51 HOW DOES JESUS REACT F O O T ================================
- H O L D
READING
51 HOW DOES JESUS REACT?
PRAY Open your word to me today, loving Lord.
READ Luke 22:39-65.
THINK What does this passage teach about Jesus’ character?
FOCUS JESUS – AT PRAYER (39-46). Jesus was human and he was facing a cruel death. Of course he shrank from it. He knew also that in his death he would be bearing the punishment for our sins which meant separation from God. (37). That is why he prayed as he did (42). Do your prayers have this attitude? JESUS – ARRESTED (47-53). When Christ’s enemies came to arrest him, Peter resisted them (49,50). But that was not Jesus’ way (51). Look up 6:27,28 and Matthew 5:39, and see how in today’s verses Christ practised what he preached. It is not easy to meet hostility with love, and bitterness with the healing power of Jesus Christ. However this is the way of Jesus – and the way we ought to follow. JESUS – DISOWNED (54-62). Jesus was aware that Peter had failed him. We don’t know exactly what was in his look (61), but there’s no hint of anger. From what had gone before and what happened later it seems that Jesus would have been patient and loving even though he had been hurt. It is important to remember Jesus’ example, when we feel tempted to condemn others who let us down. JESUS – MOCKED (63-65). Notice the ways the guards mocked Jesus? Jesus met their mockery with silence. Laughter and insults can be hardest things to bear. We shout back other insults and get involved in a slanging match. But not Jesus. He refused to get into pointless arguments. His quiet dignity shows us how to deal with situations like that. —————————————————————- PRAY Look again at the passage and your answers to the THINK question. Note especially Jesus’ patience, love and courage. Take the time to worship him. Then ask for the grace to follow his example.