The Judean Ministry at Various Cities (18.1-24.53), 22.36-53

Remember way back in chapter nine (Luke 9.1-6) when Jesus sent the 12 out to surrounding villages with no money, weapons or extra clothing? The disciples certainly did. Jesus reminds them of that training session and then, surprisingly, reverses his orders. Now he tells them to take up their money bag, extra clothes, and a weapon – and if they didn’t have a sword they were to buy one! (This is the equivalent of carrying a concealed weapon today, though that’s not what we’re talking about today). Why would Jesus say such a thing? Because they needed to be prepared for what was coming.

What was coming? A violent end to the Messiah’s life, and further violence against the disciples and early Christians. Looking into the first few chapters of the book of Acts reveals the amount of murderous rage the Jewish religious authorities and even many Romans had against the Messianic Jews. Perhaps these near future events – both his impending arrest and crucifixion as well as what the disciples faced -- is what inspired Jesus to take his disciples back to the Mount of Olives for some prayer and time with the Father.

Luke calls the location of this important moment as simply “the place”, but through other Gospels we know it to be the Garden of Gethsemane. There may be some significance to this, or maybe I’m overthinking it, but Jesus often communed with the father in a garden. When the earth was first formed God created a garden on the earth which was, essentially, a temple. It was a place God would come and commune with man. Either way, he went to pray in private and this particular prayer has caused many to question if Jesus really wanted to go through with his sacrifice. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In fact, Jesus’ request was not for himself but to verify the Father’s will. Only Luke records that an angle came and ministered to Jesus. In this new strength he prayed so earnestly that he sweated drops of blood, a condition called hematohidrosis. Hematohidrosis is a condition in which the blood vessels that feed the sweat glands rupture, causing them to secrete blood and happens when one is under extreme physical or emotional stress. When he speaks to the disciples he instructs them to pray that they would not fall into temptation (just as Adam and Eve did in their garden?). Jesus’ concern, even in these final moments, was for others.

And just like that the moment for his arrest was upon them. A crowd appeared, along with Judas and Roman guards. The fateful and condemning kiss was administered. Seeing what was about to take place, the disciples asked if this was the time Jesus indicated they might need their weapons. From other gospel accounts we know it was Peter who struck out first with his sword, cutting off the right ear of the high priest’s servant! “Enough of this!: Jesus exclaimed, and healed the man’s ear before chastising the mob.

“Have you come out with swords and clubs like you would against an outlaw? Day after day when I was with you in the temple courts, you did not arrest me. But this is your hour, and that of the power of darkness!”

Under the cover of darkness and in the power of the Darkness Jesus was led away. This would have been some time before sunrise and by nine o’clock he was on the cross.