Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested, Heals Malchus’ Ear

Matthew 26:47-56

Mark 14:43-52

Luke 22:47-53

John 18:2-11

Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested

Jesus Heals Malchus’ Ear

Texts:

Matthew 26:47-56,

47. And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. 49. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. 50. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. 51. And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest, and smote off his ear. 52. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54. But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? 55. In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. 56. But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

Mark 14:43-52,

43. And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44. And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. 46. And they laid their hands on him, and took him. 47. And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 48. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? 49. I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled. 50. And they all forsook him, and fled: 51. And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: 52. And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

Luke 22:47-53,

47. And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. 48. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? 49. When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? 50. And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye them thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. 52. Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? 53. When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

John 18:2-11,

2. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. 3. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5. They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. 6. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. 7. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: 9. That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. 10. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Introduction:

I. A tremendous difference is seen in Jesus’ demeanor here as contrasted with his attitude, outlook in Gethsemane before the angel came and strengthened him.

Commentary:

I. While he, just as he was still speaking...

II. Judas, one of the twelve, arrived, appeared leading, guiding a crowd, a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees, set on arresting Jesus

A. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

B. Psalm 3:1, Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me.

C. Does a farmer need the United States Marines to “capture a sheep?”

D. Judas knew the place where Jesus was because he had often been there before with Jesus and the other disciples.

E. If Jesus had wanted to hide, he could have done so elsewhere. He was in the place where Judas would have most likely thought to find Jesus.

F. The arresting party included a detachment of temple guards and certain Roman soldiers sent by Pilate.

III. With Judas was a large crowd (cohort) armed with swords and clubs. A cohort is a contingent of several hundred men.

A. Jesus’ enemies at first had planned to secretly assassinate Jesus.

1. When Judas agreed to betray Jesus their plans changed.

2. Jesus’ enemies now came upon him with tremendous force, totally unnecessary force.

3. The arrest, trial and crucifixion were done publicly. Acts 26:26, For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

B. Jesus knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

C. The armed crowd also carried torches and lanterns prepared to search for Jesus had he been trying to hide or evade arrest.

1. The moon was full because it was Passover.

D. “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

1. Jesus focused on his arrest allowing the apostles to remain free.

2. Acts 22:8, And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

E. “I am he,” Jesus said.

1. “He” is not in the original Greek.

2. Jesus said, “I am.”

a. Exodus 3:14, And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

b. John 8:58, Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

F. Judas the traitor was standing there with them.

1. John does not mention Judas’ kiss, but John labels him as the betrayer and here places Judas with Jesus’ enemies.

2. Years later when John wrote this gospel, he could still see Judas standing there among Jesus’ enemies in the light of the lanterns and torches

G. When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.”

1. The armed band was so shocked that Jesus would present himself to them in this manner.

2. John 17:12, While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

3. Was this a miraculous event?

H. Again Jesus asked them, “Who is it you want?”

I. They answered again, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

J. Jesus replied, “I told you that I am he.”

K. Jesus further said, “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”

1. The soldiers readily agreed to let the apostles go.

2. The wonder of the soldiers falling back produced this result.

L. This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled.

M. I have not lost one of those you gave me”

1. John 6:39, And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

2. John 17:12, While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

IV. This armed crowd was sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders of the people and was in addition to the cohort of Roman soldiers.

A. This armed band was evidently a part of the temple guard, police.

V. Judas the betrayer had prearranged a sign, token, signal with the armed crowds.

A. How dastardly!... betray the Lord with a kiss. Talking about hypocrisy!

B. Christ made no attempt to hide his identity. There was no need for such a personal insult. The very idea. Betraying Jesus with a kiss!

VI. “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.”

A. What impudent audacity!

VII. Judas approached Jesus, went at once, directly to Jesus and said,

VIII. “Greetings, Hail, Rabbi!”

A. Where was Judas’ conscience? Judas did not hesitate. He straightway did what he had come to do.

B. Judas superficially would have appeared to be simply rejoining the apostles and to have no connection with the mob.

C. As Judas approached, Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Messiah, the Son of man with a kiss?”

1. Jesus let Judas know he was fully aware of what he was doing.

D. Jesus then said, “Friend, do what you came for.”

1. “Friend” here is synonymous with “companion.”

