Flight 1549 was in trouble. After taking off from New York’s LaGuardia Airport on January 15, 2009, the jetliner struck a flock of geese. Some of the birds were sucked into its twin engines, causing them complete failure.

Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger didn’t allow the chaos of the moment to overwhelm him. He didn’t lose control. The veteran pilot chose the safest course—a water landing in the Hudson River. Due to his cool head, the lives of all 150 passengers and five crewmembers were saved.

In Luke 22, as Jesus faced betrayal and an unjust arrest that would lead to His crucifixion, He remained calm and in control. He said to Peter—who had just used his sword to slash off the ear of the high priest’s slave—and the others, “No more of this” (Luke 22:51; John 18:10). Then, showing His divine power, Jesus reached out and touched the man’s gaping wound and “healed him” (Luke 22:51).

The Master chose to use a gentle touch and calming words to still the chaos of the moment (v.51). As He confronted the leading priests, captains of the temple guard, and elders who had come to bind Him and take Him away, He coolly stated, “But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns” (v.53).

Jesus knew the horrors that awaited Him as He laid down His power in order to allow the “power of darkness” to reign for a time. Earlier, He had told His disciples, “No one can take My life from Me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again” (John 10:18).

Out of love for you and me, Jesus willingly was led away in chains. But make no mistake—He was still in control.