True Strength

“Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?” – Matthew 26:52b-54 (NRSVCE)

Jesus could’ve stopped it.

He’s the Son of God, God Himself, the most powerful being ever to exist. He walked on water, made enough food for hundreds out of a few loaves and fish, healed countless illnesses, and cast out demons. He knew Judas was going to betray Him, knew the Pharisees were sending soldiers to arrest Him. Knew He was going to die.

Jesus could’ve called down legions of angels, raised a hand and struck all his enemies blind or worse, or even simply hid where He knew they’d never find Him.

But He didn’t.

Instead, He let the high priest arrest Him, let the Pharisees mock and accuse Him, let the crowds scream for His execution, let the Romans humiliate, torture and kill Him.

He chose not to fight not against His enemies but for them. Chose not to condemn us to the death and punishment we deserve but to take it upon Himself.

That’s true strength. Not strength of mind but strength of will. Not strength of body but strength of heart. The strength to be free, even in chains. The strength to endure. The strength to forgive.

The strength to love.

And it’s that love—that strength—that Jesus calls each one of us to as well.

© Isabelle Wood 2025

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