The betrayal and arrest of Jesus Christ 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 takes place shortly after the Last Supper and Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The Setting: Garden of Gethsemane

After celebrating the Passover meal with His disciples, Jesus leads them to the Garden of Gethsemane, located on the Mount of Olives. Here, He spends time in deep prayer, expressing His anguish over the impending suffering and seeking strength from the Father. Jesus instructs His disciples to stay awake and pray, but they fall asleep, highlighting their human frailty.

The Betrayal by Judas Iscariot

Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, had already conspired with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). He arrives at the garden, leading a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. Judas had given them a prearranged signal: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him" (Matthew 26:48). Approaching Jesus, Judas greets Him with a kiss, a gesture of friendship that becomes the act of betrayal.

The Arrest

Upon Judas's signal, the crowd moves to seize Jesus. In a moment of impulsive defense, Peter draws his sword and strikes the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus immediately 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 even in the face of betrayal.

Jesus addresses the crowd, questioning their need to come with weapons as if He were a criminal. He reminds them that He had been teaching daily in the temple courts, yet they did not arrest Him there. This fulfills the Scriptures, as Jesus willingly submits to the Father's plan for salvation.

The Disciples' Desertion

As Jesus is arrested, the disciples, overwhelmed by fear and confusion, abandon Him and flee. This fulfills Jesus' earlier prediction that His followers would scatter, as prophesied in Zechariah 13:7: "Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered."

Significance

The betrayal and arrest of Jesus highlight the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' willingness to be arrested without resistance underscores His obedience to the Father's will and His role as the sacrificial Lamb. This event sets in motion the trials, crucifixion, and ultimately, the resurrection of Jesus, central to the Christian faith.