Mitchell Report

(Luke 21:5) And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, (Luke 21:6) “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (Luke 21:7) And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” (Luke 21:8) And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. (Luke 21:9) And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

After Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and drove out those misusing the Temple courtyard—turning what was meant to be a place for God into a market—He spoke many parables about what was to come. Then He turned His attention to the Last Supper and the betrayal that would soon unfold.

The Plot to Kill Jesus (Luke 22:1–6)

The Last Supper with the Disciples (Luke 22:7–23)

I often wonder what I would do if I had to keep a traitor close—knowing full well who they were, what they had done, and what they would do. After all that Judas had seen and experienced, he still betrayed Jesus. And yet, Jesus allowed him to remain.

From the beginning of mankind’s fall, Judas was part of the plan. But I still don’t know if I could have stayed silent, let alone shared a table with someone I knew was plotting my death.

That’s what only the Lord of Lords and King of Kings could do—show compassion, justice, and forgiveness, even in the face of betrayal.

And I often wonder... if Judas had confessed, truly repented, and begged Jesus for forgiveness—would his fate have been different? Not the outcome of the cross, but his own redemption?

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39–46)

I sometimes think about how this moment looked through the eyes of the angels. What must they think of us? Why does the Lord, and God our Father, go to such great lengths for us?

Surely they understand the reasons—but it still leaves me in awe.

Who do you think that angel was that night in the Garden of Gethsemane? Do you think it was Gabriel? Michael? Or another unnamed messenger? Were they reassuring Jesus, offering comfort as He prepared to fulfill His mission? What was their conversation, if any?

This moment in time—this night in the garden—feels like the most consequential since the birth of Jesus. From the arrest in Gethsemane to the hilltop at Calvary, the world would witness the greatest sacrifice and the greatest solution ever given.

Then the arrest comes—and again, Jesus shows compassion instead of the might He could have displayed. Do you think He would have allowed them to touch Him if He hadn’t wanted it? And yet, even as one of His followers lashes out in fear, Jesus turns to heal the injured guard.

At every turn, He shows that He has the power to do whatever He wants—but He only uses it to show mercy and understanding.

What must that guard have thought, being instantly healed by the very man he came to arrest? I think I would have dropped to my knees right then and there, realizing I was standing before the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

But it’s easy for me to say that now. And still, I wonder: with so much eyewitness testimony, so much collaborating evidence—why do so many not believe?

We are getting closer to the Cross. Closer to the sacrifice that would save a chosen species—for all time.

Tags: #Easter #Gethsemane #Passover #Jesus

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