Jesus Arrested - Matthew 26:47-56
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.
50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
55 In that hour 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. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Reflection:
Today we have the scene of the arrest of Jesus. There are several things to note about the seizing of our Lord just like a common criminal. The first thing I noticed was that Judas had carefully planned his treason out and made sure they didn't make mistake one of his disciples for Jesus. Though the religious leaders would not have failed to recognize Jesus the mob they sent and the roman soldiers who were armed with swords might not have known him. Since the disciples had said they would be willing to die with Jesus, Judas wanted to make sure they did not foil his plan.
And there is an insidious nature to the way Judas betrayed him. First he greeted him and said, "greetings Rabbi". This was the customary greeting given to teachers whom the person held in high respect. Then he kissed him, which I am sure was the telltale sign not only to who Jesus was for the mob to see, but also the height of betrayal. David was betrayed by his friend Absalom, which he foretold in Psalm 41:9. We see two more things to note. One they come armed as if Jesus were going to use force to fight his arrest. But just the opposite is the case. And in fact Jesus says, "those who live by the sword die by the sword". Jesus is teaching, just like in the Sermon on the Mount, that violence begets violence and though one may be temporarily benefitting from it, in the end the tide will turn and those you have done violence to will get their revenge.
Finally, we learn from other accounts (John) that it is Peter that draws he sword to cut off the high Priest's servants ear. We know from Luke the disciples only had two swords and Peter had one of them. It is not surprising that Peter would be the one, as he has not yet figured out that Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. Jesus could have certainly used power to prevent everything from happening, but laid down his life willingly even to this mob of ruffians.
This story of Jesus betrayal reminds us of the humble and meek nature of our Savior, as he teaches us that true power comes from being willing to lay down one's life for a cause greater than oneself. As we look to the great heroes of all time, they all had this similar trait. But Jesus is in a class by himself as the Son of God who emptied himself and became a servant and went to his death willingly to fulfill God's purpose for the salvation of the whole world. And before we get too spiteful of Judas, the question for us is for what price would we or have we betrayed Jesus? Do we betray Jesus when we try to take some other way than the way of the cross? Like Peter, do we strike in violence or do we trust in God for His justice to be done in His timing?
At the end of this story we see that at this all his disciples deserted him and fled. When the chips were down judas betrayed him, Peter denied him, and the rest deserted and fled. Blessed is the man who stands firm in the time of trial and temptation for he will receive the crown of life The Lord has reserved for those whom he loves. James 1:12
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.
50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
55 In that hour 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. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Reflection:
Today we have the scene of the arrest of Jesus. There are several things to note about the seizing of our Lord just like a common criminal. The first thing I noticed was that Judas had carefully planned his treason out and made sure they didn't make mistake one of his disciples for Jesus. Though the religious leaders would not have failed to recognize Jesus the mob they sent and the roman soldiers who were armed with swords might not have known him. Since the disciples had said they would be willing to die with Jesus, Judas wanted to make sure they did not foil his plan.
And there is an insidious nature to the way Judas betrayed him. First he greeted him and said, "greetings Rabbi". This was the customary greeting given to teachers whom the person held in high respect. Then he kissed him, which I am sure was the telltale sign not only to who Jesus was for the mob to see, but also the height of betrayal. David was betrayed by his friend Absalom, which he foretold in Psalm 41:9. We see two more things to note. One they come armed as if Jesus were going to use force to fight his arrest. But just the opposite is the case. And in fact Jesus says, "those who live by the sword die by the sword". Jesus is teaching, just like in the Sermon on the Mount, that violence begets violence and though one may be temporarily benefitting from it, in the end the tide will turn and those you have done violence to will get their revenge.
Finally, we learn from other accounts (John) that it is Peter that draws he sword to cut off the high Priest's servants ear. We know from Luke the disciples only had two swords and Peter had one of them. It is not surprising that Peter would be the one, as he has not yet figured out that Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. Jesus could have certainly used power to prevent everything from happening, but laid down his life willingly even to this mob of ruffians.
This story of Jesus betrayal reminds us of the humble and meek nature of our Savior, as he teaches us that true power comes from being willing to lay down one's life for a cause greater than oneself. As we look to the great heroes of all time, they all had this similar trait. But Jesus is in a class by himself as the Son of God who emptied himself and became a servant and went to his death willingly to fulfill God's purpose for the salvation of the whole world. And before we get too spiteful of Judas, the question for us is for what price would we or have we betrayed Jesus? Do we betray Jesus when we try to take some other way than the way of the cross? Like Peter, do we strike in violence or do we trust in God for His justice to be done in His timing?
At the end of this story we see that at this all his disciples deserted him and fled. When the chips were down judas betrayed him, Peter denied him, and the rest deserted and fled. Blessed is the man who stands firm in the time of trial and temptation for he will receive the crown of life The Lord has reserved for those whom he loves. James 1:12
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