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Matthew 26:53
Verse
Context
The Betrayal of Jesus
52“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.53Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?54But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”
Sermons
Vance Havner
Brian Long
Paul E. Billheimer
J.R. Miller
John Gill
Jack Hayford
K.P. YohannanSummary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled,.... That is, should Christ make such a request to his Father, and he should grant it, and an host of angels should be sent to rescue him, and he should be rescued by them; how then should the Scriptures, which speak of Christ's being taken, and led as a lamb to the slaughter, and of his various sufferings, and the circumstances of them, have their accomplishment? "declaring", as the Arabic version supplies, or as the Ethiopic version, "which say", that thus it must be; that the Messiah must be apprehended, and suffer, and die. The several parts of the sufferings of the Messiah are foretold in the writings of the Old Testament; the spirit of Christ, in the prophets, testified before hand of them; as that he should be reproached and despised of men, Psa 22:6, be spit upon, smote, and buffeted, Isa 1:5, be put to death, Psa 22:15, and that the death of the cross, Psa 22:15, and be buried, Isa 53:9, and also the several circumstances of his sufferings, which led on to them, or attended them; as the selling him for thirty pieces of silver, Zac 11:12, the betraying him by one of his familiar friends, Psa 41:9, the seizing and apprehending him, and which is particularly referred to here, Isa 53:7, his disciples forsaking him, Zac 13:7, and even his God and Father, Psa 22:1, his suffering between two thieves, Isa 53:12, the parting of his garments, and casting lots on his vesture, Psa 22:18, the giving him gall and vinegar when on the cross, Psa 69:21, and not breaking any of his bones, Psa 34:20, yea, the Scriptures not only declared, that these things should be; but the necessity of them also, that they must be; because of the purposes and decrees of God, which are eternal, immutable, and unfrustrable; for as God had determined on his salvation of his people by Christ, and that through his sufferings and death, these were determined by him also, even the time, nature, manner, and circumstances of them; and which the Scriptures declare, and therefore must be likewise; and because of the covenant of grace, which is sure, unalterable, and unchangeable; in which Christ agreed to assume human nature, to obey, suffer, and die in it, and so do his Father's will, which was to bear the penalty of the law, and undergo the sufferings of death, and which therefore must be, or Christ's faithfulness fail. Moreover, on account of the law and justice of God, which required his bearing the curse, as well as fulfilling the precept of the law: and especially on account of the salvation of his people, which could not be effected without them, they must be. Christ, in these words, discovers a very great concern for the fulfilling of Scripture; and that because it is the word of God, which must not be broken; and because throughout it he is spoken of, in the volume of it, it is written of him, to do the will of God; even in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms: and besides, he was the minister of the circumcision, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers; and even agreeably to them, and upon the foundation of them, he had himself predicted his own sufferings: and as those were to be the rule of the faith and practice of his people in all ages, he was concerned for their accomplishment in every point; and which may teach us to value the Scriptures, and to be confident of the fulfilment of them in things yet future.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
26:53 thousands (literally twelve legions): Jesus used Roman military language (a legion consisted of approximately 6,000 soldiers) to describe the aid he could receive from God. Jesus was not a helpless victim; he permitted his own arrest.
Matthew 26:53
The Betrayal of Jesus
52“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.53Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?54But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
From Groans to Glory
By Vance Havner5.1K38:50SufferingJOL 2:17MAT 26:53LUK 23:28JHN 11:35JHN 11:38ROM 8:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the wonder and complexity of the human body, which God created as his masterpiece. He highlights the unique nature of human interaction, where we can only come close to understanding each other through looking into each other's eyes. The preacher also discusses how our senses, such as hearing and seeing, are dependent on our body parts but are not the actual body parts themselves. He warns against settling down in a worldly mindset and losing the desire for spiritual growth, using the analogy of a duck that ends up swimming in its own gravy. The sermon concludes by mentioning the importance of being sensitive to nature's testimony to God as the creator.
