The Final Hours of Jesus: The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

Introduction: 

Good morning, church. Turn with me in your Bibles to the Gospels. We are going to look today at one of the most pivotal and heartbreaking moments in human history: the arrest of Jesus. It was a moment of profound darkness, yet one that shines brightest with the love of God. We will see the depth of human sin, the frailty of even devoted followers, and the unwavering, sovereign authority of our Savior, all leading to the cross and our redemption.

Text: Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-12

1. The Treachery of Judas – Betrayal from within (Matthew 26:47-50).

Exegesis: 

Our passage opens with Judas, one of the twelve disciples, leading a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders, to arrest Jesus. Matthew tells us that Judas had arranged a signal: "The one I kiss is the man; seize him" (Matthew 26:48 CSB). This kiss, a symbol of affection and loyalty, was perverted into a sign of betrayal. As Judas greeted Jesus, calling Him "Rabbi," Jesus responded, "Friend, do what you came for" (Matthew 26:50 ESV). This was not a moment of surprise for Jesus; He knew Judas's heart and his ultimate purpose (John 6:64). This was a deliberate act of treachery, a direct fulfillment of prophecy (Psalm 41:9).

Illustration: 

Imagine a trusted friend, someone you’ve shared meals with, confided in, and poured your life into, turning against you. Not just turning away, but actively leading your enemies to you, using a gesture of love as the very instrument of your downfall. The pain of such betrayal cuts deeper than any physical wound because it strikes at the heart of trust and relationship. Judas’s act was not merely a political maneuver; it was a profound spiritual and relational betrayal of the Son of God.

Application: 

Judas's betrayal serves as a stark reminder of the deceptive power of sin and the human heart's capacity for darkness. It forces us to confront our own hearts. Have we, at times, paid lip service to Christ while our actions or desires betray Him? Do we allow worldly ambitions or temptations to subtly erode our loyalty to Him? Sin, when nurtured, can lead even those close to Christ down a path of profound betrayal. We must constantly examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) and guard our hearts, for "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9 ESV). But even in the face of such deep sin, God’s grace is greater for those who repent and turn to Him.

Quotes: 

Charles Spurgeon once preached, "The kiss of Judas was a fitting seal to such a life. The lowest treachery, the basest ingratitude, the most damnable hypocrisy, culminated in that traitor’s kiss."

Dwight L. Moody said, "The one that betrayed Christ was one of His own disciples. Take care, oh professing Christians, lest you betray Him too."

Gospel Connection: 

Judas’s betrayal, while horrific, was not an unforeseen tragedy that derailed God’s plan. Instead, it was tragically woven into the fabric of God's redemptive purpose. This act of profound human evil served to advance the divine plan for our salvation. Jesus willingly allowed Himself to be betrayed, knowing it was the path to the cross, where He would bear the full weight of our betrayals and our sins.

2. The Response of the Disciples – Fear, confusion, and misplaced zeal (John 18:10-11).

Exegesis: 

As the temple guard and Roman soldiers seized Jesus, the disciples' reaction is a mix of confusion, fear, and impulsive action. John highlights Peter’s response: "Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)" (John 18:10 CSB). Jesus immediately rebukes Peter, saying, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" (John 18:11 ESV). Luke adds that Jesus touched the servant's ear and healed him (Luke 22:51). The disciples, seeing their master arrested, eventually abandon Him and flee (Matthew 26:56). Their loyalty, though sincere, was not yet grounded in a full understanding of Jesus’s mission or God’s sovereign plan.

Illustration: 

Think of a child who loves their parent dearly but, when danger strikes, tries to defend them with a toy sword. Their heart is in the right place, but their method is utterly inadequate and even counterproductive. Peter’s impulsive act, born of a fierce but misguided loyalty, attempted to fight a spiritual battle with physical weapons, going against the very purpose of Jesus's coming.

Application: 

How often do we, like Peter, react to spiritual challenges with human methods, fear, or a zeal that isn't aligned with God's will? We might try to defend God's kingdom with harsh words, worldly strategies, or by relying on our own strength, rather than submitting to His perfect plan and power. Jesus's rebuke to Peter reminds us that the Kingdom of God is not advanced by violence or human might, but by surrender, obedience, and the cross (John 18:36). We are called to trust God's sovereignty, even when His ways seem confusing or lead to suffering (Romans 8:28).

