Matthew 26b Commentary
The plot against Jesus, the anointing at Bethany, Judas’ business transaction, the Last Supper, Peter’s denial of his Master, events of Gethsemane, the arrest, and finally the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin—how can we cover all this material in one chapter? Can we ever succeed, even with all the time we have?
We cannot capture, even in part, the full significance of the material in the gospels. The times, as well as the events therein, are way too important to be covered by pen and paper! May the Holy Spirit reveal the mysteries to the reader!
Zechariah is once again the center of attention. “I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered”. The sheep, not the goats! The ‘I’ in the above statement refers to the LORD God Almighty. Let the reader understand. Behind and above all the proceedings is the hand of the Sovereign LORD. The man Jesus could only pray, “Not as I will, but as you will”.
Obedient as ever, the man Jesus Christ walks the talk. He taught us to pray that the Will of the Father prevails—the Father who art in Heaven. He trod the lonely path. His disciples couldn’t keep up. It is a huge statement that human companionship is never enough or even possible for a trip into the beyond! You face it alone with your God. You hope your earthly pilgrimage has been an obedient one, one spiced with an attitude that says, “May Your Will be done”.
You also hope your God is the Sovereign Creator God and not some god you make using tools of experience, observation, logic, or human machinations.
Human resolve to do what is right or offer your best isn’t trustworthy. As Peter learned, our hearts are terrible weaklings!
The last conversation between Jesus and Judas ends with the word friend. It could be ironic, but we want to connect another important lesson we heard from the lips of the Master. Love your enemies!
There we have it! He could have called on His Father for twelve legions of angels to attend him. But let the Will of the Father prevail. Of course, twelve legions of angels are for Peter! The appearance of one angel is good enough to melt away stubbornness and aggression. Twelve legions (72,000 troops) is metaphorical. They could replace scared, poorly armed, untrained, and clearly outnumbered ‘twelve’ disciples. He gives it up willingly. If only Peter and team would understand!
To be continued.
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