Chapter 104
JESUS’ BETRAYAL AND ARREST
Matthew 26:47-56
As it is our custom, before we begin this study let us pray.
Dear Heavenly Father, Almighty God
We come before You in the name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Father God, we ask You to please open our eyes, ears and heart so we can truly see, hear and understand Your Word. Father, as we read about Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, move upon us to understand and hold on to the things Jesus said during this surreal encounter with His betrayer and those who came to arrest Him.
Amen
INTRODUCTION
As we read the Bible about Jesus’ betrayal and arrest we find that the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark and Luke provide very similar accounts of this event. However, as one reads the Gospel according to John we find a lot of additional and valuable information for our consideration. Thus, what follows is an attempt to provide a more integrated account for this portion of Scripture. To do this, portions of “The Narrated Bible” by F. LaGard Smith was used as a guide.
The following integrated account is partitioned into the following three sections:
1. The Betrayal
2. The Arrest
3. Three Major Lessons
With the above in mind we begin with,
THE BETRAYAL
Before we read about the betrayal of Jesus Christ let us first review the following,
BACKGROUND
Prior to Jesus’ last Passover supper with His disciples, Judas Iscariot made an agreement with the chief priests to betray Him. This is recorded in,
Matthew 26:14-16
[14] Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests [15] and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. [16] So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
During the last Passover celebration of Jesus and His disciples and after Jesus washed the feet of His disciples; Jesus identifed that Judas would betray Him. To read about this announcement we go to,
John 13:21-30
[21] When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” [22] Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke. [23] Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. [24] Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. [25] Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” [26] Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. [27] Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” [28] But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. [29] For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. [30] Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night.
With this background in mind, let us now read about the activities and conversations that occurred during,
THE ACTUAL BETRAYAL
After Jesus finished praying in the Garden of Gethsemane He began talking with His disciples. It was at this time when Judas came and betrayed Him. To read what occurred we go to,
Matthew 26:47-50a
[47] And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. [48] Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” [49] Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. [50a] But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?”
Let us notice the following verses,
47 … To arrest Jesus, it was the chief priests and elders of the Jewish faith who sent a great multitude to accompany Judas.
48 … To identify Jesus, Judas said he would kiss Him.
49 … As soon as Judas spotted Jesus; Judas singled Him out as the one who the chief priests and elders wanted to be put to death.
50a … Even though Jesus knew what was to happen, let us notice that Jesus replied to Judas as a friend.
It is noteworthy to consider that Jesus did not express hatred towards Judas. We find a similar compassionate emotion from Jesus as He was dying on the cross. To read what He said we go to,
Luke 23:34a
[34a] Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
In other words, it is extremely important for us to never forget that Jesus came to save us from our sins, not to condemn us (John 3:17-17). Unfortunately, Judas did not accept or believe this.
With this in mind let us now continue reading Jesus conversation with Judas by going to,
Luke 22:48
[48] But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
After Judas singled out Jesus with a kiss, Jesus then went to the detachment of troops. To read what transpired between Jesus, and the detachment of troops, we go to,
John 18:4-6
[4] Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” [5] They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. [6] Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
Let us notice the following verse,
6 … After reading this verse, the truth of the following Scripture may come to mind,
Romans 14:11a
[11a] For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me,”
In this case it was all those who came to arrest and ultimately put Jesus to death who, in homage, fell to the ground.
Let us return to the 18th Chapter of John and read from,
John 18:7-9
[7] Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” [8] Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” [9] that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”
Let us notice the following verse,
9 … This verse provides a brief summary of Jesus’ prayer to God the Father. Not only does it pertains to His original apostles, minus Judas; but also applies to all of His disciples.
To expand upon this let us first read,
JESUS’ PRAYER FOR HIS APOSTLES
The excerpt of interest is recorded in,
John 17:6-12
[6] “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. [7] Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. [8] For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. [9] “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. [10] And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. [11] Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. [12] While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
Let us notice the following verses,
6-11 … This portion of Jesus’ prayer was for the eternal salvation of His apostles and refers to the original apostles, minus Judas Iscariot.
