Arresting the Judge

47While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

50Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”^d

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

52“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

55In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. (Matthew 26:47-56)

Thoughts: it is always embarrassing to be arrested publicly.  These were embarrassed to arrest Jesus publicly so they arrested Him at night.  The disciples were not just embarrassed, they were afraid and all deserted Him and fled.  Jesus, the Prince of Love, was betrayed by a kiss from a friend.  It was fake love and real betrayal. 
     Mark tells us that the one who cut off the servant's ear was Peter.  Peter had vowed to never desert Jesus and so he was trying to stick to his side of the deal.  Yet it is not for war or fighting that Jesus came.  Jesus had more power than those who arrested Him, yet He almost allowed them to take Him to fulfill God's will. 

Prayer: Lord keep me from running away from you when things get tough.