Never Too Late

+JMJ

A Contemplation on the Arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. His betrayer had arranged a sign with hem, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest Him.” Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and he kissed Him. Jesus answered him, “Friend. do what you have come for.” Then stepping forward they laid hands on Jesus and arrested Him. And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and He will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? But then how would the scriptures be fulfilled which say that it must come to pass in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? Day after day I sat teaching in the temple area, yet you did not arrest me. But all this has come to pass that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.

Matthew 26:47-56

I am running through the streets.

I am a servant from the house where Jesus and His disciples had eaten the Last Supper and had spent the last few hours lost in my thoughts after I had encountered Jesus. He was so different then any other Master I have served before.

It was late by the time I had finished cleaning up, and I knew I had to find Him.

So, I ran.

I am not sure where I am headed exactly, but at the same time knowing I was on the right path.

The Garden was calling to me.

I sprint forward, as the echoes of angry, shouting voices drift to me on the breeze.

I can see them now ahead of me, in a clearing of the garden. I come up behind the group of men, knowing Jesus is here somewhere. I can feel the urgency.

I squeeze my way through the crowd. No one pays much attention to me, as they are all shouting angrily.

I can see Him now, in the middle of the crowd, His hands bound in front of Him.

I burst into to the center of the circle, tripping over the cloak of someone in the crowd, and landing on my hands and knees in sight of everyone.

They all notice me now and it grows quiet. They murmur amongst themselves.

I feel ashamed and embarrassed, gasping for air from the run here. I can only imagine what they are all thinking.

I look up and see Jesus watching me.

“My, Lord,” I say to Jesus, “Am I too late?” Looking around frantically at everyone there.

Jesus smiles and says, “You are never too late.”

He steps forward and places His bound hands upon my head.

I take ahold of the hem of His robes while He blesses me. I feel all of His comfort and mercy in an instant.

The soldiers then grab Him and force Him back towards the city. I watch as the hem of His robes slips through my fingers and I begin to weep.

Foolish Pride

But you do not want to come to me to have life.

John 5:40

There are so many times I know I should be sprinting to Jesus. I should be running to Him in my times of temptation, anxiety, sorrow, and worry. But so many times I find myself sprinting away from Him. Even though I know, without a doubt, He is the only one who can fix my problems.

It just seems easier somehow… to run from Him. Because, it seems, the closer I get to Jesus, the more I learn from Him, the harder it is. He did not describe the road to heaven as “narrow” without good reason.

I am so overwhelmed by the darkness, feeling that Jesus must have more important things to deal with, than my silly anxiety or worry.

Or on the other hand, I feel I should be able to take care of it myself.

Right??

Wrong… this is the foolish pride within me. Pride keeps me from sprinting to Jesus. Even when I know I need Him.

Jesus longs from the very bottom of His heart for you to come to Him. He loves you as if you were the only person in existence!

Jesus is always waiting for you.

He wants you to sprint to Him.

He wants you to come to Him, even when you think it is too late.

It is never too late.

Be filled with the love of Jesus Christ today!

Let Us Pray

Thrive in Jesus, my friends!

Do you struggle coming before Jesus with everything? Do you run from Him? What do you struggle with the most?

Let me know in the comments!