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.
Question 1
Have you ever been hurt by someone who said they were your friend?
Question 2
Do you have any idea who the young man who escaped naked was?
It’s one thing when we’re hurt by people who call themselves our enemies, but it’s a much worse thing to be betrayed by one of our closest friends. But that’s exactly what’s happening to Jesus.
Judas, one of the disciples, one of those who knew Jesus best, comes with soldiers in order to arrest him. In case the soldiers don’t know Jesus, and to try to avoid making it too obvious what he was doing, Judas has arranged a way to show them who Jesus was. As some kind of cruel joke, the sign would be a kiss! It’s so arrogant; Judas uses a sign of affection and love in order to betray the Lord who deserved nothing but his love.
As they hold Jesus, the disciples don’t know what to do. We learn elsewhere that it was Peter who cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. No doubt he wanted to prove to Jesus that he wasn’t going to leave him. But that’s what happens. All of them run away and leave their King. Mark mentions another anonymous person who followed Jesus, who had to leave his clothes in order to escape. We can’t be sure, but it’s very possible that Mark’s referring to himself here, but he’s too ashamed to admit it.
As we read this sad passage, it is very easy for us to be critical of the disciples once more. But it’s important that we don’t kid ourselves. If we had been there, would we have behaved differently?
But this is how things had to happen. Listen to Jesus’ words again. He understands and expects what happens. It almost implies that they didn’t need to go to such trouble.
Question 3
Why do you think so many people came with weapons in order to arrest one man?
Question 4
In what ways can we sometimes be ashamed of Jesus? Why don’t we need to feel this way?
Pray
for strength to be ready to die for Jesus, and thank him that he will never betray you.
