What Jesus Did! 'The Prophets Frame It All' — Matthew 26:55-56

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Then Jesus said to the crowd [that came to arrest him], "Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn't you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures." At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.
— Matthew 26:55-56 NLT

Key Thought

Those who had left everything to follow Jesus now leave Jesus to save themselves. Their desertion reminds us how easily we can abandon the one we hold dear in an attempt to preserve that which we cannot save.

Of course Jesus' adversaries come to him at night and not when the crowds of his followers are around. They are afraid of the crowds of his followers. Of course they come to him as if he were a criminal and robber, because they think a bunch of swords and clubs (Matthew 26:47) can be used to control his power. Of course they come to him in the cover of darkness and secrecy because they walk in darkness and serve the dark prince.

As Jesus had warned, his disciples abandon him. They flee. He is then all alone. But he goes to face his fate knowing what will happen because his whole life has been framed by the truth: "It will come about just as the prophets wrote" (Luke 24:44; 46).

Today's Prayer

O Father, may I never forsake Jesus, who has done so much and given up so much to bring me into your family. Forgive me when I deny my commitment to him by selfish and weak actions and reactions, and please mature me to be more like him. In Jesus' holy name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 26:55-56 NLT — But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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