Luke 22:47-62 | Hebrews 4:14-16
The striking contrast between Jesus and everyone else continues in this passage. Judas’ kiss of betrayal, the violence of the disciple’s sword, the scandal of the high priest’s actions, and Peter’s denial, all under the cover of darkness…this is truly some of the worst of scripture. It’s hard to read.
The situation of the high priest in this journey to the cross is of particular theological meaning. Remember who a priest is - or should be. A priest is an individual who acts as a mediator between human and divine. The priest is to be a bridge, a conduit of grace and meaning to bring people to the understanding of and relationship with God.
But here, in the arrest and trial of Jesus, the high priest is anything but.
In fact, the only true priest in the situation is Jesus. Jesus is the one making way for people to come to know who the loving God is. In the midst of people betraying, swinging swords, lying, mobbing, defiling innocence, adulterating relationship, and hiding in the shadows…Jesus stands in the middle as priest. In chains.
Why is he in chains? He - the true priest himself - soon will also become the sacrifice.
Luke 22:47-62
While Jesus was still speaking, a crowd appeared, and the one called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him.
Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Human One with a kiss?”
When those around him recognized what was about to happen, they said, “Lord, should we fight with our swords?” One of them struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear.
Jesus responded, “Stop! No more of this!” He touched the slave’s ear and healed him.
Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders who had come to get him, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me, as though I were a thief? Day after day I was with you in the temple, but you didn’t arrest me. But this is your time, when darkness rules.”
After they arrested Jesus, they led him away and brought him to the high priest’s house. Peter followed from a distance. When they lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them.
Then a servant woman saw him sitting in the firelight. She stared at him and said, “This man was with him too.”
But Peter denied it, saying, “Woman, I don’t know him!”
A little while later, someone else saw him and said, “You are one of them too.”
But Peter said, “Man, I’m not!”
An hour or so later, someone else insisted, “This man must have been with him, because he is a Galilean too.”
Peter responded, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about!” At that very moment, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter, and Peter remembered the Lord’s words: “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And Peter went out and cried uncontrollably.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Also, let’s hold on to the confession since we have a great high priest who passed through the heavens, who is Jesus, God’s Son; because we don’t have a high priest who can’t sympathize with our weaknesses but instead one who was tempted in every way that we are, except without sin.
Finally, let’s draw near to the throne of favor with confidence so that we can receive mercy and find grace when we need help.
Prayer
God,
As I go about this day, help me live my life knowing Christ is my priest. Not that I want to continually picture him in robes, untouchable. But when I’m in the thick of the fray today, whisper his loving, gentle, and strong being into my ears.
When I am tempted to cheat or betray, show me his persistent righteousness and justice. When I want to swing the sword, show me his compassion. When I want to deny the truth, show me again his gentle honesty. When I want to run and hide, show me his fortitude.
Stay by my side and keep me onward.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.