Jesus Knew . . .

By Alessandra Velsor

“With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. ‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?’ In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.’ Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.”—Matthew 26:51–56 (NIV)

As we continue to study Matthew, we’re seeing prophecies being fulfilled. Matthew leaves out the name of the disciple who cuts off the servant’s ear. But take a guess . . . who would you think it was?

All gospels tell this story from the author’s angle. But John is the only account that names Peter as the courageous one who still exposes his lack of faith in God’s promises and attacks Malchus (the high priest’s servant) by cutting off his ear in the hope of saving his friend (John 18:10). With one impulsive swing, Peter should be thankful the servant ducked just in time to avoid being decapitated by the loyal disciple. Jesus mercifully heals the man’s ear with just one touch (Luke 22:51).

Jesus also gives us three reminders as to why He didn’t want His disciples to fight for Him:

Jesus knew His fate. This is a “duh” statement that needs to be repeated over and over again to stop all of our “what ifs” surrounding these events. As much as we look at Judas and the chief priests as the responsible parties for Jesus’ death, our faith teaches us this was the only way prophecy would be fulfilled. As much as it hurts to read this part of Scripture and watch reenactments of His suffering, we must understand that Judas and these religious leaders were born to oppose, betray, and ultimately kill the Son of God (Romans 9:22). Before the foundations of the earth were laid, these men were destined to do this. Jesus needed every single one of them to attack Him for His death and resurrection to occur. Our salvation wouldn’t be possible without their part.

Jesus knew He could save Himself. Jesus reminds Peter of His authority. He isn’t being captured, He’s surrendering to the will of His Father. But if for some reason Jesus wanted to be rescued, He didn’t need the help of His disciples. He had more than twelve legions of angels at His disposal! Angels are not these cute images of cherubs with bows and arrows that are excessively portrayed in the media. Angels are God’s messengers. They are heavenly warriors involved in spiritual battles with strength beyond human power (2 Kings 19:35). Jesus only wanted Peter to fight with prayer and he failed to follow that simple request made a few verses prior (Matthew 26:40). Jesus had incredible meekness to resist heavenly help in this time of need!

Jesus knew it would lead to more death. Whoever stepped in to fight with a sword would die by it. If Peter had missed Malchus’ ear and succeeded in killing him, he would’ve been sentenced to death with Jesus. This would have caused Peter to die in vain when Jesus had bigger plans for him to continue the ministry He had already started on this earth. He selected Peter to be the one to establish what we know now as the church. Only one person needed to die for the Father’s will to be fulfilled.

Finally, Jesus addresses His attackers and reminds them they could’ve stopped Him at any point of His ministry, but this was the only way it would fulfill prophecy (Psalm 41:9). After this, the disciples must have realized that everything Jesus professed was true—and they fled in fear and for their safety (Zechariah 13:7).

Pause: Do you believe God the first time He gives you a promise? Why or why not? Like Peter swinging the sword, how have you fallen to the urge of impulse?

Practice: Reflect on all four accounts of this story (the one here in Matthew, John 18:1–12, Luke 22: 47–53, and Mark 14:43–52). Notice the similarities and differences in the stories. What stands out to you?

Pray: Father, help me believe You when You tell me something for the first time. So many times, I’ve doubted You, but You’ve always shown Yourself true and faithful. Thank You for always showing up in my life and proving Yourself to be real with Your presence. I’m sorry for the times I questioned You and chose to follow my own path. I’m sorry for the times I reacted impulsively like Peter when I didn’t need to. Today, I choose to believe You and follow Your guidance. Amen.