"Exit...Stage Left"

 "But that the world my know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence." (John 14:31 KJV)

  "For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shinning in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves." (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT)

 As we have seen, lies travel very quickly, and they grow and grow, into even bigger lies; while the truth, although it does not change, it moves slowly, being thwarted and suppressed, by the powers of darkness. You can quote me on that if you like, because at this point in the story, I could really care less about any sort of challenges to my opinions and beliefs. 

 Without getting too personal, I want you to know that the point I made above is the point I believe Jesus was making as He said, "Arise, let us go hence." Pretty much, it is the same as saying, 'Come, let's go get this over with!' 'Enough talking about what will be, it is the time it is to be done!' In no uncertain terms, Jesus was on the move! 

 The next three chapters are Jesus telling the disciples about the things that they need to know for holding their ground, if you will; abiding in Him, regardless of opposition, the power of the Holy Spirit, the sadness being turned to gladness, and then praying for them, as well as the church which will be born from their testimony. This I believe was all taking place out in the open, in the night, under the stars, as they made their way to the Garden where He would be arrested. 

 There are some who believe that Mark was at home, wrapped in his linen cloth resting, as Judas came with the guards and soldiers to arrest Jesus, but Jesus and the other disciples had already left on route to the Garden. Judas figured that was where they went, so while they headed out to get them, Mark got up and ran to tell Jesus they were coming for Him, without first getting dressed. 

 Interesting how this all plays out, because there is nothing that does not go as planned: Absolutely Nothing! What God puts in motion, does not get thwarted or turned aside; it might look as though it is happening, but the happening is just getting more complex...

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We are knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, "I believed in God, so I spoke." We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day." (2 Corinthians 4:8-16 NLT)