Read Matthew 26:47-54
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[a] 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?”
The part I would like to focus on in found in verses 51-52. One of Jesus’ disciples saw Jesus being arrested and he was going to do something about it! He grabbed his sword, attacking the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
The disciple’s actions showed a deep love and loyalty to Jesus. Also anger and indignation over the current events prevailed. We would probably all think he might have been justified in what he did: he was trying to protect his dear friend and teacher, and one day Savior, Jesus.
Jesus could have been secretly pleased that someone cared enough to help him. Yet, we see no evidence of that. Instead, we see in verse 53 that Jesus, in essence told him, ‘I don’t need your help.’ Jesus reminded him, ‘I have legions of angels at my disposal,’. And in verse 54, he states the reason that he didn’t go there: But if I intervene, how will Scripture, how will God’s plan, be fulfilled?
As painful as it was at the moment, Jesus yielded to God’s plan and gave pride no room in His heart.
Reflections:
1) How do I allow my pride to get in the way of doing what I am called to do?
2) Do I allow others to intervene for my own purposes, when it’s not necessary and was probably not part of God’s plan?
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Lord willing, the next post should appear by Tuesday, May 28. Have a wonderful weekend!