Matthew 26:49-56
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today’s passage continues the story of Jesus’ arrest and includes some of yesterday’s passage for context. Read Matthew 26: 49-56 trying to imagine the emotional energy pulsing through this scene.
The word “meek” may not come to mind when reading Matthew’s description of the events surrounding the arrest of Jesus, but in this scene Jesus is living out the true meaning of the word. Jesus knows that he has all the power and resources of heaven at his disposal, but for the sake of his mission, he restrains that power and receives the aggression directed at him without retaliation.
The meekness of Jesus is not weakness or acquiescence. It takes much more strength to practice non-violence in the face of aggression than it does to lash out.
Take a moment to meditate on the Amplified Bible version of Jesus’ words about meekness from Matthew 5:
“Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [humble, meek, the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.” – Matthew 5:5 AMP
Stay with this idea of meekness as a restraint of strength for a while allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you about how you are becoming more like Jesus in this way.
Read Matthew 26:49-56 again with these thoughts in mind.
If the disciples had any remaining notions of Jesus as a revolutionary set on the overthrow of the Roman government, those notions have now vanished in the murky mist of this night. Jesus names the excuse of the religious leaders and exposes their lie. Anyone with eyes to see could tell that in the temple, and everywhere else Jesus went, he brought only shalom. Now, in the face of violence, he refuses to answer in kind. Jesus will not engage with evil on evil’s terms.
Get quiet and let your thoughts settle. When you are ready consider Jesus’ example of purposeful non-violence and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you about your own reactions to violence and aggression. Talk openly with Jesus about this.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do about it?
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