47 And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” 49 So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.
50 Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.”
Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 51 But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.
52 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. 53 Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”
55 Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. 56 But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Read Matthew 26:47-56 in context and/or in other translations on BibleGateway.com!
During Jesus’ arrest in the garden, all four gospel writers share how one of the disciples slash a man’s ear off. However, in this garden event, every single gospel writer shares some unique details.
One of the details that Matthew includes is found in Jesus’ response to the disciple (John tells us it was Peter) who grabbed the sword and injured the high priest’s slave, and in this response, we can learn something amazing about Jesus and about God.
In response to Peter’s impulsive action Jesus says, “Put away your sword. Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?” (v. 52-54)
Even when His life is on the line, Jesus still submits to the plan that was laid out in the scriptures. Even when those present were all caught up with the emotions of the moment, Jesus was levelheaded and the only one who truly accepted what was happening. Even though all the disciples flee, and perhaps some of those in the mob realized their mistake years later, Jesus knew that this was all part of the plan He, the Father, and the Holy Spirit had put in place before time began.
If this was the plan from before the beginning of time, it was worth following.
And this is incredible for us to think about: Jesus chose the cross before the world was even created; Jesus chose the cross while facing the weight and pain of bearing the worlds sin in the garden during His prayer; and Jesus chose the cross when the mob has come to arrest Him. The cross is the greatest example of God’s character. The cross shows us God’s eternal character.
This thought was inspired by studying the Walking With Jesus “Reflective Bible Study” package. To discover insights like this in your own study time, click here and give Reflective Bible Study a try today!
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