August 21st, 2017

Luke 22:49-51 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
 
ONE of Jesus’ most difficult teachings is recorded twice in Luke and once in Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  I have remarked in other lessons how this would be an extremely difficult command for the Jews. Our cultural differences today are minimal contrasted to their oppression. We must remember the gross atrocities the Jews’ suffered under centuries of foreign rule. Enemies within their nation, too, created economic and political imprisonment. How is it possible to love and pray for such enemies?
    Jesus shows us how. The disciples reacted to Jesus’ arrest as had many other disciples of rabbis and zealots who sought to overthrow Rome. The violence in these many rebellions invariably led to violent death. Jesus, though, would not have his disciples killed in their misguided passion. He needed love to be their passion because love is the only weapon to defeat the great enemy Satan.
    At that moment in the Garden, Jesus lived into his words. He does what he has preached. He obeys his own command. The Lord loves the wounded soldier. Jesus’ touch surely heals the man’s ear. Jesus love truly transforms the man’s heart into a new faith in the living Lord. Who knows how many this man proclaimed the miracle of that moment. That’s what godly love does – it heals and it multiplies. It glorifies God.
    As we conclude this study of the Passover night, let’s be mindful of what Luke has revealed to us. These hours of Jesus with his disciples is a summary of his three years’ ministry. Witness God’s way against the world’s way. The Lord has taught. He has served, encouraged, rebuked, healed and loved. The Messiah has warned of hardships ahead. He has prayed to protect his chosen leaders. As surely as God released his people, Israel, from slavery at the first Passover, he came again to release his chosen people, the church, from sin. The Lord has spoken. He calls us to obey.
    The Savior has shown much to us in the hours before his arrest. I pray we will listen and learn. His love for us is tender and protective. His call on our lives is urgent and purposeful. How are we to respond?
 
Prayer: Teach me, Spirit, of the Father’s great love, the Son’s urgent commands, your life-giving power. I pray for faith to love my enemies and to pray for them. Amen.