Unneeded Clubs

A few weeks ago, we asked if you could find the four suits of a standard poker deck in the Bible.  We found one of them this week - ironically, as we prepared for the Passover/Lord's Supper service:

While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived.  With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. - Mathew 26:47

Clubs?  Swords?!  We know Judas Iscariot betrayed his Lord (verses 14-16) - but what did Judas tell the officials, to bring this sort of armed response?  Perhaps it resulted from Jesus turning over the temple tables a few days before (21:12-13).  But even Jesus was struck by the scene in front of Him:

At that time Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?  Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me." - Matthew 26:55

Unlike other times, Jesus didn't try to escape by blending in with the crowd.  The arresting officers had Him where they wanted.... well, wait a minute.  Jesus continued:

"But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled".... - Matthew 26:56

Jesus came to die for the sins of mankind, and provide salvation through His life.  So everyone was doing exactly what the plan of God required them to do -- even though Satan was inside the betraying Judas.

If clubs were used in the beating of Jesus before His crucifixion, the Bible does not specifically say so.  But the club-holders certainly didn't wind up with the ultimate victory.  An empty grave and the resurrection of Christ show God's way will succeed at the end.  Are you rejoicing in that promise, and looking forward to Jesus coming again?