The passion of Jesus is unfolding and our Wednesday group was taken by some of the details they had overlooked in the past. Jesus tells his disciples to pray that they not enter into temptation, however, was Jesus tempted in the garden when he prays to his Father to have the cup removed. After the temptation in the wilderness, the scripture says that the devil waited for a more opportune time. Is the garden that time? The garden prayer is such a power example of Jesus' humanity, and yet, Jesus is still willing to follow God's will.
Luke heightens the drama in verses 43 and 44, which seem to be additions. Sweating blood is such a powerful image. The question was asked, how did Luke know what was happening when the disciples were asleep. Did Jesus tell the disciples later after Easter? Is this Luke filling in the details? Is this God speaking to Luke as he was writing the gospel? We explored all the possibilities. Of course, the question was asked, why did the disciples go to sleep for sorrow. Certainly, there was sorrow in the air, but the thought was that it may have had more to do with the wine at dinner.
The group found the crowd that came to arrest Jesus interesting by its inclusion of the chief priests and the elders. Wouldn't they have just sent the Temple Guard? And why did the temple have a guard? The thought was that the guard would protect the treasury but also assure the Romans that there would be order at the Temple. It seemed to make sense that the religious authorities would have been willing to keep their own guard if it would keep the Romans out of the Temple.
The denial of Peter in the courtyard was a very moving scene. The group was particularly struck with Luke's addition of having Jesus turn and look at Peter as the cock crowed. The particulars, whether Jesus could hear Peter's denials or whether Jesus could actually see Peter out in the crowd, are lost in the image of Jesus' simply looking at Peter. In that singular moment, Peter is convicted without Jesus saying a work, and yet, we know there is grace that will come. Peter will be singled out to have the Easter message given to him. Even though he would deny Jesus, God's grace would claim and forgive him. This poignant drama is a word of grace to all of us who fall short and in one way or another deny Jesus in our lives.
Next week, we make the journey to Pilate and then the cross. We will be gathering at noon on Wednesday at the Christian Education Building. All are welcome to attend and participate. As always, you are welcome to follow on the blog.
Peace,
Pastor Summer
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