The death of Jesus - CCEAThe arrest of Jesus (Matthew 26:47-56)

Judas arrived with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs and sent by the chief priests and the elders. They were to arrest the man Judas kissed. Judas went straight to Jesus and said, “Peace be with you, Teacher,” and kissed him.

Then they arrested Jesus. One of those who were with Jesus drew his sword and struck at the high priest's slave, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in its place” Jesus said to him, “all who take the sword will die by the sword". Jesus said that he could call for help from God, but then how would the prophecies in scripture come true?

Then all the disciples left him and ran away.

Understanding the text

The Jewish leaders needed to arrest Jesus quickly and quietly so as to avoid a riot. This is why they needed an insider, Judas, to give them the right opportunity. Because of his popularity, they could not arrest Jesus openly when he was surrounded by crowds of people.

The chief priests sent an armed crowd to arrest Jesus. They were obviously expecting trouble from the disciples. One of them (identified as Peter in John’s Gospel) drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Jesus reacted by saying “Put your sword back in its place”.

Jesus does not intend to put up any resistance. He makes it clear that he is being arrested because he is allowing it to happen, not because he is powerless to prevent it. Jesus explains why, “This has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Jesus knows it is all part of God’s plan for him to die as it has been foretold by the Old Testament prophets. In attempting to put up resistance, the disciples have not understood this.

Just before he was arrested, Jesus wanted to pray and he asked his disciples to keep watch while he did so. However, they let him down by falling asleep. When Jesus is arrested, the disciples let Jesus down again by trying to fight back, then they all run away.