When the World Comes to Put You in Cuffs

Let us set the scene. Jesus is getting arrested. This group of soldiers to come arrest one man would have been a squad ranging from 300-600 men. Keep that in mind as we read parts of the lesson tonight. Realized the great number just makes this story all the more powerful. The world at times will try to restrain you, they tried to do that to Jesus. How that go? When the world comes after us, how should we respond?

Did Not Cower (V. 1-3)

Jesus knew what was going to happen. Jesus knew Judas had gone to betray him. Jesus continued to go about His life. Judas had been with him three years and would have known that this garden was a place visited quiet frequently by Jesus. Jesus had no reason to hide, he knew the plan of God. And when the hundreds of soldiers showed up, Jesus was still not deterred from speaking truth.

It is east to get overwhelmed by shear numbers. It can be easy to make simple adjustments to try to avoid controversy, such as changing meeting location. Their is nothing wrong with small adjustments if done with the right heart. Are you making adjustments because you are cowering in fear or are you making adjustments because you felt led to do so by God. 2 Timothy 1:7 lets us know we are not to have an attitude of fear.

If Jesus had cowered, God’s plan for humanity would have been ruined, by one decision to cower. Jesus’ strength to stand has impacted millions.

What happens when we do not cower? God is glorified. God works in the face of adversity. God can use your courage to inspire others.

Example: God may call you to pray for your school. You decide to meet at the flag pole every Monday at 7. You may be told to move it because it is offending someone or you may feel like moving it because people keep walking by mocking you. Would it necessarily be wrong to move your prayer time to the football field or a different time. Not necessarily. The location and time of the prayer does not affect its power. The heart of obedience does though. It would be wrong for you to move out of fear. If you feel firm on staying at that time and place you should not waver.

Used Tact (V. 4)

Jesus knew why they were their, but asked anyway. Jesus knew how to direct the conversation in order to have his name proclaimed. We need to know truth and use wisdom in how we communicate it. When you are being “cuffed” your time is limited, so you need to be wise in how you use your words and use them in the way they have the greatest impact.

Jesus knew why they were their. He could have silently walked to them and been cuffed and walked off. But Jesus knew the situation and knew how to use it the most for God’s glory. Because Jesus asked a very simple and pointed question God was able to be glorified.

Don’t be reckless, be wise.

When facing persecution think through what you going to say, don’t be haphazard.

Example: Ask about people’e religious beliefs, hobbies, etc. All things you may already know but they are questions that show interest and open door ways to deeper conversations.

Choose Your Battles (V. 5)

Judas stood their, literally sold Jesus’ life for a months wages. Jesus in that moment could have spoke the words and Judas would have fallen dead. Judas had done the ultimate disrespect. Not all battles are worth fighting. Fighting some battles can hinder the gospel going forward.

Their is a time and place for things. Their is a way for things to be handled. But we must be wise in listening to God.

Example: A classmate comes one Wednesday night. A classmate that has never set foot in this church. And you found out they were calling you all sort of dirty things. You know it is not like them to come to church. What should you do? Choose to push aside your pride and not give them a piece of your mind so that their mind will not be hindered in hearing the gospel. Who’s glory is more important, yours or God’s?

Control (V. 6-11)

When I read of them falling to the ground I am taken back. Jesus literally said “I am he.” What does I am reference back to? Jesus spoke and they could not stand, but fell to the ground. They thought they were in control. In reality they were only in control because Jesus allowed it. Their was no getting up off the ground without the blessing of Jesus. Then Peter cut off the ear of a servant. Imagine the nerve that took. 12 against 300-600 not the best of odds. Jesus choose to show control and even if he could take them all out he chose not to. In Luke we see Jesus put the ear back on. So when one of the ones sent to help arrest him for crucifixion Jesus still chose to show self control and peace.

This also shows us even when faced with the undeniable truth of the Lordship of Jesus many still choose to reject it.

This passage alludes to what we learn in Philippians 2:10. In the end you have no choice but to listen to the voice of God.

Example: Don’t let rejection make you feel like a failure. It is there failure to ignore the truth. Be faithful and deliver the message.

Willing to Pay the Price (V. 11)

Jesus knew what cup he was called to drink from. He knew what going with them would mean, but he was willing to follow and to pay the price. he knew that is what would accomplish the most good in God’s plan.

Jesus knew what was to happen. Already he has many exit points he could have taken, but he chose not to.

In life God is going to call you to do hard things. When you walk these hard paths your faith will be tried. Their will be points where you may have the opportunity to jump ship. Just because you have the opportunity, does that mean it is the right choice? No. You will miss out on blessings. You may jump ship and get swallowed by a big fish to eventually be spit back out into the opportunity God has called you to.

Don’t let circumstances dictate your faithfulness.