March 21

Matthew 26:47-56 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." 49And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" And he kissed him. 50Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came to do." Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?" 55At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Observation

In this passage, I observe the contrasting actions of Jesus and “one of those who were with Jesus.” In the previous passage, Jesus was in anguish over what was to come. Jesus was “sorrowful and troubled,” and He pleads with God the Father “if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” Yet, ultimately, Jesus submits to the Father “not as I will, but as you will.” When the arrest occurs Jesus is calm and composed in the midst of his betrayal and coming suffering that he has to face. In contrast, the one who was with Jesus, who is named as Simon Peter in the Gospel of John, draws a sword in reaction to Jesus’ arrest. Although at first thought, this would have seemed like a commendable action in the eyes of the world, from the heavenly perspective this was against the will of God the Father. Simon Peter takes matter into his own hands which Jesus responds with authority and conviction to do otherwise.

Application

So many times, we end up being like Simon Peter, taking things into our own hands and relying upon our own understanding. Even when we have clear guidance on what the will of our Father is for us, we reject it and go about our own way in disobedience. Instead, we need to learn from the example that Jesus sets for us to be bold and courageous and with conviction, follow in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Gracious God, forgive me for I falter and lean own my understanding and take my own actions too many times. Would you give me the boldness, courage and strength to follow in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit? Father, help me to live a life that is pleasing in your eyes and through the example that I display as Jesus has, help others to see the power of your works in spite of my weakness. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

--Henry Yoo