Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear. “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?” Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Matthew 26:50-56

Dear God, it’s interesting that Matthew picks now to keep Peter anonymous. We know this because of the other Gospels. One weakness to my approach in just looking at a little bit from one Gospel at a time is that there are details available in the other Gospels that are pertinent to the story, some of which I’ve forgotten. But one I haven’t forgotten is why they even had the swords in the first place.

At the last supper, apparently Jesus told them to bring swords and if they didn’t have one to sell something so they could buy one. I’ve never understood that command. Why? Did Jesus just have a weak moment? Is there a lesson in there about the idea that there is a time and place for violence? Or did he want the opportunity to heal this man (oh, in other Gospels we learn that Jesus heals the ear)?

It’s a peculiar story with lots of emotions and drama. It’s obvious, however that Peter was, indeed ready to fight and die. In the moment he was ready to die for a Jesus. However, he had run the scenario in his mind of how it would happen. It would be a gloriously violent end and he didn’t mind drawing first blood. So when he told Jesus he would follow him to death he actually meant it—he just prepared for the wrong circumstances. He hadn’t really prepared his heart for whatever might come. Maybe this is why Jesus beseeched him to pray for himself just a short time earlier.

Father, I often lay out plans of glorious bravery in my head. I’ve imagined myself rushing a church shooter or airplane highjacker. But then other opportunities of confrontational bravery present themselves to me and I pass them by. So this is where I pray for myself. Help me. Help me to be as brave as you need me to be in any situation. Perhaps it will mean I should say something at the right time. Perhaps it will mean I should remain silent. Perhaps I will need my figurative sword and perhaps I won’t. Just prepare me and make me ready for what comes my way today.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen