Matthew 26:54

But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

But how {G4459} then {G3767} shall the scriptures {G1124} be fulfilled {G4137}, that {G3754} thus {G3779} it must {G1163} be {G1096}?

But if I did that, how could the passages in the Tanakh be fulfilled that say it has to happen this way?"

But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”

How then should the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

Context

Matthew 26:54 captures a pivotal moment during Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Just after Simon Peter impulsively drew a sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant (Matthew 26:51), Jesus intervenes. His question, "But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?" is a profound rhetorical query. It underscores His unwavering commitment to the divine plan and the predetermined nature of His suffering and death, which He had already foretold (Matthew 16:21).

Key Themes

  • Divine Necessity and God's Sovereignty: Jesus emphasizes that His arrest and subsequent suffering are not accidental or a failure of His mission, but rather a necessary part of God's sovereign plan. This event 'must be' for a higher purpose, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of the suffering Messiah.
  • Fulfillment of Scripture: The core message is the unwavering truth and prophetic accuracy of the Old Testament. Jesus constantly pointed to the Scriptures as bearing witness to Him and the events of His life, death, and resurrection. This moment confirms that even His capture was foretold, demonstrating the Bible's reliability.
  • Submission to God's Will: Despite having the power to call legions of angels (Matthew 26:53), Jesus willingly submits to the Father's will, echoing His prayer in Gethsemane: "not as I will, but as thou wilt."

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "it must be" translates the Greek word dei (δεῖ), which conveys a strong sense of divine necessity or obligation. It's not merely a suggestion or a prediction, but an imperative from God's eternal counsel. This indicates that these events were part of God's unchangeable purpose, predestined to bring about salvation for humanity.

Practical Application

Matthew 26:54 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Plan: Even in moments of confusion, betrayal, or suffering, we are reminded that God's plan is sovereign and purposeful. What might seem chaotic or unjust from a human perspective is often part of a larger, divine design for our lives.
  • Confidence in Scripture: The verse reinforces the reliability and authority of the Bible. The Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah were meticulously fulfilled in Jesus, strengthening our faith in God's immutable Word.
  • Embracing God's Will: Like Jesus, we are called to submit to God's will, even when it involves hardship or goes against our natural inclinations. Understanding that God has a purpose for our lives, even in difficult circumstances, can bring peace and resolve.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 13:7

    ¶ Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

  • Matthew 26:24

    The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

  • Luke 24:25

    Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

  • Luke 24:26

    Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

  • Acts 1:16

    Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

  • Psalms 22:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? [why art thou so] far from helping me, [and from] the words of my roaring?

  • Psalms 22:31

    They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done [this].

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