But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?
Matthew 26:54 NIV
Upon Peter’s drawing of the sword in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:54), Jesus offered a powerful response. He instructed him, “Put your sword back in its place.” Jesus wasn’t rejecting Peter’s passion; Peter’s zeal to defend him was genuine. He displayed fierce loyalty in defending Jesus. However, the fight was against the wrong opponent.
Jesus’ rebuke went deeper. He pointed out the futility of physical resistance. He asked, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). The battle wasn’t against the arresting officers. It was against a far greater enemy: “the power of darkness that enslaves us and makes us live in disobedience to God’s will”.
Jesus then asked a critical question: “But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”. This exposed Peter’s true failing: highlighting his misunderstanding. His action wasn’t due to a lack of faith, but a lack of complete understanding.
Jesus essentially says, “If you had truly been paying attention to my teachings, you’d know the Scriptures say the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinners and crucified.” (See Matthew 20:17-19). Peter wasn’t meant to fight; he was meant to recognize God’s unfolding plan. His role wasn’t to resist God’s purpose but to align himself with it.
Peter’s mistake serves as a cautionary tale for us all. As the Lord asks, “Are you still sleeping and resting?” So, we must “rise to know the will of God”. We must actively seek God’s purpose and align ourselves with it.
The Lord’s message is clear: there’s a plan and a way for it to unfold. But we can’t discern God’s will if we’re “still sleeping.” We must wake up from spiritual slumber to seize opportunities and avoid the kind of wrong response Peter displayed.
The Scriptures have already revealed much of God’s purpose. By actively seeking understanding and aligning ourselves with His will, we can ensure that we do not end up “guilty of responding” like Peter, but rather empowered to fulfill the role He has called us to play.
In conclusion, don’t be like Peter. Wake up to God’s plan. Seek His will actively, and align yourself with it. By understanding God’s purpose and embracing your role within it, you can avoid the pitfalls of misunderstanding and contribute to the fulfillment of His grand design.
As long as we remain spiritually asleep, we miss the opportunity to participate in the unfolding of a divine plan in our lives. Meanwhile, God has a way to accomplish His purpose. Let’s wake up, actively seek God’s will, and position ourselves to fulfill the purpose He has for us.