Arrest in Gethsemane

The arrest of Jesus marks a pivotal moment in the New Testament narrative, occurring shortly after the Last Supper. Following the meal, Jesus and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane, located on the Mount of Olives, for prayer. It was here that Jesus experienced profound anguish, praying to the Father, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). This moment underscores Jesus' submission to the Father's will, even in the face of impending suffering.

Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, had conspired with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). Judas led a contingent of soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees to Gethsemane, where he identified Jesus with a kiss, saying, "Greetings, Rabbi!" (Matthew 26:49). This act of betrayal fulfilled the prophecy found in Psalm 41:9, "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me."

As the soldiers moved to arrest Jesus, Simon Peter, one of His disciples, drew a sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus rebuked Peter, saying, "Put your sword back in its place. For all who draw the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). Jesus then healed the servant's ear, demonstrating His commitment to peace and His divine authority.

Trial Before the Sanhedrin

Following His arrest, Jesus was taken to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and elders had assembled. The trial before the Sanhedrin was marked by false testimony and a predetermined intent to condemn Jesus. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin sought false evidence against Jesus so they could put Him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward (Matthew 26:59-60).

Finally, two witnesses accused Jesus of claiming, "I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days" (Matthew 26:61). In response to the high priest's demand for an answer, Jesus remained silent, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth."

When directly asked if He was the Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus affirmed, "You have said it yourself. But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Matthew 26:64). This declaration led the high priest to accuse Jesus of blasphemy, and the council condemned Him to death.

Trial Before Pilate

The Jewish leaders, lacking the authority to execute Jesus, brought Him to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate questioned Jesus, asking, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "You have said so" (Matthew 27:11). Despite Pilate's attempts to release Jesus, recognizing that it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Him over, the crowd, incited by the leaders, demanded His crucifixion.

Pilate's wife sent him a message, warning him to have nothing to do with "that innocent man" because she had suffered in a dream because of Him (Matthew 27:19). Nevertheless, Pilate, seeking to appease the crowd, offered to release either Jesus or Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. The crowd chose Barabbas, shouting, "Crucify Him!" regarding Jesus (Matthew 27:22-23).

In a symbolic act of washing his hands, Pilate declared himself innocent of Jesus' blood, yet he ultimately conceded to the crowd's demands. Jesus was then scourged and handed over to be crucified, fulfilling the divine plan of redemption foretold by the prophets.