Episode 1985: Betrayal and Arrest - Prophecy Fulfilled - Part 6

We are onto the 6th of the 22 statements Christ made during his passion. Our scripture passage today comes from Matthew 26:55-56, a pivotal moment in the narrative leading to Jesus' crucifixion.
"Jesus replied, 'Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.' Then all the disciples deserted him and fled."
We're confronted with Jesus' response to the soldiers who came to arrest Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. Instead of resisting, He questions their need for swords and clubs, highlighting His previous teachings in the temple where He openly proclaimed His message.
This moment underscores Jesus' acceptance of His impending arrest and crucifixion as part of God's divine plan. It serves as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, particularly those found in Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22, which foretold the suffering and rejection the Messiah would endure.

Starting with Isaiah which was written anywhere from 600 to 800 years before Christ, listen to how he was spoken about in Isaish.
Isaiah 53:3-5, 7-12
3 Despised, and the most abject of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with infirmity: and his look was as it were hidden and despised, whereupon we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our infirmities and carried our sorrows: and we have thought him as it were a leper, and as one struck by God and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our iniquities, he was bruised for our sins: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his bruises we are healed.
7 He was offered because it was his own will, and he opened not his mouth: he shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter, and shall be dumb as a lamb before his shearer, and he shall not open his mouth.
8 He was taken away from distress, and from judgment: who shall declare his generation? because he is cut off out of the land of the living: for the wickedness of my people have I struck him.
9 And he shall give the ungodly for his burial, and the rich for his death: because he hath done no iniquity, neither was there deceit in his mouth.
10 And the Lord was pleased to bruise him in infirmity: if he shall lay down his life for sin, he shall see a long-lived seed, and the will of the Lord shall be prosperous in his hand.
11 Because his soul hath laboured, he shall see and be filled: by his knowledge shall this my just servant justify many, and he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore will I distribute to him very many, and he shall divide the spoils of the strong, because he hath delivered his soul unto death, and was reputed with the wicked: and he hath borne the sins of many, and hath prayed for the transgressors.

Psalm 22
Psalm 22
This was written 1,000 years before Christ
2 O God my God, look upon me: why hast thou forsaken me? Far from my salvation are the words of my sins.
3 O my God, I shall cry by day, and thou wilt not hear: and by night, and it shall not be reputed as folly in me.
8 All they that saw me have laughed me to scorn: they have spoken with the lips, and wagged the head.
10 For thou art he that hast drawn me out of the womb: my hope from the breasts of my mother.
11 I was cast upon thee from the womb. From my mother's womb thou art my God,
12 Depart not from me. For tribulation is very near: for there is none to help me.
14 They have opened their mouths against me, as a lion ravening and roaring.
15 I am poured out like water; and all my bones are scattered. My heart is become like wax melting in the midst of my bowels.

16 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue hath cleaved to my jaws: and thou hast brought me down into the dust of death.
18 They have numbered all my bones. And they have looked and stared upon me.
19 They parted my garments amongst them; and upon my vesture they cast lots.
20 But thou, O Lord, remove not thy help to a distance from me; look towards my defence.
Additionally, we witness the disciples' reaction to Jesus' arrest. Despite their earlier pledges of loyalty, they fled out of fear, fulfilling Jesus' earlier prediction. This moment serves as a reminder of human frailty and the weakness of the flesh.
But what does this passage mean for us today? It calls us to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of trials and persecution. It challenges us to reflect on our own responses to adversity and consider how we can remain faithful to Christ amidst opposition and suffering.
As we conclude, let's remember the example of Jesus' obedience and endurance in the face of suffering. Let's pray for the grace to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God's plan of redemption.
Thank you for joining me on this next statement statement of Christ. We hope you found today's episode insightful and inspiring. Be sure to tune in next time as we continue our journey through the scriptures. Until then, may God bless you and keep you in His love.