The Shepherd Chapter 17

Chapter 17

          That afternoon, Jesus was at Solomon’s porch teaching the people when he was interrupted by some noise. He went around to the other side of the Temple and was shocked by what he saw! Local businessmen were taking advantage of visitors from other countries who had come to worship at the Temple. These foreign visitors had traveled long distances and couldn’t bring their animal sacrifice with them. They needed to buy local animals for their sacrifices. So, these crooks were selling doves and lambs at a high price to the visitors. But to buy the sacrificial animals, they had to first exchange their money into the local money. And they lost in the exchange rate. So, these shysters made a profit twice … and at a higher rate! And worst of all, they were buying and selling right there on the Temple grounds! Well, as you might imagine, Jesus was furious at what he saw. So, he grabbed up a cord, doubled it up a couple of times, and used his makeshift whip to drive the crooks out of the Temple area. Everyone was glad to see them run off. Everyone, that is, except the priests who had made secret deals with them.

          Jesus shouted, “Don’t you know what the Scriptures say?! My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves!” You should have seen those crooks scattering. It was almost comical. Jesus swinging his whip at them, knocking over crates of animals and tables of money. Doves flying, sheep scattering. Jesus overturned the tables of the moneychangers and coins rolled everywhere. The moneychangers scrambled to recover their money before the people did! That was the fastest I have ever seen them move!

          And with that, Jesus left Jerusalem for Bethany, about two miles away. He and his disciples were staying at the house of Lazarus and his sisters. I know because I walked to Bethany with Jesus. Bethany was on my way to Bethlehem, so I walked with Jesus and his disciples that far. I waved goodbye to them and headed on to Bethlehem and up into the hill country nearby to my flocks and my shepherds.

          When I brought another flock of twenty lambs to Jerusalem that Thursday, Eleazar filled my ear with the gossip from the Temple. The scribes and Pharisees and chief priests were ready to finally trap Jesus and arrested him. One of his own disciples, Judas Iscariot by name, had offered to betray Jesus. The high priest had sent out his guards to arrest Jesus on charges of blasphemy. Judas knew where Jesus would be. He told the Temple guards that Jesus would be at the Mount of Olives praying. The priests and guards expected trouble, so they brought a whole mob to take Jesus. Judas was the one to officially identify Jesus.

          I wanted to warn the Master, but it was too late. I followed the mob to see what would happen.

          When the crowd got to the Mount of Olives, it was dark. The scene was scary with weapons and torches everywhere. Just to keep his cover, Judas walked up to Jesus and said, “Master!” and kissed Jesus on both cheeks. Can you believe it? Jesus betrayed by one of his own - and with a friendly kiss!

          Then Jesus looked from Judas to the mob and said, “Who are you looking for?”

          One husky man said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

          Jesus calmly said, “I am he.”

          The mob was stunned! No one knew what to do in the face of such a harmless answer.

          Jesus had to ask them a second time, “What’s wrong? Who are you looking for?”

          The captain of the guard was so embarrassed that he could barely get out, “We came to arrest Jesus of Nazareth.”

          Jesus said, “Here I am. Take me.” And waving his hand toward the disciples behind him, Jesus said, “Take me and let these others go.”

          But with that, Peter, one of Jesus’ men, drew a sword and lunged at the mob, swinging wildly. The nearest man dodged the wild swing, barely avoiding getting his head cut off. Clumsy Peter only nicked the man, cutting off his ear. I knew that man! He was Malchus, one of Eleazar’s servants. Malchus fell to his knees holding his bleeding head.

          In a moment, Jesus stepped between them stopping his disciple. “Put up your sword, Peter,” Jesus said. Jesus bent down, picked up the severed ear, and put it back on Malchus’ head. Malchus cowered, still holding his ear for a moment, until he realized that he didn’t need to hold his ear on - his ear was miraculously re-attached! His look of anguish turned to one of astonishment as he looked up at Jesus.

          The Temple guards took Jesus, bound him, and took him to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest.

          It was well into the evening. I waited in the courtyard with the servants and bureaucrats. One of Jesus’ disciples, John, was known by the chief priests and was allowed inside. He brought another disciple with him. That other disciple was Peter. Peter hung around the courtyard with the rest of us. Peter was wary and kept quiet. And that was good, because Peter was the one who attacked Malchus. If anyone recognized Peter, there would be trouble.

          The doorkeeper looked at Peter and said, “Hey! Aren’t you one of Jesus’ followers?” Of course, Peter denied it. He pulled his robe around himself a little tighter and walked to the firepit to warm himself.

          We tried to overhear the trial inside Caiaphas’ house, but it was hard to follow. The accusers were loud and bold, but the witnesses were quiet and intimidated. I don’t think it was going well for Jesus.

          Then a guard, who had been eyeing Peter asked, “Didn’t I see you in the Garden of Gethsemane when we arrested Jesus?”

          Peter again denied saying, “No! You’re wrong! I don’t even know the man.”

          But Malchus’ brother had been staring at Peter for a while. Recognition swept over his face and he exclaimed, “I know you! You’re the one who attacked my brother. You’re the one who cut off his ear!”

          Peter cursed and shouted, “I don’t know what you’re talking about! I’ve never met the man you call Jesus!”

          And right at that moment, the door swung open and the guards came out of the house dragging Jesus with them. They called to the other guards standing by the fire, “Get your weapons; we’re taking the prisoner to Pontus Pilate.”

          As they walked by us, Jesus looked at Peter with eyes full of disappointment. Peter returned his look, but quickly looked down at the ground. No words were ever spoken; they didn’t have to; their eyes said it all. I will never forget that moment. I’m sure Peter won’t either.