Our Savior Who Submitted

Prayer

Matthew 26:47-56

Matthew 26:47–56 NKJV

47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” 55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.

Message

This morning as we are focusing on Matthew’s account of Passion Week, we see that our Lord and Savior chose to submit and sacrifice His life on the cross for the sake of all mankind. That is passion. The empty tomb is the gospel, the Good News! Amen.

When you think of the word submission what comes to mind?

Oxford Dictionary defines Submission as:

“the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person.”

I like Wm. Paul Young’s thoughts on submission who wrote the book, The Shack.

Submission is not about authority and it is not obedience; it is all about relationships of love and respect.”

One of our great theologians of yesteryear, A. W. Tozer said these words:

“The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us. ”

And lastly, Rick Warren is quoted in his book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?

“You cannot fulfil God's purposes for your life while focusing on your own plans. ” What our aim this morning is to understand that submission is the act of a Christian because it is training ground to submitting to God’s will for our lives.

Last Sunday you will remember that we studied the Gethsemane scene and we placed ourselves at that garden scene with Jesus praying. In Luke’s gospel, scripture records the fact that Jesus’ sweat “became like great drops of blood falling to the ground.” Dearly beloved, that scene reveals that Jesus was experiencing duress and anguish as He anticipated what lay ahead.

I’ve made attempts at placing myself at the scenes of what Jesus went through, but we will never fully grasp all the emotions Jesus experienced.

The obvious we would all say is that He anguished over the physical, mental and emotional abuse and death He was going to face. We know that Jesus anguished over the separation from His Father, that spiritual separation when He took on Himself the sins of the world.

It must have been excruciatingly painful to know that for the price Jesus paid at the cross, not everyone would accept His gift of salvation and redemption. That must be extremely hard on Jesus to know that regardless how much He loves everyone here and how much He sacrificed for all of us, there are some that will never love Jesus or accept His gift of salvation.

It’s hard to comprehend One’s love for me in that fashion and that I in turn could not love Him, but people reject that love everyday. We see that rejection in Judas and the religious leaders in this scene we study today.

I wonder, I just wonder if submission was the greatest struggle?

There was no apparent earthly reason whatsoever that Jesus submit. When you consider what choices Jesus had at His disposal instead of taking the abuse and death, submission must have been an agonizing choice.

Jesus submitted to obey the Father’s will and because He loves you and me and He loves the world that much. I’m in awe of that kind of love. Aren’t you?

And I say struggle, because we discussed the humanity of Christ and it was Jesus that stated:

“My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.” Later He stated as He prayed:

“O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

Let’s get into this text.

You remember from last Sunday’s study that Judas had already retreated from the last supper scene to go and get the Chief Priest and lead the religious leaders to where Jesus was located to seize Him and get the bribe money.

Matthew 26:45–46 “45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.””

I imagine Jesus initially met Peter, James and John half asleep and barely coherent and He jostled them an awakened to an alert state. They move toward the entrance gate of the garden where the other eleven are gathered in the same sleeping state and jostled them.

We could assume from the difficult night that Jesus had that He was wide awake as the “great multitude” the Bible states had arrived on the scene. John 18:3 gives vivid detail of the scene.

John 18:3 NKJV

3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Interesting thought:

All of the twelve disciples/apostles are listed only in three places in the Bible:

Matt. 10:2-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16.

So for example, one of those disciples, Bartholomew is listed 3 times. Thaddaeus is listed by his surname only two times.

But think about this, heinous sinners of the likes of Judas who is mentioned 32 times and Barabbas is mentioned 13 times. It lends itself to ask the question why? Men that were dedicated to the Lord only few times and heinous sinners numerous times.

People like the woman that was hemorrhaging for 12 years, the widow’s mite, Jairus’ daughter’s name was never given, one of the two men on the walk to Emmaus’ name were not mentioned by name.

Note that Matthew, Mark & Luke’s account chose not to provide the name of the one who cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. Only John, in John 18:10 “10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.”

Why is the likes of Peter or Malchus, or any of the elders, or names of the eleven disciples not mentioned, but the betrayer, Judas, and He is still titled “one of the twelve” in this text. Why did the Lord guide Matthew to record the story as such?

