Running For Cover -

Peter will now witness the total collapse of Jesus followers.

Peter will now witness the total collapse of Jesus followers.

A large crowd with weapons will show up!

Jesus will be identified by one of their own as the ringleader

Peter will respond by attempting to take of the head off the high priest servant

It’s all coming unglued

Illustration - its all going bad ......

Marriage south, kids failing school, job is over being laid off

The perfect storm

Background:

Traitors are know throughout history. There have always been and always will be those who will turn on their friends for their own gain.

Peter will learn for this ......

In American History, no name is more synonymous with traitor than Benedict Arnold. But even he pales by comparison with who is by far the most tragic figure in human history, Judas Iscariot..

No man, no matter how evil, is seen as being as despicable as Judas. Hitler, Stalin, and Mao are despised for their mass murders and destruction of nations, but not even their treachery compares to Judas.

Our text in picks up the narrative of Jesus’ last night.

Judas was one of only 12 disciples the Lord Jesus Christ picked to be with Him during His few short years of ministry on Earth. He was there to see all of Jesus’ miracles. He was a witness to Jesus’ compassion. He heard Jesus teaching over and over again. He was close enough to become a personal friend of Jesus.

The night that Judas would complete his abominable deed. Judas left to make final arrangements with the chief priests. The Last Supper has ended. Jesus has finished his last teaching session with the remaining disciples.

Our text in picks up the narrative of Jesus’ last night. The night that Judas would complete his abominable deed. Judas left to make final arrangements with the chief priests. The Last Supper has ended. Jesus has finished his last teaching session with the remaining disciples. They have gone to the garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, which was just across the Kendron valley from the Temple mount.

They have gone to the garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, which was just across the Kendron valley from the Temple mount.

He prayed the way all of us should pray. Passionately, with emotion, and yet in complete control of His will. In His humanity Jesus wanted there to be another way and so He was petitioning the Father. Yet, His human will was in complete submission to the Father’s will, and He would undergo whatever was necessary to accomplish that. Jesus finished praying, woke up the sleeping disciples and went out to meet the one who was betraying Him (vs. 46).

Matthew 26:47–56 KJV 1900

47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. 49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. 51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? 55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. 56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

I The Mob Arrives - Peter must be Shocked - Matt 26:47-49

47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. 49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

I call this group a “mob” because it consisted of a lot more than just the arresting officers and Judas who was to point Jesus out to them.

In out text we find there is a “great multitude.” There are also the chief priests who originally made the arrangement with Judas for the betrayal of Jesus. We also find that the elders of the people have joined in too.

Mark’s account adds that the scribes have also joined in.

The most detailed account is that of John, who adds the Pharisees to the list of those that come with a cohort of Roman soldiers along with “officers from the chief priests”, those being the temple guard.

A cohort of soldiers was 600 men. Add all the others (temple guards, chief priests, scribes, and elders) and it is possible that there could have been 800 to 1,000 men in the group.

Most of the mob was there to see the sights, not accomplish the work.

John 18:3 KJV 1900

3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

The soldiers would have been carrying their swords and the rest may have had a mixture of swords and clubs. John adds that they were also carrying lanterns and torches for it is late. The full moon has set and now it is very dark. Evil does not like to be exposed in the light, but desires the cover of darkness.

But darkness does not hide things from God. John’s account records that “Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him went forth.” Jesus knew who they were and what they were coming for, and He goes to meet them.

Peter watched the betrayal

Judas comes and acts like a friend. He had told them the sign would be a kiss, which is still a common greeting in the Middle East. A slave would kiss the master’s feet. A servant would kiss the master’s hand. Friends would kiss each other’s cheek and close friends would embrace and kiss both cheeks. It was a sign of close affection and love.

If you or I had been in Jesus’ place at this point, we would have been revolted by Judas’ kiss. We would backed away from Judas and refused to received it.

Luke 22:48 KJV 1900

48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

luke

Jesus knew exactly what Judas was doing and yet accepted his greeting and kiss.

Yet, even here we find grace extended to Judas. All of the gospel writers refer to him as “one of the twelve” even at the point of his betrayal.

