Chiaroscuro is an Italian term that describes an artistic technique, popularized by Renaissance painters like Leonardo DaVinci, and perhaps most famously, Caravaggio. Chiaroscuro uses bold contrasts between light and dark tones that add depth and drama, creating tension, mood, and emotion within a composition. 

As we continue to read in our salvation story, our author Luke paints a very dark picture: the betrayal and arrest of Jesus. This wasn’t just betrayal. Judas, one of the twelve, betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Religious, civil, and military authorities came against Jesus at night with swords and clubs as if detaining a dangerous criminal. Even the disciples contributed to the tension of the moment by violently lashing out. But in contrast to all of the descending darkness was the light that emanated from Jesus. 

We too live in a world dominated by darkness. Jesus’ merciful healing of the servant is a dramatic reminder to turn from darkness and instead walk as children of light.