How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way? Matthew 26:54
The introductory lesson on aikido, a traditional Japanese form of martial arts, was an eye-opener. The sensei, or teacher, told us that when faced with an attacker, our first response should be to “run away.” “Only if you can’t run away, then you fight,” he said seriously.
Run away? I was taken aback. Why was this highly skilled self-defense instructor telling us to run away from a fight? It seemed counterintuitive—until he explained that the best form of self-defense is to avoid fighting in the first place. Of course!
When several men came to arrest Jesus, Peter responded as some of us might have by drawing his sword to attack one of them (Matthew 26:51; see John 18:10). But Jesus told him to put it away, saying, “How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Matthew 26:54).
While a sense of justice is important, so is understanding God’s purpose and kingdom—an “upside-down” kingdom that calls us to love our enemies and return evil with kindness (5:44). It’s a stark contrast to how the world might react, yet it’s a response that God seeks to nurture in us.
Luke 22:51 even describes Jesus healing the ear of the man Peter had struck. May we learn to respond to difficult situations as He did, always seeking peace and restoration as God provides what we need.
Jesus Arrested
47 While he was still speaking, Judas,x one of the Twelve, arrived.
With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs,
sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.
48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them:
“The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.”
49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!”y and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”d z
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword,a
drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.b
52 “Putyourswordbackinitsplace,” Jesus said to him,
“forallwhodrawtheswordwilldiebythesword.c
53 DoyouthinkIcannotcallonmyFather, andhewill
atonceputatmydisposalmorethantwelvelegionsofangels?d
54 ButhowthenwouldtheScripturesbefulfillede
thatsayitmusthappeninthisway?”
55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion,
thatyouhavecomeoutwithswordsandclubstocaptureme?
EverydayIsatinthetemplecourtsteaching,f
andyoudidnotarrestme.
56 Butthishasalltakenplacethatthewritingsoftheprophetsmightbefulfilled.”g
Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
INSIGHT
- How did you respond to a difficult situation recently?
- How does this compare with how you think Jesus might have responded?
The betrayal and arrest of Jesus is recorded in all four gospels (Matthew 26:47–56; Mark 14:43–50; Luke 22:47–50; John 18:1–14). In Matthew 26, Jesus declared that His arrest in the garden of Gethsemane “must happen in this way” (v. 54) so that Scripture “might be fulfilled” (v. 56). Christ had forewarned His disciples three times about His betrayal and death in Jerusalem (Matthew 16:21; 17:22; 20:18–19), and they didn’t understand what He meant (Luke 18:34). Peter expressed disbelief saying, “Never, Lord!” (Matthew 16:22). Perhaps that’s why he was so quick to draw his sword to resist Jesus’ arrest (John 18:10).
PRAYER
Father God, give me a new understanding of Your greater purposes in Your kingdom, and a godly, loving, and peace-seeking heart to respond to situations as Your Son did. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: Matthew 26:47-56 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 25-27; John 9:1-23
