Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm 22
Philippians 2:6-11
Matthew 26:14-27:66
But Then How Would the Scriptures Be Fulfilled?
In this very long gospel reading of the passion, what strikes me for the first time is Jesus saying to the disciple who cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant, ”Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled…?” Jesus had just prayed the most agonizing prayer of his life asking to possibly be spared this cup, but ending each time by submitting his will to the Father’s plan. Yet, when the disciple comes to his “defense”, Jesus tells him how his Father would himself defend the Son IF he asked. To me, it’s like the temptations coming back all over again, only this time more insidiously. Jesus knows his Father will do whatever he asks, even to spare him, but he also knows what the Father wishes. When they tell him to come down off the cross IF he is really God’s son, he must have to restrain himself. He certainly could have, but what the Father wants is the ONLY focus that he allows himself. Any other plan of action would not fulfill the Scriptures.
How often I think that, well yes, I’m asked to do something this way, but gee, this other way would be so much easier, better, more efficient, gain more….. excuses all! All, truly ALL, I have to do is the next right thing. Obedience is hard for me, but I’m beginning to see that my life will have no valuable success without it.
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