The Life of Jesus Advent Calendar - Day 20: Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested

Introduction

It's incredible to see the submission of Jesus to his Father's will in Matthew 26:47-56. He knows what Judas has come to do, and does not resist. Though he has disciples willing to fight for him, he tells them to put their swords away. Even though he knows he could call to his Father to send more than twelve legions angels to protect him, he chooses not to. He remains calm and steady, while those around him fight or flee. Jesus knows that all this must take place so that "the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled."  Even in the darkness of betrayal and arrest, he knows this is part of God’s redemptive plan, and so he submits himself entirely to his Father’s will.

When we are caught in difficult situations, how do we respond? Do we instinctively fight to regain control in our own strength, or do we trust the God who works all things according to his purposes, and submit ourselves to his will - even when the path before us is unclear?

Assembling your Stocking

 This stocking is pretty straightforward, there's just quite a few templates to cut out. By this point I was losing the will to live, so I only cut out five disciples (apart from Judas). You could always tell your little ones the others had already fled the scene!! You might find it quicker for all of these templates to just cut directly round them, instead of tracing around them first. I cut out seven figures for the crowd, and three swords and three clubs. I gave one of the swords to Peter.

Lay everything out first before you stitch them down. I tilt Judas towards Jesus, as though he is giving him the kiss. I arrange the crowd around them, thinking about which way they're facing and whether we would see their whole sword or club, and which ones will need faces.

The disciples I arrange in the toe of the stocking, and give them all faces, as they have turned their backs on Jesus and fled.

Finish your stocking as usual with your - by now - perfect blanket stitch.

You can watch a brief video of this stocking being assembled on my Facebook or Instagram.

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