SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 26:47-56
Judas arrived in the Garden of Gethsemane after Jesus was done praying. He came with a large crowd who were carrying swords and clubs. They were sent by the chief priests and the elders. Judas had arranged ahead of time that the one he kissed was Jesus.
Judas went up to Jesus and kissed him. Jesus was arrested. One of the 12 took out his sword and cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest. Jesus told him to put his sword away for if he wanted he could call down 12 legions of angels. Instead, he must fulfill Scripture. Jesus asks the crowd why they are carrying swords and clubs. He taught peacefully in the temple, and now the writings of the prophets will be fulfilled.
The disciples all deserted Jesus.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 2: Matthew 26:47-56
3a) Judas arrived and kissed Jesus as the signal to arrest him.
b) They arrested Jesus.
c) One of the 12 took out his sword and cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest. Then the disciples all deserted Jesus.
d) Jesus was calm, accepting his fate to save the world. He chastized the one who cut off the servant’s ear, and he went along willingly without a fight.
4) Jesus knows what he has to do and he does it calmly. He knows he will die, and he is ready. God’s plan is perfect, and it is coming to fruition soon, too. God is in control.
5) I can be calmer like Jesus and realize that everything happens for a reason and realize that more in the moment rather than afterward.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 2: Matthew 26:47-56
Such calm in the midst of chaos. That’s my dream.
Great read!
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 2: Matthew 26:47-56
Judas was a common name for Jewish men in those times. It is the Greek form of Judah. He was the only disciple from Judea, and he was the treasurer. No one knows why Judas betrayed Jesus. Bible scholars speculate that he wanted a powerful king and Messiah, not a Savior.
The servants thought Jesus was dangerous, which is why they came with swords and clubs.
Note that Judas knew where to find Jesus. Jesus was not hiding from God’s plan.
Kisses were customary greetings in that time. Judas still could have turned away up to the moment of the kiss.
The disciples flee out of fear for their lives.
The unnamed swordsman is Peter John 18:10
A Roman legion was 6,000 foot soldiers and 700 calvary. This number of angels could have destroyed all of Rome since one angel killed up to 185,000 soldiers in one night (2 Kings 19:35).
Note how Peter used the sword but could not pray for Jesus for one hour.
It seems that Peter was impulsive, and things could have gone very badly here. Jesus had to heal the wound (Luke 22:51). I so picture Jesus here as being frustrated with Peter.
Jesus was in control this entire time.
Note that all of the disciples forsake Jesus in his moment of most need. Hopefully, we don’t do that to those we love.
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