Jan 11 2019 John 16: 15-27

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.

So here is this king eternal. God incarnate. And when he’s about to be taken by force and made king, he flees, alone to the mount. Or as the scripture says, he withdrew. What’s that about? Was it the wrong kind of power, wrong method and wrong time? I suspect yes, on all counts.

He was going to be made king in a political earthly sense. That was not his mission, despite the benevolent power and positive influence he could have had over the people he ruled. If he had been made king, however benevolent, he would have been unable to finish his ministry on earth. He knew that was not what he was to do, nor the time.

He was to be taken by force. While eventually he is taken by force, this was not the time, nor the calling. This is a perfect example of fight or flight. Jesus picked the better path, Instead of fighting this force, he retreated to the mountains.

He withdrew alone. This wasn’t a time for camaraderie or company.

Now granted, as God incarnate, Jesus had an advantage in reading the situation and making a good call. And how frequently do we not?

We are wooed by the power or prestige of worldly titles and jobs – even if our motives are entirely pure. Sometimes we should turn down the opportunity, if it’s not what we’re called to do.

We are goaded into a fight, instead of retreating. This is a personal challenge for me. There is no argument that not’s worth having, especially if I’m factually right. But how much better to retreat, or at least to know when to retreat.

Finally, Jesus retreated alone. Sometimes we need to be in our own company, with our own thoughts, and listening to our own heart and soul.

I pray that I am afforded the grace to know what I’m called to do, when to withdraw, and retreat alone.