And Jesus refers to him as “friend” or maybe better translated as “comrade” or “companion” in verse 50. Even at this point we sense that Jesus would forgive Judas if he would seek it.

Peter is incensed that Judas would do this......

His blood must be boiling!

The moment was gone as fast as it came. The mob surged in according to plan and Judas was swept aside—his lips still sealed, his soul now a prey to second thoughts.

II The Master Reacts - Peter is Silenced Matt 26:50-54

II The Master Reacts

50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. 51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

Exploring the Gospel of Matthew: An Expository Commentary a. A Last-Minute Word of Reclamation to Judas (26:50)

“Friend,” Jesus said to Judas, “wherefore art thou come?” We have already seen how Jesus used this word “friend [comrade, fellow]” before (11:16; 20:13; 22:12). Of course Jesus knew why Judas had come. The comment was more of an exclamation than a question. It was the Lord’s last appeal to whatever was left of conscience in Judas. Nothing could reverse the onward march of events as far as Jesus was concerned, but there might be mercy yet for Judas. The Lord knew what lay ahead for this man if he was not reclaimed: death by suicide and eternal torment in Hell’s hottest flames.

The moment was gone as fast as it came. The mob surged in according to plan and Judas was swept aside—his lips still sealed, his soul now a prey to second thoughts.

vs 50 “Friend,” Jesus said to Judas, “wherefore art thou come?”

We have already seen how Jesus used this word “friend [comrade, fellow]” before (11:16; 20:13; 22:12). Of course Jesus knew why Judas had come.

It was the Lord’s last appeal to whatever was left of conscience in Judas. Nothing could reverse the onward march of events as far as Jesus was concerned, but there might be mercy yet for Judas. The Lord knew what lay ahead for this man if he was not reclaimed: death by suicide and eternal torment in Hell’s hottest flames.

Illustration - This is you last chance - skiing at Holiday valley - the wall a double block diamond - last chance ally

vs 51-52

Fully awake now and impetuous as ever, Peter hurled himself to Christ’s defense.

Exploring the Gospel of Matthew: An Expository Commentary (b) How Useless It Was (26:52)

This incident is not without its lesson. In seeking to defend the Savior, many an overzealous disciple of Christ has cut off an unbeliever’s ear and made him even harder to reach. The unsaved person can only think of the un-Christian words and deeds of the one who has hurt him or the crass way some truth has been forced down his throat. It takes a special miracle of grace for such an unbeliever to have his spiritual hearing restored so that he will be willing to listen again to Jesus. How careful we should be not to misrepresent Him!

The Lord, however, had a different lesson for Peter. Jesus told him to put away his sword. The cause of Christ was not to be advanced by such means. “All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” Resorting to violence only results in a violent response.

Sword in hand, he slashed out and sliced off the right ear of one of the servants of the high priest. Evidently the victim was one of those who had seized Jesus.

Jesus tenderly healed the smitten servant of the high priest ().

This incident is not without its lesson. In seeking to defend the Savior, many an overzealous disciple of Christ has cut off an unbeliever’s ear and made him even harder to reach.

The unsaved person can only think of the un-Christian words and deeds of the one who has hurt him or the crass way some truth has been forced down his throat.

This incident is not without its lesson. In seeking to defend the Savior, many an overzealous disciple of Christ has cut off an unbeliever’s ear and made him even harder to reach. The unsaved person can only think of the un-Christian words and deeds of the one who has hurt him or the crass way some truth has been forced down his throat. It takes a special miracle of grace for such an unbeliever to have his spiritual hearing restored so that he will be willing to listen again to Jesus. How careful we should be not to misrepresent Him!

It takes a special miracle of grace for such an unbeliever to have his spiritual hearing restored so that he will be willing to listen again to Jesus. How careful we should be not to misrepresent Him!

Illustration - we make our mission field the enemy

The Lord, however, had a different lesson for Peter. Jesus told him to put away his sword. The cause of Christ was not to be advanced by such means. “All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” Resorting to violence only results in a violent response.

