Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? - Mark 14:48

Today's Scripture Reading (April 17, 2014): Mark 14

Maundy Thursday

It always amazes me when violence is done in the world because of religion.  Now, I know that there is plenty of violence in the Bible – but the further you read the less the violence becomes. Until you get to the New Testament and Jesus stops it – he goes the other direction.  Turn your cheek, honor those that hate you – be different from the world that is around you.

At this point in history there were armed rebellions that were occurring in Palestine.  The Zealots were bent on taking Israel back for Israel.  To become an independent nation, one not under the rule of any other nation, was the dream.  There were armed rebellions – but that wasn’t the rebellion that Jesus was leading – then or now.

Jesus rebellion is the one that sees value in all people, and preaches love in all circumstances.  It was what the arrest and the cross was all about.  It wasn’t about giving a nation back to the Jews – but a people back to God.

So, we continue to love, we continue to lay down our swords, we continue to respond in love to those who may oppose us – because in the end we know that love wins.  Love wins!

This Post was Originally Published on April 9, 2009 

Today's Scripture Reading: Mark 15