Matthew 26:50
50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.
It is important to know that Jesus was in complete control as He went to die. Each of the gospel writers go out of their way to emphasize that Jesus knew what was happening, and allowed it. In this part of Matthew, as Jesus is arrested, He speaks calmly to Judas even calling him ‘friend’. Then, He follows after God’s will for His life, or, more accurately, His death.
It’s crucial for a leader to seem cool under fire, whether he is or not. It gives his orders credibility and his followers confidence. Jesus was in complete control even though He knew the pain that was to come. Jesus was keenly aware of how horrible the crucifixion would be. He sweated blood as He contemplated what was to come, yet He still calmly went through with the cross. And He did it out of love for you. That’s a leader we can follow.
Prayer prompt: Lord, I will follow your banner into any battle.