Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

Then they seized Him (Jesus) and led Him away, bringing Him
into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a
distance (Luke 22:54).

Read Luke 22:54-60a.

Simon Peter shouldn't be anywhere near here. Over and over
Jesus told His disciples what will happen. He will be condemned
and crucified, and on the third day rise again. But Peter wants to
see for himself. So he follows at a distance.

Peter enters the enclosed courtyard of the high priest and stands
among the guards waiting there. It is extremely dangerous for him
to be here-and extremely foolhardy. But he doesn't seem to realize
it until he is trapped in the courtyard. When a servant girl questions
him, he cowers in fear-even though her testimony would not be
considered dependable in a Jewish court.

Just a few hours ago he boldly promised he would go to prison and
to death with Jesus. A few minutes ago he initiated a defensive
attack by striking the high priest's servant with his sword. Yet now,
when his life is on the line, he goes into a panic.

After two initial questions and his quick denials, Simon is able to
escape attention for another hour. But as the sky brightens with the
approaching dawn, another man studies him closely. This accusation
is far more dangerous than the earlier two: Simon's northern dialect
is giving him away. It is plain to hear he is from Galilee, like Jesus.
What was a Galilean doing here in the high priest's courtyard in the
middle of the night when all the guards were Judeans from the south?
Simon Peter is exposed and desperate. He has nowhere left to hide.

We often thoughtlessly put ourselves in harm's way too. But Jesus is
already on His way to rescue him, and you and me as well.

Lord Jesus, forgive the times I put myself in danger for no good reason.
Come quickly to rescue, forgive and restore me. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

(Jesus said) "Have you come out as against a robber,
with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after
day in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me. But this
is your hour, and the power of darkness" (Luke 22:52b-53).

Read Luke 22:52-53.

Jesus now turns to the Jewish leaders. He protests the
way they are going about arresting Him. Like Judas a
moment ago, He wants them to realize the true nature of
their deeds. They think they are serving God, but in reality
they are serving the prince of darkness.

First, He points out the large armed guard they assembled.
Jesus is neither a lawbreaker, nor a violent man. He has
never preached armed rebellion or insurrection. He has only
preached repentance and the coming of the kingdom of
heaven. His deeds have all been good and kind, benefiting
the sick, the hurting, and the dying.

He then reminds them of all the times He preached and
taught before them in the temple courts. If they really had
grounds to lay their hands on Him, they should have done it
then. But Jesus had given them no cause to arrest Him-and
the fact they came out at night is proof of that.

Like cowards they emerge under cover of darkness when the
crowds are far away. This late hour of the night is their hour-
when the power of darkness reigns.

This may be the hour when they seem to have the upper hand,
but Jesus implies another hour is coming-an hour when God's
truth will be manifest, when Jesus will burst through the gates
of death at the resurrection.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You exposed the evil intentions of Your enemies
in order to bring them to repentance and faith. Turn me from
my evil ways that I may live to Your glory. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and
cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, "No more of this!"
And He touched his ear and healed him (Luke 22:50-51).

Read Luke 22:49-51.

The sleepy disciples quickly awaken at the soldiers'
approach. Even though Jesus has stepped forward to
shield them (see John 18:4, 8), they ask their Master if
He wants them to strike with the sword and defend Him.
One doesn't wait for His answer. Peter attacks the servant
of the high priest.

Jesus is deeply concerned about the safety of His disciples
and those who have come out to arrest Him. Peter's rash
act threatens to escalate the tense situation into violence
and bloodshed, forcing the soldiers to rush in with drawn
weapons to put down the violence. Jesus immediately steps
in and defuses it. He commands His disciples to put away
their swords (see Matthew 26:52).

Then He demonstrates incredible care for the high priest's
servant whose ear Peter has severed. Jesus immediately
restores his ear and heals him. He brings peace and calm
out of impending chaos.

His actions perfectly display the love He feels for His Father
and for each of us. It's a love that will prompt His first words
from the cross in a few hours: "Father, forgive them, for they
know not what they do" (Luke 23:34b). And whether that
servant ever comes to faith in Jesus or not, for the remainder
of his life he will bear the evidence in his body of the last
miracle Jesus performed in His earthly life.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You protected Your disciples while demonstrating
Your concern for a wounded soldier who had come out against
You. Give me such love toward my enemies that I may treat
them kindly and You may bring them to faith. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)