Conclusion of Betrayal And Arrest

As the soldiers regain their composure, stand up, and start to bind Jesus, the apostles recognize what is about to happen. "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" They ask. Before Jesus replies, Peter, wielding one of the two swords the apostles have brought, attacks Malchus, a slave of the high priest. Peter's blow misses the slave's head but cuts off the right ear. "Let it go as far as this," Jesus says as he intervenes. Touching the ear of Malchus, he heals the wound. Then he teaches an important lesson, commanding Peter: "Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father to supply me at this moment more than twelve legions of angels?"

Jesus is willing to be arrested, for he explains: "How would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must take place this way?" And he adds: "The cup that the Father has given me, should I not by all means drink it?" He is in complete agreement with God's will for him!

Then Jesus addresses the crowd. "Have you come out with swords and clubs as against a robber to arrest me?" He asks. "Day after day I used to sit in the temple teaching, and yet you did not take me into custody. But all this has taken place for the Scriptures of the prophets to be fulfilled."

At that the soldier band and the military commander and the officers of the Jews seize Jesus and bind him. On seeing this, the apostles abandon Jesus and flee. However, a young man-perhaps it is the disciple Mark-remains among the crowd. He may have been at the hoe where Jesus celebrated the Passover and afterward followed the crowd from there. Now, however, he is recognized, and an attempt is made to seize him. But he leaves behind his linen garment and gets away. Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 17:12; 18:3-12.

Next time: Taken To Annas, Then To Caiaphas

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991