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Matthew 26:52-54 NLT
"Put away your sword," Jesus told him. 
"Those who use the sword will die by the sword.
Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?
But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?"
Matthew 26:52-54 NLT
Jesus connects his team to the Bigger Story and purpose of his life, reminds them that he has all the power, all the authority to change the situation, but chooses not to. There's something way more important than his comfort or his success (he is a Rabbi). 
Our culture messures us, and we often feel like we have to measure up or we are failures in some way.
As 2024 winds down, how does Jesus rejection of the measures of success of the culture he lived in resonate with us?

One of his team has pulled out his weapon and caused harm & havoc & Jesus tells him to put it down, that's not the way of the Kingdom.
What do we need permission to put down?
Something heavy we no longer need to carry - perhaps we can try putting that down.
Perhaps it's a "sword", a means of protection that we no longer need, that is no longer helping...what is it that Jesus invites us to put down?
#wordsofJesus #redletterBible 
#endof2024
#putdownyour___

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