Matthew 26:47–56 (ESV)
Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
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. 48 Now the betrayer
had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus
said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And 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. 52 Then 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?” 55 At 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. 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of
the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.
Today’s reading again reflects that the disciples still did not understand
Christ’s plan of salvation. They try to protect Jesus, yet Jesus lets them know that he doesn’t need their protection. If he needed protection, God would send 12 legions of angels. This is equivalent to 72,000 angels. Wow,
a reminder that God is in control even when things seem out of control.
I pray: O Lord, help me to let you be in control. Too often, I think I have
everything under control. I repent and want to do better. Amen