In Gethsemane, Peter has just taken out his sword and attacked the servant of the high priest. And as blood flows, there is uproar. As usual, it’s Jesus who takes control. “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” – Mark 14:48–49 Notice that in the gospel of Mark, instead of speaking to Peter, Jesus addresses his words to the mob. To understand what he meant when he asked, “Am I leading a rebellion that you come out with swords and clubs to capture me?” you have to understand something of the environment in which the Jews were living at the time. It was a time of great political and religious upheaval. Every few years, the Romans had to put down rebellions and uprisings. Quite a few of these were led by self-proclaimed “Messiahs”, who had both a political and religious agenda. Jesus points out that he isn’t leading an armed rebellion of the kind that they were used to. His kingdom was of an entirely different sort. Jesus also points out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders in not arresting him when he was teaching publicly in the temple courts, because they didn’t want to upset the people during Passover. If Jesus doesn’t come to you with swords and clubs, then how does he come to you? He comes to you with gentle words and loving deeds. He comes to you with understanding and mercy to bind your wounds. Think about your life, and how Jesus has come to you in the past. Think of one special experience and write it down. Share it with a friend, or if you are brave enough, on social media.