Why when we think of the heinous acts of men like Barabbas and Judas are their names mentioned so many times? I think there is a great message in that.

Submission Saves Face VV. 47-50

Matthew 26:47–50 “47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.”

In verse 50, the NIV, says “Friend, do what you came for.”

Judas is called by name in this text and He is referred to as a betrayer.

God’s Word mentions men like Barabbas and Judas numerous times to remind us that regardless of your sin that God loves you.

The chief priest delegated his dirty work and he sent a “great multitude” to capture Jesus. Everything about the scene reflects the use of power and an intimidation as a scheme to shake Jesus’ psychic.

Now understand something important here. They were not in a modern day parking lot or garden with beautiful accent lighting. We know from John’s account that the group came “with lanterns, torches along with weapons.” Even with that amount of lighting, faces would have been shadowy and you combine the facial hair, it would have been difficult to identify Jesus. Many in the group that came to arrest Jesus would have never laid eyes on Jesus. We know that Jesus was very popular, but they did not have social media to be able to identify someone they had never seen.

I question at this point if the disciples with Jesus really understood Judas’ role in all that was happening. AS they thought he was going into town to handle some financial responsibility, they could have thought this mob grabbed Judas to lead them to Jesus. We really do not know if they realized what Judas had done at this point.

Listen to this text:

John 13:26–30 “26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. 29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night.”

And so, Judas kissed Jesus as a sign to the men who were sent by the chief priest to grab Jesus. We know at other times leading up to this scene that Jesus would slip off in the crowds. It was not His time. But now was the time for the prophesy to be fulfilled.

In Eastern culture, a male friend would kiss another male friend on both sides of the cheek as a gesture of friendship. This was a common greeting of the day and it is still practiced in eastern culture today. Judas said to Jesus, “Greetings Rabbi!” When Satan had entered Judas he stooped to a low ebb. Judas did not say, greetings Lord. Judas was enticed into sin over money.

1 Timothy 6:10 “10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Let’s go back to one of the definitions of submission that I favor:

“Submission is not about authority and it is not obedience; it is all about relationships of love and respect.”

I tell you brother and sister today. Jesus’ submission and love for Judas caused Him to not say or act in any way to give away to his fellow disciples the wrongful actions that Judas committed. He wanted to save face with Judas. He wanted an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work in his life and bring change.

When I say save face, what do I mean? He in no way wanted to scar His impact on the possible transformation in Judas’ life.

When we think of the word “face” in the Bible, it represents the vision or focus or directive of Jesus. Let me give you an example.

Luke 7:27 “27 This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’”

Acts 2:25 “25 For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.”

Luke 1:76 “76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,”

Luke 9:51–52 “51 Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, 52 and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him.”

Luke 9:53 “53 But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem.”

Jesus’ face was about something bigger than berating Judas for his actions. Jesus’ face was about something bigger than bringing justifiable retribution on Judas. Why?

Because His face was about saving faith in Judas.

The great question many ask and have opinions about. Was Judas saved?

His name mentioned 32 times tells me that Judas was important to Jesus. Jesus loved Judas.

Matthew 27:3–5 “3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.”

“was remorseful and brought back”-those words sound in similarity to repentance to me. Now, did Jesus have to bring judgment on Judas at least here on earth? Judas brought it on himself.

1 Timothy 6:10 “10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

When wives do not submit to their own husbands there will be issues.

When children do not submit to their parents, parents and children there will be a price to pay.

When we do not submit to the authorities they have places called jail for those that do not learn to submit.

When we do not submit, we will “pierce ourselves with many sorrows.”

What is the point of this section and how it relates to submission? There are certain battles not worth fighting for the bigger picture of keeping face with the person you love. When you have conflict with another, as a Christian, you must determine what is your face all about. What is your mission? What is your aim? What are you attempting to accomplish in influencing the other party. Jesus submitted to save.

Are you about submitting to save or you about retaliating to revenge?

Submission Steers Clear of a Fight VV. 50-54

Matthew 26:50–53 “50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?”

