The Restraint Jesus Showed

LIKE A LAMB

TODAY’S READING: JOHN 15:9–17

In 1602, Italian artist Caravaggio produced a painting called The Taking of Christ. This work, an early example of the Baroque style, is compelling. Created in dark hues, it allows the viewer to contemplate Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Two main elements of the scene depicted in the painting demand the observer’s attention. The first is Judas as he delivers the traitor’s kiss. Immediately, however, the viewer’s focus is drawn towards Jesus’ hands, which are passively clasped together to show that He offered no resistance to this injustice. Although He possessed the power to create a universe, Christ gave Himself up voluntarily to His captors and to the waiting cross.

Long before this scene took place, Jesus told His listeners that no one could take His life from Him—He would lay it down willingly (JOHN 10:18). This heart of voluntary surrender was prophesied by Isaiah, who wrote, “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth” (ISAIAH 53:7).

Christ’s lamb-like self-sacrifice is a grand indicator of His powerful love. “Greater love has no one than this,” He explained, “than to lay down one’s life for ones friends” (JOHN 15:13). Think of it. Jesus loved you that much! o

HE WAS LED LIKE A LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER, AND AS A SHEEP BEFORE ITS SHEARERS IS SILENT, SO HE OPENED NOT HIS MOUTH.

ISAIAH 53:7

BILL CROWDER

What does it mean to you that Jesus kept His hands—which flung stars into space—by His side so He could be led away and executed for you?

Dear Jesus, I am in awe of the humble restraint You showed. You were led like a lamb to the slaughter to lay down Your precious life for me.

WHAT JESUS DIDN’T DO

TODAY’S READING: HEBREWS 4:14–16

Ionce heard someone say that if Jesus really was the Son of God, His sufferings must have been easier to bear. This comment caused me to re-examine the Gospels. While reviewing the incredible things Jesus did and said to accomplish our great salvation, I also noted a number of things Jesus didn’t do that are equally vital to our salvation:

Jesus didn’t demand His own will (MATTHEW 26:39). He didn’t call down legions of angels to rescue Himself (V. 53). He didn’t defend Himself or threaten His accusers (27:12–14). He didn’t save Himself (MARK 15:31). He didn’t come down from the cross (V. 32). He didn’t stop loving and saving sinners (LUKE 23:43).

The fact that Jesus could have done these things intensified His agony and increased the temptation to use His power for His own advantage. But He didn’t. Instead, He used His power for our benefit! This is described in Hebrews 4:15-16. Jesus suffered temptation the same as we do—except that He didn’t sin. So He can “feel sympathy for our weaknesses” (V. 15). Therefore, we can approach His throne of grace boldly and obtain His mercy and grace “in our time of need” (V. 16).

Whatever your need is today, Jesus wants you to come and make full use of this privilege. o JOANIE YODER

WHEN THEY HURLED THEIR INSULTS AT HIM, HE DID NOT RETALIATE.

1 PETER 2:23

Have you ever noticed before all the things Jesus didn’t do in order to save you? Which one is most precious to you? Why?

Loving Jesus, thank You for making the way for me to come freely before Your throne of grace. I place all my needs in Your hands today.

STRONG CONQUEROR

TODAY’S READING: HEBREWS 4:14–16

Most of us hope our country leaders will do a good job and lead well. We vote, we serve and we speak out for causes we believe are fair and just. But, ultimately, political solutions remain powerless to change the condition of our hearts.

Many of Jesus’ followers anticipated a Messiah who would bring a vigorous political response to Rome and its heavy-handed oppression. Peter was no exception. When Roman soldiers came to arrest Christ, Peter drew his sword and took a swing at the head of the high priest’s servant, lopping off his ear in the process.

Jesus halted Peter’s one-man war, saying, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (JOHN 18:11). Hours later, Jesus would tell Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders” (V. 36).

The Lord’s restraint in that moment, as His life hung in the balance, astonishes us when we ponder the scope of His mission. On a future day He will lead the armies of heaven into battle. John wrote, “With justice he judges and wag-

MY KINGDOM IS FROM ANOTHER PLACE.

JOHN 18:36

es war” (REVELATION 19:11).

But as He endured the ordeal of His arrest, trial and crucifixion, Jesus kept His Father’s will in view. By embracing death on the cross, He set in motion a chain of events that truly transforms hearts. And in the process, our Strong Conqueror defeated death itself.

o

TIM GUSTAFSON

How do Jesus’ words and actions during His arrest and trial show His kingdom “is not of this world”? Which kingdom do you feel most at home in; this world’s or Jesus’?

Father, how prone I am to reacting quickly rather than wisely. Show me Your will for my life so that I will purposefully choose the path You have laid out for me.