The Humility of Christ (Conference Call)
By Brian Long2.5K24:30HumilityMAT 8:20MAT 26:53MRK 14:60MRK 15:5MRK 15:16JHN 7:53In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being true servants of Christ and being willing to get our hands dirty. He highlights the need for humility and brokenness in order to experience revival. The preacher also reflects on the humility of Jesus, who despite being the Son of God, became a servant. The sermon concludes with a reading of a hymn that expresses awe and wonder at both God's power and His humility.
Destined for the Cross
By Paul E. Billheimer0PSA 118:27MAT 26:53MAT 27:39LUK 23:35Paul E. Billheimer preaches on the foundational principle of self-sacrifice in the universe, exemplified by Christ's choice to stay on the cross despite temptations to come down and rule without suffering. Through Calvary, God reveals that the pathway to true power and authority is through self-sacrifice, not self-saving. Believers are called to follow Christ's example of staying on the cross, allowing it to deliver them from self-seeking and self-promotion, ultimately leading to genuine authority over Satan.
The Manliness of Jesus
By J.R. Miller0ManlinessChristlike CharacterISA 53:3MAT 5:3MAT 26:53LUK 9:22J.R. Miller addresses the misconception that Christianity is a religion primarily for women, arguing instead that Jesus embodies the full spectrum of manliness, combining gentleness with strength, courage, and integrity. He emphasizes that true manhood includes qualities such as moral courage, self-control, and love, which are exemplified in the life of Christ. Miller asserts that Jesus is the perfect model of humanity, showcasing both the tender and the heroic aspects of character. He challenges the world's standards of manliness, presenting Christ's teachings as the true guide for developing noble manhood. Ultimately, Miller encourages men to strive for Christlike qualities, recognizing that true manliness is a continual struggle supported by Christ as a helper and guide.
Of the Creation of Angels.
By John Gill0Divine AssistanceCreation of AngelsGEN 2:1JOB 38:7PSA 104:5DAN 4:35MAT 26:53LUK 2:13LUK 24:4COL 1:16HEB 12:22REV 19:10John Gill discusses the creation of angels, emphasizing their significance as the chief of God's works in the heavens. He notes that while the creation of angels is not explicitly mentioned in Genesis, it is implied within the creation narrative, as they are part of the heavenly host created by God. Gill elaborates on the nature, qualities, and roles of angels, highlighting their holiness, wisdom, and power, as well as their ministerial functions towards God, Christ, and humanity. He concludes that angels, being created beings, should not be worshipped but valued for their divine roles and assistance in the lives of believers.
Mandatory Nine-Count
By Jack Hayford0PSA 27:14MAT 12:40MAT 16:21MAT 26:53JHN 11:43Jack Hayford preaches about the importance of trusting in God's timing and plan, using Jesus' resurrection as a powerful example of waiting for God's miracle deliverance. He emphasizes that rushing a resurrection, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense, is not in alignment with God's perfect timing. Hayford encourages listeners to walk in the path of God's will, knowing that they may be down but not out, and that God will raise them up at the appointed time.
Watch the Lamb
By K.P. Yohannan0LoveUnityHumilityISA 53:3ISA 53:6MAT 26:53LUK 23:34EPH 5:1PHP 2:5K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound humility and love of Christ as exemplified in Philippians 2:5-9, where Jesus, despite being equal with God, chose to humble Himself and die on the cross. This act of selflessness not only led to His exaltation but also serves as a model for believers to follow in their relationships with one another. By adopting the mindset of Christ, we can foster unity and love, overcoming pride and disunity that often arise from self-righteousness. Yohannan illustrates this through a personal story, highlighting that even when we are right, our attitude and response should reflect Christ's love and humility. Ultimately, the call is to imitate God and walk in love, allowing Christ to be exalted in our lives and communities.