Quotes: 

Dwight L. Moody remarked, "When men get into trouble, they are very apt to want to take up the sword. But Jesus says, 'Put up thy sword.' He wanted to teach us that His kingdom was not of this world, and it was not to be propagated by the sword."

Charles Spurgeon urged believers, "The cup of which Christ drank was a bitter one, but it was the cup of our salvation. He was willing to drink it all for us. Let us, then, not shrink from whatever cup God gives us to drink."

Gospel Connection: 

Even in the disciples’ failure and fear, Jesus demonstrates His unwavering commitment to the Father's will and His redemptive mission. He willingly accepts the "cup" of suffering, knowing it is the path to our salvation. His healing of Malchus’s ear in that moment of His own arrest is a powerful preview of the grace and healing He would offer to all who come to Him, even those who oppose Him. He was establishing a new way, a way of self-sacrifice and spiritual victory, not earthly triumph.

3. The Authority of Jesus – Willing surrender to fulfill God’s plan (John 18:4-9).

Exegesis: 

John’s account uniquely emphasizes Jesus’s supreme authority. As the crowd approaches, Jesus steps forward and asks, "Whom do you seek?" (John 18:4 ESV). When they reply, "Jesus of Nazareth," Jesus declares, "I AM he" (John 18:5 ESV). At this divine declaration, "they drew back and fell to the ground" (John 18:6 ESV). This is the covenant name of God, YHWH, echoing His revelation to Moses (Exodus 3:14). Even in His arrest, Jesus is in control. He allows Himself to be taken, not because He is powerless, but because He is willingly submitting to the Father's plan to save His "sheep," His disciples (John 18:8-9). He is not a victim, but a sovereign King fulfilling His redemptive purpose.

Illustration: 

Imagine a mighty king, with armies at his command, who chooses to lay down his crown, disarm himself, and walk willingly into captivity for the sake of his people. He is not overpowered; he is choosing surrender for a greater purpose that only he fully comprehends. That is the essence of Jesus's arrest. He could have summoned legions of angels (Matthew 26:53), but He did not.

Application: 

Jesus’s willing surrender, coupled with His undeniable authority, challenges our understanding of power and submission. True strength, in God's economy, is often found in humility and obedience to God's will, even when it leads to suffering. We are called to follow His example, submitting to God’s plan for our lives, trusting that His ways are always good and purposeful, even when they involve trials (Romans 12:1-2). His ultimate authority means we can trust Him completely; His willing sacrifice means He understands our pain and vulnerability.

Quotes: 

Charles Spurgeon declared, "Do you think that Judas or the Sanhedrin arrested Christ? No, Christ surrendered Himself. No man took His life from Him, but He laid it down of Himself. He was as much master of the situation when the mob seized Him as when He drove them out of the temple."

Dwight L. Moody emphasized, "He did not die because He could not help it. He died because He chose to die. He gave His life for you and for me."

Gospel Connection: 

Here, at His arrest, Jesus demonstrates the heart of the gospel. He is the sovereign God, yet He humbles Himself, taking on the form of a servant, even to death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-8). His divine "I AM" is uttered not to escape, but to signify His control over His destiny and His willingness to lay down His life for His sheep. This willing surrender is the foundation of our salvation. He was arrested so that we might be set free from the arrest of sin and death. He willingly faced judgment so that we, through faith in Him, might receive grace and eternal life.

Gospel-Centered Conclusion:

In this moment of betrayal, fear, and ultimate authority, we see the profound truth of our salvation. Judas’s kiss shows us the depth of human depravity and the cost of sin. The disciples’ scattered response highlights our own weakness and need for a Savior who is stronger than our fears. But above all, Jesus’s calm, sovereign, and willing surrender reveals a God who is in control, whose love is unfathomable, and whose plan for our redemption is perfect.

Jesus was betrayed so you could be embraced. He was abandoned so you could be adopted into God’s family. He willingly submitted to arrest, torture, and death on the cross, not because He was helpless, but because He loved you and me so much that He chose to take our sin upon Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21). He paid the penalty for every betrayal, every act of fear, and every moment of rebellion against God.

If you have never placed your trust in this Jesus, the one who demonstrated His divine power even as He allowed Himself to be bound, I urge you today to respond to His call. Confess your sin, believe in His finished work on the cross, and receive the forgiveness and new life He offers. For those of us who believe, let this passage strengthen our faith. Our Savior is not a victim; He is the victorious King who willingly laid down His life to set us free, and He is worthy of our complete trust and obedience. Amen.