Jesus Arrested

Introduction

Jesus just finished praying in the garden

He tells his disciples the time has come as well as his betrayer

Mark 14:43–52 NIV

43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled. 51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.

What does God say?

Making note that Judas was one of the Twelve adds to the level of treachery on Judas’s part. The crowd sent by the religious leaders was in fact the temple guard

A kiss is a normally a sign of greeting especially between rabbi and his disciples. Judas would use this sign to identify Jesus because there were quite a few people in the garden when he arrived (we know the disciples are there but there could quite possibly be other people as well since it is festival time. Also, it was dark.). Judas’s instructions seem to suggest he expected resistance from Jesus and/or the disciples

The one who struck the guard and cut off his ear is identified by John as Simon Peter. The guard was identified by John to be Malchus (John 18:10). Although one of the disciples cutting off the ear of the high priest servant is consistent in all four gospels, Luke 22:51 is the only one that says Jesus healed the servants ear.

They came after Jesus like he was a Zealot or common thief, although they have heard his teachings in the temple courts. Nevertheless, what is done is meant to be done because the Scriptures must be fulfilled.

Everyone deserted Jesus and fled as he said they would in fulfillment of Scripture (Mark 14:27).

There is a note of a young man who followed Jesus as well and fled away naked, leaving behind his clothes. Some say this individual was Mark because it was known for ancient authors to plant a clue they were there without using their name (John 21:24). Regardless, the purpose of including this in the narrative was to show Jesus was left without any support from his friends.

What does this mean for us?

This was God’s plan for us (Acts 2:22-23)

Persecution will come (Mark 10:28-31; 1 Peter 4:12-19)

People will fall way (1 Tim 4:1; 2 Tim 4:3-5)

Sufficiency of Scripture (2 Tim 3:12-17)

Jesus will lose not one (John 6:38-40)