Concerning Angels
By G. Campbell Morgan0Spiritual WarfareAngelic MinistryMAT 13:39MAT 16:27MAT 18:10MAT 22:30MAT 24:31MAT 25:31MAT 26:53LUK 9:26LUK 12:8LUK 15:10G. Campbell Morgan explores the role and nature of angels as described in the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing their ministry in the world and their significance at the end of times. He highlights that angels are not only messengers but also guardians, particularly of children, and they rejoice in the repentance of sinners. Morgan asserts that angels are immortal, holy beings created by God, and they play a crucial role in the divine order, including the final judgment where they will separate the wicked from the righteous. He encourages believers to recognize the ongoing presence and assistance of angels in their lives, affirming their importance in the spiritual realm.
You Have Great Power at Hand
By John Wesley0MeeknessDivine PowerMAT 26:53GAL 5:22John Wesley emphasizes the immense power available to Jesus, as illustrated in Matthew 26:53, where He could have summoned legions of angels for His defense. In the Garden of Gethsemane, various responses to Jesus' betrayal are highlighted, contrasting the meekness of Jesus with the impulsive actions of His disciples and the crowd. Wesley points out that true power lies in restraint and obedience, as demonstrated by Jesus and the angels who awaited His command. He encourages believers to recognize the power they possess through the Holy Spirit and to exercise it with meekness, resisting worldly temptations. The sermon calls for prayer for meekness and the pursuit of opportunities to embody this virtue.
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled,.... That is, should Christ make such a request to his Father, and he should grant it, and an host of angels should be sent to rescue him, and he should be rescued by them; how then should the Scriptures, which speak of Christ's being taken, and led as a lamb to the slaughter, and of his various sufferings, and the circumstances of them, have their accomplishment? "declaring", as the Arabic version supplies, or as the Ethiopic version, "which say", that thus it must be; that the Messiah must be apprehended, and suffer, and die. The several parts of the sufferings of the Messiah are foretold in the writings of the Old Testament; the spirit of Christ, in the prophets, testified before hand of them; as that he should be reproached and despised of men, Psa 22:6, be spit upon, smote, and buffeted, Isa 1:5, be put to death, Psa 22:15, and that the death of the cross, Psa 22:15, and be buried, Isa 53:9, and also the several circumstances of his sufferings, which led on to them, or attended them; as the selling him for thirty pieces of silver, Zac 11:12, the betraying him by one of his familiar friends, Psa 41:9, the seizing and apprehending him, and which is particularly referred to here, Isa 53:7, his disciples forsaking him, Zac 13:7, and even his God and Father, Psa 22:1, his suffering between two thieves, Isa 53:12, the parting of his garments, and casting lots on his vesture, Psa 22:18, the giving him gall and vinegar when on the cross, Psa 69:21, and not breaking any of his bones, Psa 34:20, yea, the Scriptures not only declared, that these things should be; but the necessity of them also, that they must be; because of the purposes and decrees of God, which are eternal, immutable, and unfrustrable; for as God had determined on his salvation of his people by Christ, and that through his sufferings and death, these were determined by him also, even the time, nature, manner, and circumstances of them; and which the Scriptures declare, and therefore must be likewise; and because of the covenant of grace, which is sure, unalterable, and unchangeable; in which Christ agreed to assume human nature, to obey, suffer, and die in it, and so do his Father's will, which was to bear the penalty of the law, and undergo the sufferings of death, and which therefore must be, or Christ's faithfulness fail. Moreover, on account of the law and justice of God, which required his bearing the curse, as well as fulfilling the precept of the law: and especially on account of the salvation of his people, which could not be effected without them, they must be. Christ, in these words, discovers a very great concern for the fulfilling of Scripture; and that because it is the word of God, which must not be broken; and because throughout it he is spoken of, in the volume of it, it is written of him, to do the will of God; even in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms: and besides, he was the minister of the circumcision, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers; and even agreeably to them, and upon the foundation of them, he had himself predicted his own sufferings: and as those were to be the rule of the faith and practice of his people in all ages, he was concerned for their accomplishment in every point; and which may teach us to value the Scriptures, and to be confident of the fulfilment of them in things yet future.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
26:53 thousands (literally twelve legions): Jesus used Roman military language (a legion consisted of approximately 6,000 soldiers) to describe the aid he could receive from God. Jesus was not a helpless victim; he permitted his own arrest.