April 13, 2016

PUT YOUR SWORD DOWN

Matthew 26:47–56

Katie Morris
Wednesday's Devo

April 13, 2016

Wednesday's Devo

April 13, 2016

Central Truth

Even though he showed courage in seeking to defend Jesus, Peter's action showed that he lacked trust in Jesus' power and plans.

Key Verse | Matthew 26:51

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. (Matthew 26:51)

Matthew 26:47–56

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.” 1 26:50 Or Friend, why are you here? 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 2 26:51 Or bondservant 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.

Footnotes

[1] 26:50 Or Friend, why are you here?
[2] 26:51 Or bondservant

Dive Deeper | Matthew 26:47–56

My poor mother. She found out pretty quickly that her daughter was not as sweet and flowery as she might have hoped. Instead, she got a sassy, tantrum-prone little girl who required a chili bowl haircut because she couldn't stand having her hair brushed. I've still got a little tom boy in my blood and some independence, too. I am thankful, though, that the Lord has taken me miles in this area.

When I read about Peter (identified in John 18:10) wielding his sword, I laughed. We are all too similar. Too many times I see something that doesn't look right and take over: “Good try, God, let me give it a spin.” I’m reminded of a phrase repeated often around Watermark: "If dependence is the goal, then weakness is an advantage." Christ knew His Father was in control: He has not "let this cup pass" (verse 39) and therefore must let His Father’s will be done. Jesus reminded Peter that He could have summoned 12 legions of angels (72K angels!) to His rescue. But that wasn't the point. The point was that the Scriptures had to be fulfilled (verse 56). God's rescue plan was in motion, and Jesus had a part to play to carry out the Father's will.

Right when my life or others' lives seem out of control and beyond God’s reach, I start swinging swords and end up cutting off someone’s ear—sometimes even my own. Ouch! What a sweet reminder that He doesn't need my help. He's not unaware, and He has all means to heal, transform, and redeem. What does He require of me? Faith in His character that He's fully God (in control) and fully good (has our best interest in mind). Maybe you're not as scrappy as my two-year-old self, but your anxiety and worry consume you. "But take heart; [He has] overcome the world." (John 16:33b) We have nothing to fear but God Himself.

Discussion Questions

1. In what ways do you try to supplant God’s role in your life or the lives of others? Ask your community group and family for insight as well.

2. Peter clearly learned how to continue "entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23b). What area of your life do you feel you have to fight for because you don’t think He will or that He is unaware? How does this anxiety or control manifest itself in your life?

3. What are some verses you can meditate on and pray through in light of this passage? Here are some to start with: Isaiah 26:3-4; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 121:1-2.