Matthew 26:47-56 (MSG)

47-49 The words were barely out of his mouth when Judas (the one from the Twelve) showed up, and with him a gang from the high priests and religious leaders brandishing swords and clubs. The betrayer had worked out a sign with them: “The one I kiss, that’s the one—seize him.” He went straight to Jesus, greeted him, “How are you, Rabbi?” and kissed him.

50-51 Jesus said, “Friend, why this charade?”
Then they came on him—grabbed him and roughed him up. One of those with Jesus pulled his sword and, taking a swing at the Chief Priest’s servant, cut off his ear.

52-54 Jesus said, “Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. Don’t you realize that I am able right now to call to my Father, and twelve companies—more, if I want them—of fighting angels would be here, battle-ready? But if I did that, how would the Scriptures come true that say this is the way it has to be?”

55-56 Then Jesus addressed the mob: “What is this—coming out after me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I have been sitting in the Temple teaching, and you never so much as lifted a hand against me. You’ve done it this way to confirm and fulfill the prophetic writings.”
Then all the disciples cut and ran.

Matthew 26:47-56 (MSG)

General Context Questions

• Who wrote this? Who is or which groups of people are involved?
• Was this written before, during, or after Jesus’ lifetime?
• Is this a narrative, a parable, a praise, a suggestion, a command, an instruction, or something else?
• Is there anything that stands out to you?
• Did anything confuse you? Were there words or phrases that didn’t make sense?

Specific Questions

• Does the image of the disciples carrying swords fit with your current understanding of who they were? What are some implications of those closest to Jesus on earth being armed?
• If Jesus addresses Judas as "friend" while he is in the act of betrayal, what does that say about Jesus and us?
• What do you imagine a "battle-ready" company of "fighting angels" must look like?
• Jesus chooses to endure pain and suffering despite the fact that his friends are armed and that he can summon companies of fighting angels. If Jesus were unable to defend himself, would his choice still carry the same weight?
• Can you think of a time in your life when, even though you had the ability to avoid it, you chose to endure suffering of some kind because you thought it was the right thing to do?