violent death ever.

Yet he faced it with all courage. It required courage as he totally surrendered to the will of his Father. What does that mean?

It means, though he had all the power to prevent his suffering, humiliation and rejection at the hands of evil men yet he did not assert his will but was willing to go by his Fathers will to be the sacrificial lamb for the salvation of the world.

This is seen in the drama of the arrest when the soldiers come to arrest Jesus and Judas is there with them yet they are not able to recognize Jesus. Was Jesus still resisting his arrest? In all probability it seems he was doing that.  It is like the struggle between willingness and resistance surfacing to the fore. This I see further affirmed by the throwing back to the ground of the soldiers when Jesus is offering himself to them. 

Then when he has totally surrendered to the Father, after the assault of Peter, that they are able to recognize and arrest him.  This total and ultimate surrender is well expressed in those words; "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?"

We often pray his prayer addressed to the Father but how often do we really mean what he has taught us: Thy will be done on earth as in heaven.  May this Good Friday really be a good Friday for us all our lives by seeking to surrender to the will of the Father.

Prayer:  Thy will be done, as it was with Jesus you beloved Son so may it be with me.

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