Jesus’ Arrest

Thursday, April 14, 2022

With Swords and Clubs

47-49 The words were barely out of his mouth when Judas (the one from the Twelve) showed up, and with him, a gang from the high priests and religious leaders brandishing swords and clubs. The betrayer had worked out a sign with them: “The one I kiss, that’s the one—seize him.” He went straight to Jesus, greeted him, “How are you, Rabbi?” and kissed him.

50-51 Jesus said, “Friend, why this charade?”

Then they came on him—grabbed him and roughed him up. One of those with Jesus pulled his sword and, taking a swing at the Chief Priest’s servant, cut off his ear.

52-54 Jesus said, “Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. Don’t you realize that I am able right now to call to my Father, and twelve companies—more, if I want them—of fighting angels would be here, battle-ready? But if I did that, how would the Scriptures come true that say this is the way it has to be?”

-Matthew 26:47-54 The Message

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

Verse 47: While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.

Verse 48: Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.”

Verse 48 study: Judas kissed Jesus to ensure everybody saw who he kissed. Judas told the crowd to arrest him, but the arrest was not made under Roman law but was arrested by religious leaders. Judas pointed out Jesus because Judas agreed to be the formal accuser if a trial happened. Judas didn’t point Jesus out because of recognition; however, Judas led the group to one of Jesus’ retreats where no onlookers would interfere with the arrest.

Verse 49: And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him.

Verse 50: Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.

Verse 51: And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

Verse 52: Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.

Verse 53: Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?

Verses 51-53 studies: Peter is the man responsible for cutting off the enslaved person’s ear. Peter was trying to prevent what he saw as defeat. He didn’t realize that Jesus had to die to gain victory. But Jesus displayed his perfect commitment to his Father’s will. His kingdom would not be advanced with swords but with faith and obedience.

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant[a] and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)

-John 18:10 ESV

Verse 54: But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”