Matthew 26:52: But Jesus said to him, Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?
Peter had attempted to take charge, forgetting that the One standing next to him was God. God does not need our feeble attempts to protect Him. Jesus rebuked him for his unwise act, bidding him to sheath his sword. Carnal weapons were not needed to protect or defend the Christ of God He had only to ask of the Father to have twelve legions of angels sent to deliver Him; but how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled which foretold His death as a substitute for sinful men?
Certainly Jesus must have experienced frustration at Peter's act. It demonstrated to Jesus how weak and unknowing the disciples were. First, Peter had confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. Yet, in this moment, he treats Jesus like he is some unwitting martyr needing a bodyguard. Second, Peter had been told by Jesus that He would go to Jerusalem and be betrayed into the hands of sinners who would then beat and scourge Him, and crucify Him, and that He would rise again the thrid day. How frustrating that is.
Jesus knew that His mission was not to be rescued, but to rescue us from our sins by dying in our place on the Cross. That is the Good News--good for us. Christ bore our sins alone. Remember that the next time you feel temptation to do that which is displeasing to the Lord, or the next time you think you are to tired to worship and praise the Lord. Serve Him today!
This passage reminds us always that Jesus is in charge. We get our instructions from Him, as well as our strength to do His will.
serve him, don't scourge Him.
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