"When Jesus
realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew
again to the mountain by himself, alone."
The people had been looking for a king from David’s line since the
Babylonian captivity in 587 BC, one who would defeat and drive out the occupying enemy, in
this case the Romans. As we learned in the Crossways Bible studies, at Jesus’
baptism, the Holy Spirit had proclaimed him king, using the words of coronation from Psalm
2:7: "This is my Son."
And this man Jesus was doing all the things the prophets had said the
Messiah would do: heal the lame, the blind, and the deaf; and restore the dead to life.
Immediately before today’s Bible passage, Jesus fed the five thousand. Not only was
he a charismatic speaker (to whom they had listened all day); he could even provide for
the physical needs of the people! Therefore, they were willing to "take him by force
to make him king" if necessary.
Such power and adulation did not tempt Jesus. Instead, he realized that
his kingdom was not from this world, as he later stated to Pilate (John 18:36). Notice how
he resisted: by departing to the mountain to be alone, probably to pray as he did so
often. As Psalm 121:1-2 states, "I lift up my eyes to the hill — from where will
my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
Prayer: Dear Christ, King of the universe, we thank you for your
willingness to humble yourself and dwell among us. Help us to follow your example, and
find a solitary place where we can receive help and strength from you. Amen.
