Retreat or Stand?

Mark 14:46-52 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled. 51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. 
 
VIOLENCE and retreat mark the disciples’ response to Jesus’ arrest. We learn Peter attempted to take control: John 18:10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Luke tells us Jesus’ quick response is to heal Malchus. Luke 22:51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. Have you ever thought Jesus’ compassion should have kept him from his trial? Wasn’t Malchus grateful, and weren’t the temple guards amazed at the healing miracle? Sin had so completely blinded them, they were intent to arrest Jesus. Evil’s momentum controls the calloused heart. 
   The evil also overwhelmed the disciples. The men who had promised to defend Jesus to their death all fled. We will see that John and Peter followed the guards to Jesus’ trial. But they kept their distance. None accompanied the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16) to defend him. How easily we can declare our commitment when we only need to speak it. Our true allegiance to the Lord is revealed in our response – flee the assault or fight for what is right?
   From that night in the Garden until the night the risen Jesus met the disciples behind a locked door, Jesus’ 11 closest followers would be afraid, confused and grieved. We can believe, too, they were filled with hate toward Judas. These emotions would dominate their minds. They were in no state of faith to remember Jesus’ call, “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17)
   Many believe Mark is the young man who fled naked, leaving his garment behind. Regardless of who it is, this can be an illustration of our response to a faith crisis. We can be quick to flee the conflict. When obstacles arise, you must see them as opportunities God gives you to clothe yourself with strength, (to) put on your garments of splendor. (Isaiah 52:1) Jesus had clothed his disciples in righteousness, preaching and revealing God’s power had come to earth. In a moment of fear, the disciples abandoned all the Lord had given to them.
   Be on guard. Your faith needs continual strengthening. We must often make the decision to retreat or to stand. What do you do?