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When Jesus\u2019 followers saw what was going to happen, they said, \u201cLord, should we strike with our swords?\u201d And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, \u201cNo more of this!\u201d And he touched the man\u2019s ear and healed him\u201d (Luke 22:49-51)

That sin tries to cover its tracks is not unusual. We have heard stories of people showering their spouses with attention and gifts while seeing someone else on the side. Regularly, we hear of people pilfering funds designated for the needy as they work for relief organizations. Sin works to disguise itself.

In contrast stands Jesus. As Luke tells the story of Jesus arrest and crucifixion, he invites us to look at Jesus, to see him remain true to his mission to the bitter end. As his enemies surround and arrest him as a dangerous criminal, he stops his disciples from fighting back and heals the servant\u2019s ear. Here is a picture of the gospel. Jesus ministers to sinners in need. Judas and his crowd are the people Jesus came to minister to. He practices what he preached; he blesses his enemies.

Jesus puts a stop to the sword action of his followers. He wants no struggle at his arrest. He will submit to God\u2019s call and to the Jewish leadership\u2019s desire to arrest him. They will be held accountable to God for their actions. He picks up the severed ear and heals the servant. Everything about the arrest is told in a way that indicates how amazing it is that anyone seeks to arrest Jesus.

Luke calls the moment of Jesus\u2019 arrest a time \u201cwhen darkness reigns\u201d. He means that even though Jesus\u2019 death has been ordained, it is not just (Acts 2:22\u201324). Satan\u2019s attempt to stop Jesus is underway again. But Satan\u2019s work will be stopped\u2014not by preventing Jesus\u2019 death, as the disciples attempt, but through resurrection. Ironically, the cross will accomplish the exact opposite of what the darkness wishes. Such is the mystery of God\u2019s ways. Though the Jewish leadership seems to be in control, God and his agent are really in control.

Jesus claims to be on God\u2019s side, but those who arrest and crucify him disagree. Luke is inviting us to answer the question, \u201cWhich side represents God?\u201d And then, which side will we choose? Will we embrace the forgiveness and blessing Jesus offers those who recognize him through faith? The catch being that he offers it freely to his enemies and ours as well. Can we possibly endure injustice done against us for the sake of the gospel? Jesus calls his followers to such a life.

Jesus\u2019 response and absence of violence communicates his confidence in God\u2019s sovereignty. He renounces the use of force. Defense comes through the injustice of his suffering, not through the sword. A day is coming when Jesus will do battle (see Rev. 19), but that is not today; we do not need to take up the sword for Jesus now. Our call is to share the Word, love our neighbor and enemy, and work for the unity of the saints.