THE GUARDS OF JESUS
The Apostles of Jesus
1. While Jesus was traveling with his disciples to Jerusalem through Samaria, a Samaritan village declined to receive him because he was heading to Jerusalem. The apostles James and John asked Jesus, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village (Lk 9:54-55).
2. The disciples of Jesus carried swords with them. They said to Jesus, “Lord, look, there are two swords here.” But he replied, “It is enough!” (Lk 22:38).
3. When the soldiers came with Judas to arrest Jesus, his disciples realized what was about to happen and asked, “Lord, shall we strike with a sword?” (Lk 22:49).
4. During the arrest of Jesus, “one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear” (Mt 26:51; Lk 22:50).
The Admirers of Jesus
The Jewish authorities knew that the followers of Jesus would defend him.
1. The crowd wanted to make Jesus their king after they witnessed the multiplication of barley loaves and fish (Jn 6:14-15). If he had accepted their offer, they would have safeguarded him.
2. The multitude of pilgrims who welcomed Jesus with palm branches to the Temple cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, [even] the king of Israel” (John 12:13). If he had taken up the kingship, they would have fought in his defense.
3. When Jesus cleansed the Temple, “the chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it and were seeking a way to put him to death, yet they feared him because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching” (Mk 11:18).
4. “Every day he was teaching in the temple area. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words” (Lk 19:47-48).
5. When Jesus taught the parable of the Tenants, the chief priests and the Pharisees realized he was alluding to them. “And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet” (Mt 21:46; Mk 12:12; Lk 20:19).
Twelve Legions of Angels
After Peter struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his ear, Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father, and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Mt 26:52-53).
A Roman legion was generally made up of about 6,000 soldiers. Therefore, twelve legions would amount to roughly 72,000 angels. Jesus was highlighting that He had access to immense divine power. He could call upon a substantial heavenly host if it were necessary. Yet, Jesus chose the path of sacrifice, highlighting his commitment to fulfilling his mission through love and obedience to God’s will rather than through force.
REFLECTION
As Christians, these accounts offer powerful lessons. The apostles and admirers of Jesus were ready to defend him, even at great personal risk. However, Jesus consistently chose peace, forgiveness, and sacrifice over violence and retribution.
Our faith should be marked by love, patience, and humility. When faced with opposition and challenges, we must trust in God’s plan, show mercy, and live out the teachings of Christ through our actions. True strength lies not in physical might but in the power of love and the assurance of God’s presence with us. Let us be faithful guards of Jesus’ message, embodying his love and grace in our lives.
May we remember that our battles are spiritual, and our weapons are the Word of God, prayer, and faith. Let us stand firm, not in violence or anger, but in the transformative power of God’s love, spreading his message of peace and salvation to a world in need.