Mat 26:54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

Alternative: How in that case shall the picture that this must happen get completed?

This statement almost brings the Gospel of Matthew full circle. Christ's first words in Mathew were Mat 3:15, when Christ says the John must baptize him to "fulfill" what is right. That was the first time that word in Greek for "fill up" was used by Christ and this is the last time that it is used, as our story itself is completed of filled up.

It might also be worth noting that the Greek word translated as "scriptures" literally means "a drawing." For the Greeks, both drawings and words created a "picture" or a representation of reality. The idea is that the prophesies created a certain picture or representation of what was to happen in the future, but that picture, like all drawings, does not completely capture reality. Christ seemed quite aware of this even if his followers are sometimes unclear on the point. Reality is what we live.

As we discussed in the last post, Christ said directly that he was free to choose his fate and the his Father would support him in his decision. Overlooking his seriousness, one can read this statement as though it is simply rhetorical question, as though Christ is saying that he has no choice in the matter.

Rather I suggest we read this seriously as those Christ's question here is an honest one. What happens to the world if Christ chooses not to die? The prophesies would still be true. There would be a Messiah and a turning point in history. The story would still be completed. Would Christ die in the same way but at a different tie? Would another die in his place and that person become the Christ?

Christ is asking the question and our only response must be that we don't know. Christ, however, asks the question as though he does know the answer and that he has decided that this is the best possible way for history to play out. From his point of view, this ending is perfect or even desirable, but it is simply the best alternative he sees.

"Scriptures" is from graphê (graphe), which means "representing by means of lines," "a drawing," "writing," "the art of writing," and "that which is written." It came to mean "scripture" from its use in the Gospels.

"Full" is plêroô (pleroo), which mean "to fill," "to fulfill," "to make complete," "to pay in full," "to make pregnant," and "to fill full."

"Must" is from dei (dei), which means "there is need," "it is needful," "one must," and "it is fitting."

"Be" is from gignomai (ginomai), which means "to become," "to come into being," "to be produced," and "to be."