When Darkness Reigns

Most of us react to approaching harm with self defense. If the threat includes violence, then isn’t violence in self defense justified by law? What did Jesus do when threatened?

After praying alone in anguish on the Mount of Olives that His Father’s will be done, Jesus found his disciples asleep and warned them to pray that they not fall into temptation. Later Judas, one of the Twelve, approached him with a crowd. It became clear that their intent was to arrest Jesus. One of Jesus’ followers, reacting to the threat of violence, struck a servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear! But Jesus healed the servant’s wound and commanded there be no more violence.

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, you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour – when darkness reigns.” Luke 22:52-53, New International Version

Jesus’ enemies, threatened by the Rabbi’s growing influence and popularity, feared his power in teaching the people. Their instinct was to destroy Him. But his instinct (his Father’s will) was not to retaliate.

Jesus transcended the laws of the Torah with the power of a forgiving heart. Violence is darkness. Forgiveness is light and new life, redemption. Sometimes the light of Christ in us threatens others. Have you ever encountered distrust, suspicion or hatred because of your actions that reflected your own Christian values? Intimidated by a code of conduct that differs from their own, or a perceived threat to their own influence, power, or position, others may counter in direct or subversive ways. The potential for darkness and for under-handed retaliation is everywhere. Evil is always at work in the world – all the time!

We must remain alert to temptation and forces working against Christ. There is potential for darkness, in ourselves as well as others. Let us not fall asleep as did the disciples on the night Jesus was betrayed. Darkness can be overcome by the light of forgiveness. May we follow the example of Jesus of Nazareth. May each of us always yield to the Holy Spirit guiding us as He speaks through Scripture, our conscience and our fellow believers.

Then darkness will not reign……..

Patricia McCann, Elder
for the Adult Discipleship / Membership Development Council