Easter In The Kingdom By Edmound TeoSample

Choose Love 

The Jewish authorities opposed Jesus because of jealousy. The truth is they had no authority and jurisdiction to arrest Jesus; the Roman authorities had. The seizure (Matt. 26:50) was unnecessary because Jesus had never hidden from them or attempted to escape capture.

John’s gospels tells us that it was Simon who cut off the high priest servant’s ear (John 18:10). Simon thought the sword and an uprising would help bring in the Kingdom. Jesus reprimanded him (Matt. 26:53) because that's not the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ power and coming was meant to save and heal, not to destroy or punish. Jesus immediately touched the man’s ear and healed him (Luke 22:51), so that no one would be implicated, charged or sentenced with Him. Jesus is not powerless and not political. He chose the power of love! He exercised restraint instead of retaliating.

Prayer: Dear Father, when I face situations that anger and frustrate me, teach me to exercise restraint. And that I will always bring healing to those who are hurting. Set my heart in you and for you, so that nothing of this world can distract and discourage me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.