12c … According to Webster’s New World the definition perdition means: (1) complete and irreparable loss or ruin. (2) (a) the loss of the soul; damnation. (b) same as hell.
Let us now move on and read,
JESUS’ PRAYER FOR ALL OF HIS DISCIPLES
To read this prayer for those who God the Father gave and will give to Jesus Christ, we continue reading from the Gospel of John and go to,
John 17:20-26
[20] “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; [21] that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. [22] And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: [23] I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. [24] “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. [25] O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. [26] And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
SUMMARY
To summarize this portion of our study, we go to,
John 6:39-40
[39] This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. [40] And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Let us now return to the 26th Chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew and read from,
Matthew 26:50b
[50b] Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.
This now brings us to,
THE ARREST
To read about the activities and conversations during Jesus’ arrest, we return to the Garden of Gethsemane and read about,
THE ACTION OF PETER AND JESUS’ RESPONSE
To do this we begin by reading from,
John 18:10-11
[10] Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. [11] So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
Let us notice the following verse,
11 … Jesus told Peter that what was happening and will happen to Him was God the Father’s will for Him. Specifically, it was God the Father’s will for Jesus to go to the cross so we, you and me, could be saved from our sins and transgressions.
In other words, if Jesus did not drink from the cup which God the Father had given Him there would be no atonement or amends made for the forgiveness of our sins. In addition, we would not have been redeemed from the power of sin.
To refresh our memory of this truth let us read from,
Colossians 1:9-14
[9] For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; [10] that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; [12] giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. [13] He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, [14] in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
With this in mind let us now continue to read the interaction Jesus had with Peter by reading from,
Luke 22:51
[51] But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him.
After Jesus healed the ear of Malchus and told Peter to permit what was happening, He gave Peter and now us,
THREE MAJOR LESSONS
The first major lesson is recorded in,
Matthew 26:52
[52] But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
In reflecting upon the above passage and its implication we come to the realization that Jesus is teaching us that,
WE ARE TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER
To see this let us read from,
John 15:12
[12] This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
To expand upon this let us read Jesus’ instruction about our retaliation to those who have poorly treated us. To read what He said, we go to His sermon on the mountain and read from,
Luke 6:27-38
[27] “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. [29] To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. [30] Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. [31] And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. [32] “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. [33] And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. [35] But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. [36] Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. [37] “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. [38] Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
The second major lesson Jesus gave to Peter and now us is recorded in,
Matthew 26:53
[53] Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?
In other words,
JESUS COULD HAVE CALLED OFF HIS ARREST AND CRUCIFIXATION AT ANY TIME
In this lesson there are at least the following two points to remember.
First,
Jesus Christ loves us more than we can imagine
For example, let us read what Jesus once said as recorded in,
John 15:13
[13] Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
Secondly,
Jesus does not need our help, with violence or with weapons of war, to protect His name or His church
To see this we must never forget that the entire universe was created through Him and for Him. To remind us of this wonderful truth let us read from,
Colossians 1:15-18
[15] He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. [17] And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. [18] And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
However,
We do need Jesus’ help
More specifically, Jesus teaches us that without Him we cannot do anything of eternal value. To see this let us read the excerpt from Jesus parable of the vine. The passage of interest for this study is,
John 15:4-5
[4] Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. [5] “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
The third lesson Jesus gave to Peter and now us is recorded in,
Matthew 26:54
[54] How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”
In other words,
All that happened and was going happen to Jesus was foretold in the Holy Scriptures … The Bible
To see this let us read the following message Jesus gave to the eleven apostles who, after His death and resurrection, were gathered together in Jerusalem. To read what He said we go to,
Luke 24:44-48
[44] Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” [45] And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. [46] Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, [47] and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48And you are witnesses of these things.
THE CLOSING
Let us now close this study by reading from,
Matthew 26:55-56
[55] In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. [56] But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.
Shall We Pray?