Jesus Arrested
47 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. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
So much had already happened this night. First the wonderful time of fellowship with his closest friends, his disciples. The ones who knew him best. The ones who lived with him, watched the miracles he preformed. The ones who asked the questions about his teachings and promised to always follow.
Then the evening started to go wrong. The garden scene was disturbing. None of the disciples could stay awake to pray. Jesus was overwhelmed and troubled by something. The disciples didn't know what to make of it all. Then suddenly Judas, who had slipped away earlier in the evening when Jesus told him of his betrayal, appeared with a large crowd of men armed with clubs and swords. There were even a soldier or two in the mix. This couldn't be good.
You see in verse 49 above that Judas went straight to Jesus and kissed him. Greeting him and calling him Teacher. This makes me want to smack him. I'm sure you want to smack him too. Jesus just looks at him. Verse 50 " 50 Jesus replied, "Do what you come for, friend". I Can't imagine what was going through the mind of Judas or the disciples. Judas was probably still trying to figure out how Jesus knew what he was doing. One of the disciples ( I seem to recall it was Peter) drew his sword and cut off the ear of the servant to the High Priest. (verse 51) Jesus tells the disciple to put his sword away. Things were happening just as they should. (verse 52-56) all these things took place so that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples fled. (Verse 56)
Well there go the faithful followers. Jesus is left high and dry. Those good buddies of his hit the road the minute things got a little dicey. I could sit here and talk about how I would never leave Jesus, or renounce him, or betray him. Even Peter "the rock" ran. Peter, the one that swore he would stay. Gone like the wind. John, the beloved disciple Fled. Guess what.. I don't think It would take a mob or a couple of soldiers to have my feet running anywhere away from there.
The crowd and soldiers take Jesus away. There is a bit of discussion at several places that night about who had jurisdiction over Jesus and if his crimes were against Rome. The Sanhedrin and Caiaphas wanted to find evidence that Jesus should be put to death. Many falsely accused Jesus. But no evidence was found. They finally asked Jesus if He was the son of God.. He replied " you have said so"..
other charges were leveled. Verses 57-67.. Jesus was found worthy of Death.. they then spit in his face, slapped him, and struck him with their fists.
In verses 69-75.. We see Peter on the scene. He has snuck into the courtyard. Someone recognizes him and asks if he was a follower of Jesus. We know what happens next. Peter denies knowing him. He denies 3 times just as Jesus told him he would. Peter leaves and weeps bitterly over what he has done.
I like Peter. He was always in the middle of whatever was going on. As we see Peter's heart break over the denial we also see the tears of sorrow and remorse. I know those prayers asking forgiveness were not mere words but came truly from a heart broken over his sin.
The hour is late. In the early morning Jesus will be taken to appear before Pilate the Roman Governor. The disciples are hiding in that same upper room they had just been celebrating in. I'll bet they barricaded the door. I know I would have. I can only imagine the crying and praying that is going on. What should they do. Should they try to leave the city. Should they wait and attempt a rescue of Jesus. How did this happen. Everything was going so great. The entire city had just welcomed them a few short days ago. Everything was coming apart. Nothing made sense.
And now Friday is coming....
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