Knowing The Word in Luke 22:47-53, Betrayal and the Arrest of Jesus

Luke’s account of Jesus’ arrest is shorter than those of the other gospel writers. It is likely Jesus saw the arresting party coming out of the city wall and around the Kidron Valley toward the Garden of Gethsemane for several minutes. The coming crowd is composed of officers from the Sanhedrin (Matthew and Mark) and Roman soldiers (John). Judas, who has conspired with the Sanhedrin, is clearly the leader. He identifies Jesus with a kiss. A kiss, as in the United States, is not a usual form of greeting between men. It was, however, a convenient way for Judas to show the soldiers who they were to arrest while not using words that might lead others, who knew Judas well, to defend Jesus. Led by Peter (John), who cut off someone’s ear, the disciples tried armed resistance. He addresses his disciples, saying he will have none of this violent protection. Jesus undoes the damage and demonstrates his desire for peace and for the process of moving toward the cross to continue. The healing is additionally important in light of Jesus’ conversation with Pilate in John 18:36 when he says his kingdom is not of this world. He supported this with the fact his followers were not fighting for him, and Peter’s rash action could have undone this. The presence of the chief priests and elders indicates the seriousness with which they took his arrest. Jesus has shown absolutely no violent tendencies, and yet they come after him as a terrorist. When Jesus says, “Your hour,” in regard to the Jewish leaders, he implicates these men as minions of Satan and his dark powers. It points to the fact that behind the crucifixion of Jesus is not only Satan but the political and spiritual forces of Jerusalem who have turned to his dark and evil ways.

Luke 22:47-53

47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

Prayer

Before the beginning thou hast foreknown the end,

Before the birthday the death-bed was seen of thee:

Cleanse what I cannot cleanse, mend what I cannot mend,

O Lord all-merciful, be merciful to me.

While the end is drawing near I know not mine end;

Birth I recall not, my death I cannot foresee:

O God, wise to defend, wise to befriend,

O Lord all-merciful, be merciful to me.

Christina Rossetti, 1830-1894