Holy Thursday: Arrest and trial

These last 16 hours are the culmination of Jesus' ministry on earth. They are also the most painful, humiliating, and agonizing of his life. Remember this: he did all of this...he suffered everything...FOR US!

My disciples are just a few feet away and yet I feel so alone. There is no one, except my Father, who can imagine the anguish I am going through right now. I am so scared that my legs are too weak for me to stand. I fall to my knees here on the rocky ground. It's the first of many times I will sink to my knees in the coming hours. I need my Father's help.

"My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me" Yet, I know this is what I came here for. "but, not as I will, but as you will."

I rise from my knees and return to the disciples. They're asleep. It's ok, though, they do not know what is about to happen. "Peter, so you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test."

My soul is so heavy it feels as if I am being crushed. Only my Father can give me the comfort I need. I fall to my knees again. "My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!" I can feel His power, His grace flowing through me. I feel a sense of calm. He has even sent one of His angels to be next to me. I am at peace. It is time.

"Peter, get up. The hour is here." I can see the temple guard and angry crowd entering the garden as I speak. Judas is leading them. Again, I pray for his soul. There is such a mob. "Have you all come with sword and clubs as if I were a fleeing criminal. I have taught many times in the temple and yet you never tried to arrest me." Judas is coming up to me. He kisses me on each cheek. "You betray me with a kiss?" I know Satan has entered his soul.

The temple guard have stepped forward. I flinch in pain as they roughly grab my arms and bind them behind my back. The disciples scatter and run away. I notice Peter, however, run behind a rock at the other side of the garden.

The mob shoves me forward and out of the garden toward the house of the high priest. Glancing over my shoulder I can see Peter following at a distance. The chief priests and the elders are gathered here in Caiaphas' courtyard. They are cursing me and shouting at me. Caiaphas is face-to-face with me yelling. I will not speak. My actions here on earth and the works of my Father speak for themselves. He orders me to speak, however, so I tell them of the plan of my Father, "From now on you will see 'the Son of Man' seated at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." He goes into a rage and the mob has rushed around me. They are spitting in my face and punching me. Caiaphas has told the guards to take me to Pilate. My fate is now sealed. They lead me away.

Tomorrow, I will make a post at 7:00 AM. Until then...God bless.

posted by: crossman at 20:18 | link | comments |
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