What Jesus Did! 'When the Power of Darkness Reigns' — Luke 22:48-53

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, "Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!" And one of them struck at the high priest's slave, slashing off his right ear.

But Jesus said, "No more of this." And he touched the man's ear and healed him.

Then Jesus spoke to the leading priests, the captains of the Temple guard, and the elders who had come for him. "Am I some dangerous revolutionary," he asked, "that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn't you arrest me in the Temple? I was there every day. But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns."

— Luke 22:48-53 NLT

Key Thought

We forget, I fear, that we don't live in this world alone. We face a foe seeking to harm us. [1] He seeks to disable, discredit, and destroy us. He will have his moments of victory, leading us to stumble and fall. There will be times on this earth when the power of darkness does reign. However, Satan is not the only unseen power and influence in this world. Jesus has promised to be with us, and he and his early disciples have promised that he can free us from Satan's power. [2] Because Jesus won the ultimate victory in this battle against Satan beginning on the Mount of Olives and leading to the cross but culminating in his victorious resurrection, our victory in our war against Satan, sin, and death is assured. Darkness had its moment, but it could not snuff out the light of God. [3] The light and love of God reign because of the victory of Jesus.

[1] Ephesians 2:2, 6:12.
[2] Matthew 28:20; John 14:23, 16:33; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:20; Revelation 3:20.
[3] John 1:4-5.

Today's Prayer

Father, please never let me forget that in your Son, I have the ultimate victory. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Colossians 3:1-4
  • Romans 8:35-37
  • Acts 26:16-18

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 22:48-53 NLT — "that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn't you arrest me in the Temple? I was there every day. But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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