Old Scotch Church - Pastor 2002

Pastor's Corner - March 2002
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Who Is This Guy? by Rich Zimmerman

"When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go."" -John 18:1-8, NIV I am always surprised when I read these verses. Jesus was, for some reason, such a powerful figure in his day that the mere mention of his name under a full moon made a contingent of soldiers scramble for a hiding place. What were they so afraid of? This was the man who had said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:43-45, NIV) Somehow the force of his reputation inspired tremendous fear in the soldiers in spite of his non-violent teaching. Maybe they had a hard time believing that someone with that much power could also be good. Word must have spread that nothing was impossible for this teacher from up north. The large crowds and the miracles performed may have created a sense of awe in these soldiers. They did not know him well enough to know that he was good and kind and would do anything for them. All they knew was that he was mighty. Are you underestimating Jesus? Centuries have dulled our sense of fear. Oh yes, part of why we are not afraid of him is that we know he is powerful but also kind. But we should not be lulled into a sense of forgetfulness about his might. If we could see him as he really is we would be gripped by a desire to find a bush big enough to hide behind. From behind the bush is where we can truly be grateful that Jesus is kind and would go to great lengths to draw us into his fold.

In Christ,

Rich Zimmerman richz@oldscotchchurch.org