Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. – John 11:54
During Old Testament times, Ephraim was a symbol of rebellion and instability. Situated in the central part of Israel, its territory was often a battleground between feuding tribes, trying to shift and exert their military and political influence.
Judges 12:1-6 provides a little history of one particular feud there. After Jephthah led Israel to victory over the Ammonites, the Ephraimites were offended because they claimed they weren’t invited to fight in the battle. So they confronted Jephthah and threatened to burn down his house. Jephthah responded that he had indeed called on Ephraim for assistance but received no support. So he fought with them, leading to a civil war between Gilead (Jephthah’s people, from the tribe of Manasseh) and the people of Ephraim. The Bible goes on to state that 42,000 Ephraimites died during this battle.
So why would Jesus choose to spend the final weeks before his arrest in a place with such a notorious history for conflict and volatility?
Well… the Bible doesn’t exactly tell us. Probably the most simple and straightforward answer is that Ephraim was a quiet place at that time, tucked near the wilderness and away from the plotting religious leaders in nearby Jerusalem. So it gave Jesus a chance to be alone with his disciples, to teach and prepare them for what was to come in the weeks ahead.
But the location itself is interesting. Ephraim – the very picture of past turmoil and division – ended up becoming a place of peace and purpose in the hands of the Savior. Isn’t this just like Jesus? He takes what seems unstable or forgotten and uses it for something sacred and good!
And that relates to you and me, too. Just like Ephraim, our lives might have seen a lot of conflict, turmoil, loss, or rebellion. But Jesus isn’t afraid of our past histories, our reputations, or even our current messes. He’ll meet us right in the middle of it all and bring hope and purpose. With Jesus, He can turn even those darkest places of our past into places of light, preparation, and spiritual growth. So if you feel like you’re standing alone on a battlefield today, invite Jesus to meet you there.
He will bring peace, understanding, and an assurance with Him, turning your battleground into holy ground.
Former Blackout Artist 