April 17, 2025 - Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭55a

At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me?” Matthew 26:55a ESV

Jesus, it breaks my heart to picture you, our loving, gracious God, being treated like a criminal. Your love is so great. I picture this scene, and I don’t picture you saying these words out of anger, but sadness. You loved the men who came to arrest you. I believe that you found it sad that their hearts were too hard to grasp how much you loved them. I believe that you felt pain and heartbreak over their souls. You even healed one of them in the middle of your arrest. How amazing is that! It is just another example of your great love and compassion. You were not standing up against them and resisting your arrest. I see you extending your hands to them, allowing them to bind you and lead you away. You surrendered willingly because of your great love. We see it in everything you do. We praise you for your great and amazing love. It is an honor to be the focus of your love.

Oh, help us learn to love like you. Help us willingly surrender our lives so that others can experience your love. Help us learn to live in a way that we are not focused on ourselves, but on others. Make us the kind of people who would take the time to pray for healing over someone who is purposefully out to bring destruction to us. Let us see those who oppose us and mean us harm through your eyes. Help us not to be quick to take offence to the way we are treated by others, but quick to offer forgiveness and love. Help us love even the hardest of souls the way you love them. Let our lives be beautiful examples of your tangible love here on earth.

In Jesus name, amen.