Artwork by JonathanallenArt available for purchase through Etsy.

Time is just flying by with only four more days of student picks left before our break. Father, may I be receptive to Your love and generosity not just now but throughout the year. Amen.
Luke 22:47-53 (<<click here to read the passage)
I am a huge C.S. Lewis fan. I’ve read all of the Chronicles of Narnia books several times over. I have seen the BBC’s television adaptation aired in the late 80s and thoroughly enjoyed the Walden Media produced movies released from 2005-2010.
In the first book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, we meet Aslan, the Great Lion, for the first time. Through a course of events, he offers his life in exchange for the life of a young, naïve boy turned traitor. The antagonist of the story, the White Witch, eagerly agrees, thinking the with Aslan out of the way she can have her say rule Narnia forever. That’s what she thought at least…but she was wrong…so very wrong.
Literarydevices.net states that a rhetorical question is asked just for effect, or to lay emphasis on some point being discussed, when no real answer is expected. A rhetorical question may have an obvious answer, but the questioner asks it to lay emphasis to the point.
In today’s passage, Jesus’ question at the end is most definitely rhetorical. Maybe some of the cronies come to arrest Him didn’t understand the full ramifications of everything but the leading priests, the captains of the Temple guard, and the elders who had come for him most certainly did.
Jesus asked,

“Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber? Day after day when I was with you in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power and authority of darkness are yours.” vs.52-53 AMP

My study Bible* states,
The religious leaders had not arrested Jesus in the Temple for fear of a riot. Instead, they came secretly at night, under the influence of the power of darkness, Satan himself. Although it looked as if Satan was getting the upper hand, everything was proceeding according to God’s plan. It was time for Jesus to die.
Satan thought he had the upper hand for he knew, as well, that this hour and the power and authority of darkness was his and he gloried in his supposed victory, but it was short-lived. And in the end, his was the defeat. Darkness ruled but for a moment but ultimately suffered a crushing defeat, losing everything.
Lord Jesus, may we realize that regardless of what the world’s claims may be that You and You alone are King and Victor. As Aslan allegorically portrayed, You willingly laid down Your life for our lives – all of us “traitors” – and in so doing, we who choose to believe and follow You are victors as well! All glory to Your name and Yours alone!

*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation

Dec 16th, 2020, Wed, 7:09 pm