Betrayal, Bravery, And Bravado Series

37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Why were they sleeping? It was late, they had perhaps had a little too much wine, or maybe they were just exhausted from the stress and worry of this week - we don’t know. But Jesus knew that although in their hearts they wanted to be there for Jesus, their bodies were too weak - Jesus would face this trial totally alone.

39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.

Apparently Jesus woke them up again - but even as we don’t have a good response for not following the Lord’s direction - they were speechless.

41 Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

Jesus wasn’t thinking about running, but wanted to confront his accuser and betrayer - Judas, head on.

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.

The "crowd" was made up of temple guards and a small contingent of Roman soldiers who came to make sure everything stayed under control.

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.

John reveals to us that it was Peter who cut off the ear of Malchus, a servant. Jesus then immediately healed the servant and told Peter to put away the sword.

Judas betrays Jesus with a sign of affection and respect - how horrible.

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."

Jesus recoiled, not at being arrested, but the manner of the arrest. He points out that there was no need for a show of worldly force - as if that could intimidate Jesus anyway. Jesus is giving Himself voluntarily for arrest. But the Lord doesn’t want those who were behind the evil act to get away unscathed - they come in the darkness on a deed of darkness through dark motives. There were many prophecies that needed to be fulfilled - the mock trial, the torture at the hands of the Romans, etc.

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.