The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus is a pivotal event in the New Testament, marking the beginning of the Passion of Christ. This event is recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, and John 18:1-11. It highlights themes of treachery, fulfillment of prophecy, and the obedience of Jesus to the will of the Father.

Context and Setting

The event takes place after the Last Supper, during which Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper and foretold His betrayal. Following the supper, Jesus and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane, located on the Mount of Olives, for prayer. It is here that Jesus experiences deep anguish, praying earnestly to the Father, yet submitting to His will: "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39).

The Betrayer: Judas Iscariot

Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, plays the central role in the betrayal. Having already conspired with the chief priests to deliver Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16), Judas leads a large crowd armed with swords and clubs to the garden. This crowd includes Roman soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees (John 18:3).

Judas had given them a sign, saying, "The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him" (Matthew 26:48). Approaching Jesus, Judas greets Him with a kiss, a gesture of friendship and respect, yet used here as a signal of betrayal. Jesus responds, "Friend, do what you came for" (Matthew 26:50), highlighting the gravity of Judas's actions.

The Arrest

As the crowd moves to seize Jesus, one of the disciples, identified in John 18:10 as Peter, draws a sword and strikes the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus rebukes Peter, saying, "Put your sword back in its place. For all who draw the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). He then heals the servant's ear, demonstrating His commitment to peace and His divine authority (Luke 22:51).

Jesus addresses the crowd, questioning their approach: "Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me" (Matthew 26:55). This underscores the clandestine nature of the arrest and the fulfillment of Scripture, as Jesus acknowledges, "But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled" (Matthew 26:56).

The Disciples' Response

In the face of danger, the disciples forsake Jesus and flee, fulfilling His earlier prediction: "You will all fall away on account of Me this night" (Matthew 26:31). This abandonment highlights the human frailty and fear that contrasts with Jesus's steadfastness and obedience.

Theological Significance

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus is laden with theological significance. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Psalm 41:9 and Zechariah 11:12-13, which speak of betrayal by a close friend and the price of thirty pieces of silver. It also sets in motion the events leading to the crucifixion, central to the Christian understanding of atonement and redemption.

This event underscores the sovereignty of God, as Jesus willingly submits to the Father's plan for salvation. Despite the treachery and violence surrounding Him, Jesus remains composed and resolute, embodying the role of the Suffering Servant prophesied in Isaiah 53.