Jesus Arrested

Mark 14:43-52
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.

It all played out the way that Jesus knew it would. It still came with some shock, as He told them that they did not need to come with swords. He let them know that He was the same person that they just saw in previous days teaching at the temple. Why now?

Judas had betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Now His followers were scared. They ran, some so fast they ran clean out of their clothes. I realize that Jesus knew He would be betrayed, but to have all of His followers leave Him at such a time. That must’ve been devastating.

Jesus’ answer was nonviolence. He knew it was the only way, and it was an incredibly difficult thing for His followers to understand. I read it now, and I have trouble understanding it sometimes. My emotions do that to me sometimes. They blind my sound judgement based on faith. They block my connection to Him.

He is with us though. That battle between faith and sight exists in all of us. Perservere. When you fall…get up. I don’t it every day. Many of us do. Don’t give up 5 minutes before the miracle. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK