Arrest: Day 17 of Lent
41 He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.” 43 Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 Then they laid hands on him and arrested him.
Mark 14:41-46
ARREST. John’s account of the arrest of Jesus differs from the other three -and clearly reflects the picture of Jesus that he wants to present. He insists that Jesus is always in control of the situation. According to this Gospel, Judas brings the soldiers to the garden but he does not kiss Jesus to identify him; Jesus hands himself over and asks that his disciples may go free.
Also in Matthew 26:45-50 and Luke 22:47-48.
Response:
The phrase “when he was handed over” be
You ought to know, Lord, that’s typical of police raids:
secrecy, speed, surprise, and sudden assault.
and the place surrounded so no one can escape when the prey are wakened, drowsy, puzzled, and off-guard.
And there was Judas, so excited, his schemes fulfilled:
Now, Lord, you have no choice:
you are surrounded. Now, Lord, you have to act. Call for the angels! Bring in the Kingdom! Now, Lord!”
striding to greet you with a kiss.
But you, my Lord, are in control, not they:
handing yourself over, laying down your life
“Let these men go was not what they expected,
not Judas, nor the soldiers, nor your friends.
Lord, you laid down your life that we might go free.
Deliver me from the dangers I am in;
set me free to be what I am meant to be; set me free to love;
and, as you gave yourself for me, help me give myself to you.
Response:
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