At the time of Jesus’ arrest, a violent confrontation occurred. Leading up to the arrest, the disciples vowed to follow Jesus no matter what happened. When the Lord pointed out Peter’s denial, Peter spoke out and boldly declared, “No! Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the others vowed the same” (Mark 14:31). Like it was for those first disciples, all of us can declare a brave and unwavering faith until things happen that will threaten our safety and security.

After that conversation with His disciples, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray alone where He submitted to the Cross after finally telling the Father, “I want your will to be done, not mine” (vs. 36).  “And immediately, even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs” (vs.43).

This was not a peaceful arrest. It was violent. “Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear” (vs. 46-47).  A moment later, “All his disciples deserted him and ran away” (vs. 50). Not one disciple remained with Jesus. Fear had overcome their immature faith.

If the disciples’ relationship with Jesus had been based on their bravery or an unwavering faithfulness, it would have ended at the Lord’s arrest when they all deserted Him. 

Jesus knows that each of us will have moments of fear when we will do and say things we promised we would never do or say. Our redemption is based on God’s faithfulness, not ours. We can state an unfailing allegiance to the Lord and then miserably fail Him. During the violent arrest of Jesus, “all his disciples deserted him and ran away.”

At the end of their lives, all the disciples would give their lives to follow the Lord. They became fearless martyrs. That kind of commitment to the Lord can only happen when we have learned that the Lord’s redeeming heart is so powerful that it overcomes our weakest moments and allows Him to still call us His friends. That merciful love will overcome any failure or false bravado we speak and  lead us through all our failures to the destiny God has planned for each of us.