Matthew 26:54
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
Matthew 26:54
In 26:54, Jesus asks the disciples to consider how the Scriptures could be fulfilled if the current events were derailed: “But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” He affirms that every moment of his arrest and suffering serves God’s redemptive plan. The tension between divine sovereignty and human agency is front and center. The disciples’ reaction—asking for a different path—reflects their incomplete understanding. Jesus’ response points to obedience as the key to seeing Scripture fulfilled.
This verse intensifies the theme that God’s promises unfold through faithful submission to suffering. It shows that salvation history requires both divine initiative and human cooperation—Jesus’ obedience and the disciples’ growing trust. The verse is a call to interpret hardship through the lens of prophecy and purpose, reinforcing that God’s plans often operate through human vulnerability rather than human strength.
When life seems to derail our plans, we can still trust that God’s purposes are advancing. Rather than demanding an alternate outcome, ask: How might this moment serve a greater good? Seek alignment with God’s word, pray for discernment, and look for the ways God is at work in the hardship. This may mean choosing integrity when it’s costly, or embracing patience as God weaves a bigger tapestry beyond our view. Encourage others by sharing how Scripture gives meaning to suffering and hope for redemption.
Cross-References: Psalm 22:30-31; Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 1:10-11; Luke 24:25-27