While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.” At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

-Matthew 26:47-56
-Longer Reading: Matthew 26:47 – 27:26

(please read through the passage 3 times using the practice of lectio divina)

Reflection

As Jesus faces a crowd with swords and clubs, one of his own disciples pulls a sword and slashes off the ear of the high priest’s slave. Jesus models the way of the blessed as he makes peace by admonishing his disciple against the use of the sword. Having taught us that peacemakers are “children of God,” Jesus elaborates, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?” Unlike his disciples who choose this moment to flee, Jesus trusts that his all-powerful Father has him. Even now. Even in this.

Action (Pray)

Is there a situation in which you feel under siege or attacked? Are you tempted to fight back, hoard resources, or rely on your own strength? What does it mean to trust your heavenly Father in this moment? As a way of loving God, imagine inviting Jesus into the situation and having a conversation with him about it. Imagine him sitting down and pulling up a chair. Ask him the question you want to ask. Wait to hear an answer. Are there ways that he speaks the way of peace into this situation? Finally, imagine relaxing into his care and embrace.