Life of Jesus Taken into Custody

Matthew 26:51-56
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? (51-56) We know from Johns account that the impetuous slasher was Simon Peter (18:10) Though soon Peter would fulfill Jesus prophecy of a three-time denial (26:34, 60-75), he had pledged his loyalty to Christ and promised to defend him even if it meant death (26:35) Jesus rebukes Peter for his violent act and teaches a life of violence will end in violence Christ was eventually condemned as insurrectionist, but this was no revolutionary message Though worldwide warfare is imminent (24:6), this should not be so with you (20:26) Jesus contrasts the absurdity of one prideful man with a sword, and His heavenly resources Twelve legions of angels represents not a literal number (6,000 per legion would be 72,000), but the vastness of the power of God and the angelic army at Christs disposal Gods army had appeared as an invincible force in Israels history (II Kings 6:17, 19:35) Yet Jesus had said many times that He would suffer and die and be raised on the third day Even this night the scripture would be fulfilled: I will strike the shepherd and the sheep would be scattered (26:31, Zechariah 13:7) Luke tells us that us that Jesus healed the severed ear of the high priests servant (22:51) Even at the point of arrest and betrayal, Jesus mercifully heals the afflicted (Malchus, as a servant in the temple, would have been maimed and ceremonially unfit for service) At that time 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. (51-56) Jesus reminds the temple guard and the mob that He had done nothing in secret He had openly taught the scriptures; He had healed the blind, the deaf, and the lame in full view of them all verifying the signs of the promised Messiah (Luke 4:21) This very moment meant the scripture was fulfilled, even as the disciples deserted and fled: this very night you will all fall away on account of Me (26:31) As John records the rebuke Jesus gave Peter Put your sword away, He adds a reminder of His resolve to obedience: Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me? (John 18:11)