Jesus’ mission was about “seeking and saving that which is lost.” Jesus’ mission was never about reaching stardom or winning the sparring matches of this world. That was the great struggle with the world. The Jews wanted a worldly leader that would win the battles of this world and bring back the Jews to prominence and power and peace and have their own country and not fall under the oppression of Roman rule.

The world says to get in the last word or pass the last lick in the fight. We sensationalize the John Wayne’s or the Sylvester Stallone roles of this world and the Matt Dillon’s and the Superman’s and Batman’s that bring retribution to the wrongs of this world. Jesus’ face was set on the cross, not controversy and conflict.

Do you know what the Bible says about submission?

1 Peter 2:13–14 “13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.”

1 Peter 5:5 “5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.””

Ephesians 5:18–21 “18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.”

Lastly,

James 4:7 “7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Do you know what the easy response for Jesus to have taken? To call down angels to His rescue. Angels had comforted Him in other situations.

Matthew 4:11 “11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”

Let’s look at a small excerpt from Luke’s account:

Luke 22:41–43 “41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” 43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.”

Jesus said, “put your sword in it’s place.”

Let’s stop right there. Roman soldiers were the men of swords. The Jewish temple guards were the men with clubs.

“put the sword in it’s place”-if you are about oppressing people and following the world order-by being number one and dog eat dog. Only the fittest survive and an eye for eye and a tooth for a tooth. The larger they are, the harder they fall, then keep your sword out. But, if you are about submitting to win in a greater cause, put up your sword.

Notice what Jesus says:

“for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”

Genesis 9:6 “6 “Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.”

Have you heard the saying, “what goes around comes around.”

Do you remember the last part of Judas’ great remorse?

Matthew 27:5 “5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.”

Jesus did not have to bring retribution on Judas even though he repented-I will say it again, I believe we will see Judas in heaven. But, Jesus did not bring judgment on Judas, Judas brought judgment on himself.

Proverbs 15:1 “1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”

This same Jesus calmed the storm on the sea of Galilee, we know He walked through walls later after the resurrection, He fed 5,000 with two fish and 5 barley loaves, He cast out legions of demons, time and again He proved His omnipotence that He could have as scripture states brought down 12 legions of angels or 72,000 angels at His beckoned call.

“Meekness is not weakness, it is power under control.”

Share Story to understand submission steers clear of a fight.

2 Kings 6:8-23. Story of a King of Syria that wanted to attack Israel and Elisha was the prophet who communicated to Israel’s King every action of Syria. Syria sent a delegation to see Elisha in Dothan.

Elisha asked the Lord to blind them and send them to Samaria.

2 Kings 6:21–23 “21 Now when the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” 22 But he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” 23 Then he prepared a great feast for them; and after they ate and drank, he sent them away and they went to their master. So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel.”

They killed with kindness.

2 Kings 6:17 “17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

Submission saves face. We must determine what our face is all about. Submission steers clear of a fight if, you face is about striving in others to share a saving faith.

Submission Strives for Saving Faith VV. 55-56

Matthew 26:55–56 “55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.”

Jesus responded to the multitudes gathered that early morning at Gethsemane’s garden. You came to take me. You can to bring tyranny over Me. You came to remove Me because I am too radical to what youe life is all about.

You came to take me. I came to transform you.

You came as the world comes with swords and clubs to rid Me and I came to regenerate you.

“I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple.”

“All this is being done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”

Isaiah 53:7–10 “7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. 9 And they made His grave with the wicked— But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.”

While all of this oppression was taking place, Jesus was submitting to save face, He was submitting to steer clear from a fight, He was submitting in striving to bring about saving faith in the world.

Mark 8:34–35 “34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”

Look a the ending. Such a sad closure in this story of our Christ.

“Then all of the disciples forsook Him and fled.”

Sadly today,we see more disciples forsaking Jesus and fleeing the church than I have ever seen.

Dearly beloved, the answer lies with submission. Submitting to the lordship of Christ in your life.

Dearly beloved, our Jesus submitted for something greater. He submitted for our souls. This world order is to live a life of dominance and demand. The life of a Christian is a life of submitting to the lordship of Jesus in our lives. Where does submitting begin?

With Jesus, if you have submitted to the will of God in accepting Him as Lord and Savior, begin today.

Let’s pray.