Lent Day 28: Our Protector (John 18:10-11)

Lent Day 28

Our Protector

John 18:10-11

10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

11 Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

◇ When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter drew his sword and swung at one of them, severing his ear. Jesus rebuked Peter in the blink of an eye, telling him to put the sword away. He instructed Peter not to interfere with drinking the cup that God had given Him. Peter’s attempt to protect Jesus was nothing more than an obstruction to God's work.

Jesus had already resolved to drink the cup given by God and was walking that path. It wasn't that Jesus was defenseless and simply allowed Himself to be captured. He could have called more than twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:53), as He said. Jesus was protecting His disciples and the crowd. He chose not to call the angels not only for their sake but also to protect us now.

By accepting the cup from God, Jesus intended to become the protector of the disciples, the crowd, and us. He aimed to liberate all creation, which was otherwise doomed to slavery under sin, through His blood. He was willing to drink from the cup of the cross to unite us with God and allow us to abide in God.

Jesus would be beaten, mocked, whipped, and crucified. On the cross, He would endure pain, thirst, and shame. By doing so, Jesus took upon Himself our sins and granted us freedom. He gave us the freedom to become children of God and to be with God.

By bearing His own cross, Jesus became our protector.

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)

God, we thank You for sending us the true protector. Help us to follow in His footsteps! Holy Spirit, guide us in truth! Amen.