17.04.25 Luke 22:47–53

17 April 

Prepare

Jesus, as I enter this moment with You, give me eyes to see what You see, and a heart that reflects Your mercy—even in the face of betrayal.

Read – Luke 22:47–53

While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”

Reflect

This is one of the most human and painful moments in the life of Jesus—betrayed by a close friend, surrounded by weapons, and about to be dragged away in darkness. Yet even here, Jesus does not respond with fear or fury. He remains calm. He heals. He loves.

When the disciples panic and react with violence, Jesus says, “No more of this.” He’s showing a different kind of power—a strength that chooses mercy over retaliation, love over revenge.

In a world that often strikes back, Jesus invites us to pause and respond from a deeper place—not fear, but faith. Not anger, but grace.

Be

Lord, quiet my reactions so I can hear Your response. Help me to reflect Your peace and mercy, especially when I feel wronged, afraid, or angry.

Become

Jesus, form in me a heart like Yours—steady under pressure, gentle in conflict, and willing to heal even those who come against me. Make me someone who chooses light in the middle of the dark.

Do

If you find yourself in a tense situation today, pause. Breathe. Ask: What would Jesus do here? Respond not with a sword, but with grace.

Also, ask God if there’s someone in your life you need to forgive—even if they haven’t asked. Release them to God and ask for healing, for them and for yourself.

Practice:

How do I usually respond when I feel betrayed or misunderstood?

Where in my life is Jesus inviting me to put down the “sword” and choose mercy?

Who needs healing from something I’ve said or done? Can I make that right?