Exploring the Gospel of Matthew: An Expository Commentary (2) The Sovereign (26:53)

The Lord did not need Peter’s sword. Jesus could see what Peter could not see. Up yonder in Heaven were twelve legions of angels (seventy-two thousand of them) in battle array, straining over the battlements of the celestial city. A single word could unleash them. In a moment they could be ready to disband the mob, sweep away the Sanhedrin, execute summary vengeance on mankind, and usher in the battle of Armageddon. The word never came, for “as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).

It is worth noting that the revelation of Matthew 26:53 was given to Peter, not Pilate. It was intended to inform, not to intimidate.

vs 53-

The Lord did not need Peter’s sword. Jesus could see what Peter could not see. Up yonder in Heaven were twelve legions of angels (seventy-two thousand of them) in battle array, straining over the battlements of the celestial city. A single word could unleash them. In a moment they could be ready to disband the mob, sweep away the Sanhedrin, execute summary vengeance on mankind, and usher in the battle of Armageddon. The word never came, for “as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” ().

vs 53 - Gods sovereignty !

The Lord, however, had a different lesson for Peter. Jesus told him to put away his sword. The cause of Christ was not to be advanced by such means. “All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” Resorting to violence only results in a violent response.

The moment was gone as fast as it came. The mob surged in according to plan and Judas was swept aside—his lips still sealed, his soul now a prey to second thoughts.

Really Peter i need you to defend me ?

III The Minority Flees

III The Minority Flees - Peter is Scared

55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. 56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

Exploring the Gospel of Matthew: An Expository Commentary (1) What Jesus Asked (26:55)

We can see the mob huddled in the background, armed with swords and clubs, waiting to see what would happen. The Lord dragged them out into the open. “Am I a robber?” He demanded in effect. The word translated “thief in 26:55 is the same word that is used to describe the two men who were crucified with Jesus (27:38).

There were other questions implied: Why do you come armed as if I were dangerous? Why do you come in the night? The Lord reminded the mob how accessible He had made Himself in the temple. But their plot depended, or so they imagined, on a show of force sprung on Him in a lonely place under cover of darkness.

(2) What Jesus Accepted (26:56a)

The party that came to arrest the Lord was large. John described part of it as a “band” (John 18:3, 12). The word translated “band” is speira, the name of a cohort, a division of the Roman army. It is not likely that a whole cohort was present, but evidently there were enough men to enforce the arrest. Luke 22:52 says that besides the multitudes, the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders were present too. Evidently the Sanhedrin was afraid that Jesus would defend Himself. If He had done so, no armies in the world could have stood against Him. But that was not the divine purpose. As Matthew commented, “All this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”

b. The Followers of Jesus (26:56b)

We look sadly at the cowardly followers of Jesus. “All the disciples forsook him, and fled.” He had told them again and again that He was to be taken and slain, but His warnings did not fortify them against the overwhelming terror that seized them at His arrest. The misery of loneliness, betrayal, and abandonment entered the Savior’s soul.

We can see the mob huddled in the background, armed with swords and clubs, waiting to see what would happen. The Lord dragged them out into the open. “Am I a robber?” He demanded in effect.

There were other questions implied: Why do you come armed as if I were dangerous?

Why do you come in the night?

The Lord reminded the mob how accessible He had made Himself in the temple. But their plot depended, or so they imagined, on a show of force sprung on Him in a lonely place under cover of darkness.

Well Jesus is not going to do anything we my as well leave

The party that came to arrest the Lord was large. John described part of it as a “band” (, ). The word translated “band” is speira, the name of a cohort, a division of the Roman army. It is not likely that a whole cohort was present, but evidently there were enough men to enforce the arrest. says that besides the multitudes, the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders were present too. Evidently the Sanhedrin was afraid that Jesus would defend Himself. If He had done so, no armies in the world could have stood against Him. But that was not the divine purpose. As Matthew commented, “All this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”

b. The Followers of Jesus (26:56b)

We look sadly at the cowardly followers of Jesus. “All the disciples forsook him, and fled.” He had told them again and again that He was to be taken and slain, but His warnings did not fortify them against the overwhelming terror that seized them at His arrest. The misery of loneliness, betrayal, and abandonment entered the Savior’s soul.

Run for the Hills

Key take-ways

What did Peter See

The Lord submitted to the Fathers will

A member of his group turn on Christ

Weapons

We don't need to Help Christ - just follow His plan