No Protection Needed

Written By Betty Predmore

John 18: 1-24 (May 29)

When I was a junior in high school, my brother was a freshman. Keep in mind, this is my little brother, my only sibling, and I had looked out for him for as long as I can remember.

One day during lunch, I looked across the campus and saw a senior picking on him. I didn’t even think twice. I jumped up, ran over there, and gave that boy a piece of my mind!

Did I mention this was at lunch time? Did I mention that A LOT of kids saw this act of protection from a big sister to a little brother?

Did I also mention that my brother was furious and embarrassed by my actions??!! Yep...my efforts were most definitely unappreciated and he told me to never do that again.

Didn’t he realize he didn’t stand a chance against the bigger kid? Couldn’t he understand that this was not going to end well for him? Did he not understand that I was just trying to help?

This is the same situation Peter finds himself in. (Wow...never compared myself to Peter before!) Jesus finds himself face-to-face with that back-stabbing Judas and his entourage of Roman soldiers and Temple guards. They are there to arrest him and it is not going to end well for Jesus.

Peter draws his sword and cuts off the ear of one of the guards. He is trying to protect Jesus, and he draws that sword on instinct. ( Much like running across the campus without thinking. Glad I didn’t have a sword that day!)

Jesus says to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath.” Translation...”I don’t need your protection from this situation.”

Jesus isn’t looking for protection because he knows this prophecy must be fulfilled. He knows what lies ahead of him and is ready to face it. So he is arrested and taken away. Peter and another disciple follow. (We will soon see how his good friend “protected” him in the coming hours.)

Jesus is undergoing questioning from the high priest about what he has been teaching. When Jesus doesn’t back down, a guard slapped him in the face for his lack of respect. Jesus insists that he is only speaking truth and questions the need for violence, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking truth, why are you beating me?”

So, he was bound and carried away. . It was time for him to endure the suffering that would open the door to grace for all mankind. He did it willingly. He did it with honor. He did it alone... no protection needed.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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