Bible Commentaries

Here we have the record of final things before the Cross. The priests and the devil are seen in coalition.

As the end approached, the Master is seen with the shadow of the Cross on Him, desiring to eat the Passover with His loved ones. Even in this connection the disciples contend over which of them is to be accounted the greatest.

After the observance of the Passover and the institution of the new Feast, He declared to them, "Satan hath obtained you by asking" (margin). Notice carefully Satan's demand, and that it was granted. This involves the truth that he could not touch the disciples without the divine permission. As at the moment Peter was the man in supreme danger, our Lord singled him out as He said, "I made supplication for thee."

The new order was approaching. The Master was leaving His disciples in His bodily form. It was in this connection He said, "Let him sell his cloke and buy a sword." The word "sword" arrested them, and they produced two, to which action the Master responded, "It is enough." Notice carefully He did not say, "They are enough." He was not referring to the swords, but to the principle He had laid down. Indeed, their eagerness to produce the swords evidenced their slowness to appreciate the spiritual nature of the conflict ahead of them. When presently Peter used one of the swords, the Lord sharply rebuked him.

Passing out, and into Gethsemane, He was followed by His disciples. The supreme revelation of our Lord in Gethsemane is of His complete submission to the will of God as He said, "Nevertheless, not My will, but Thine be done."

Then followed the darkness of which our Lord said to His enemies, "This is your hour, and the power of darkness." Through this hour He passes alone with the firm step of the Conqueror.