Matthew 26:47-54(NABRE)
The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
47 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 His betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him.” 49 Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!”(a) and he kissed him. 50 Jesus answered him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then stepping forward they laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. 51 And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But then how would the scriptures be fulfilled which say that it must come to pass in this way?”
Often than not, we found ourselves taking control of every situation that troubles us especially if we know we can easily handle them. But our today Gospel story will surely be giving us reflection on how to properly handle any circumstances that we are going to face.
Saint Peter (ref. John 18:10) is the one who struck the high priest’s servant here. It is very certain that St. Peter knew he is facing trouble at that time. But being beside Jesus Christ whom he knew is the Son of the Living GOD (Matthew 16:16), St.Peter had the reason to think that they are on top of the situation. He believed nothing was hard for him because he had witnessed that when Jesus Christ said “I am the one you are looking for.” those large crowd looking for Him, they turned and fell to the ground (John 18:6). St. Peter knew also that he was given the authority as the chief apostle and has the power given by Jesus to drive out demons and he is not anymore ordinary believer. What he forgot is to let Jesus take control and not him.
Jesus Christ on the other hand, considering He can really control the situation, kept still and let the will of GOD took control the situation (v. 54). His not taking control but submission to the will of the Father in Heaven brought the greatest victory of defeating Death for us. By letting the Holy Spirit in control inside of Him made us the believers heirs to the Promise of Eternal Life in Heaven.
There are so many instances that Jesus, though He was in the form of GOD placed Himself in the control of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:6-8). He moved in accordance with His will. We can recall that after His baptism, Jesus Christ let Himself be led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1). John 6:38 says that Jesus had himself came down from heaven not to do His own will but the will of the One who sent Him. Not only what He was doing is what the Father was doing but also what He was saying is what the Father was saying (John 5:19, 14:24). He let the Holy Spirit that descended like a dove and come upon Him took control (Matthew 3:16). He also declared that no one can come to Him unless the Father who sent Him draw one to Him (John 6:44).
Proverbs 16 says,
“1 Plans are made in human hearts, but from the Lord comes the tongue’s response.
2 All one’s ways are pure in one’s own eyes, but the measurer of motives is the Lord.
3 Entrust your works to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
4 The Lord has made everything for a purpose, even the wicked for the evil day.
5 Every proud heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured that none will go unpunished.
6 By steadfast loyalty guilt is expiated, and by the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.
7 When the Lord is pleased with someone’s ways, he makes even enemies be at peace with them.
8 Better a little with justice, than a large income with injustice.
9 The human heart plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.”
Also Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you; you have only to keep still.” “Be still and know that I am God!” (Psalms 46:11)
Let’s learn from our LORD Jesus Christ, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with GOD. He put Himself under GOD’s control. He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:6-11). GOD can do what we cannot do, so let Him take control of our life. HE always knows far better than us and more than that, GOD loves us. AMEN
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