47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 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.
52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
55 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. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
This is for all of us who think Jesus needs our help…
He covets our cooperation, but he doesn’t need our help. He says “do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”
Or course, the reason for this is our inability to see the big picture. If Jesus would have allowed his disciples to “help” him out of Gethsemane “how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
Jesus had already let his disciples know this was coming…but in the heat of the moment those same disciples had other priorities. It’s human nature.
I’m reminded of the lyrics to “Front Seat, Back Seat” by Love Song:
I was sitting in the front seat
Trying awfully hard to be the driver
Thinking I was making real good time
But always winding up a late arriver.
I went barreling out full speed ahead.
I went running every stop sign that I’d see
Thinking I’d give the Lord a short cut,
But I found out He don’t need no help from me!
But now I’ve been riding in the back seat
And I find it is a very great relief.
Now I’m riding in the back seat
And I’m leaving all the driving to the Chief.
I went running every stop sign that I’d see
Thinking I’d give the Lord a short cut,
But I found out He don’t need no help from me!
But now I’ve been riding in the back seat
And I find it is a very great relief.
Now I’m riding in the back seat
And I’m leaving all the driving to the Chief.
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