2. Matthew 20:13, But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

3. Matthew 22:12, And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

E. Judas was set on the road to destruction.

1. Jesus told him to “get on with it,” not to prolong the agony.

2. John 8:34, Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

IX.... and kissed him (Jesus).

A. The margin of the Revised Version reads, “kissed him much.”

B. Today “excuses” are made for criminals.

1. They were abused as children.

2. They grew up in poverty.

C. What did Jesus do to cause Judas to betray him? ... or did this sinner choose the role of betrayer “all by himself?” ... with the devil’s encouragement, of course.

D. Observe:

1. Al Capone, gangster, and Al Smith, Governor and Presidential candidate, both came from the slums, the wrong side of the tracks.

2. Judas and John both came from the same apostleship.

X. Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.

A. Why did they not arrest all of the apostles as well as Jesus?

XI. When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said,

A. The apostles were perplexed, bewildered and did not know what to do.

B. “Lord, should we strike with our swords?”

1. The sword here was an instrument of defense.

2. It was to be used against criminals, but not against lawful authority.

3. Jesus submitted to established government even, as here, when it was evil.

XII. When that happened, one of Jesus’ companions (Peter), one of those standing near reached for his sword, drew it out.

A. Peter was making good on his statement that he was ready to die for, with the Lord.

XIII.... and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

A. The servant’s name was Malchus.

1. Did Malchus dodge the sword?

2. Was Peter trying to “split his head open?” Surely Peter wasn’t aiming for Malchus’ right ear only.

3. Was Peter really after the high priest who was known to be behind all this.

B. Jesus answered, “No more of this! Suffer ye them thus far.”

1. Geldenhous, “Let events take their course, even to my arrest.”

C. Jesus miraculously touched the man’s ear and healed him.

1. Jesus was benevolent to his enemies even in the shadow of the cross.

2. If the incident had stood, Peter could have been arrested for assault or even worse and his arrest and trial would have complicated the undistracted sacrifice of the Lord.

3. Wonder what Malchus thought about all this years later as he called it to memory.

4. The healing of Malchus’ ear may have made the apostles’ arrest less likely.

XIV. Jesus said to him,

A. “Put your sword away, back in its place, sheath.”

1. Peter was brave, brash, impetuous, wrong.

2. However, we cannot but admire Peter. He would have fought right there to the death for Jesus.

B. “...all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”

C. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

1. Matthew 26:39, And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.

XV. Jesus further told Peter,

A. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”

1. A legion consisted of 3,000 soldiers.

2. Jesus here spoke of more than 36,000 angels.

3. Matthew 1:20, But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

XVI. “But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

A. Jesus was always intent on doing God’s will, fulfilling scriptures.

1. John 10:35, Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

2. Matthew 18:7, Woe unto the world because of offences! For it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

XVII. Jesus then addressed the crowd, the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard and the elders who had come for him:

XVIII. “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?”

A. The large crowd of armed men may have indicated how much the Jewish leaders feared Jesus, knew of his wondrous miracles and did not know what to expect.

B. Jesus told his enemies, “Are you come out, as against a robber, with swords and sticks?”

XIX. “Every day I sat, was with you in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me, lay a hand on me.”

A. “This is your hour – when darkness reigns.”

1. Darkness physically as Jesus was arrested at night.

2. Darkness spiritually as this crucifixion of the Christ was the ultimate wicked act of all the ages.

XX. “This has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”

A. The enemies of Jesus did not intend or know they were fulfilling scriptures by their evil deeds.

B. Zechariah 13:7, Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

C. The Scriptures must be fulfilled.

XXI. Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

A. Evidently all included John who shortly after this was close to Jesus during his trial and, in fact, was instrumental in admitting Peter to the court of the high priest.

B. They impulsively acted on the conditions as they then saw them.

C. The apostles may well have been slated for arrest also.

D. Humanly speaking the apostles had every reason to fear for their safety and freedom.

XXII. A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus.

A. Mark is the only writer to record this event. The young man may have been John Mark himself.

B. Evidently, as soon as Jesus was in custody, the armed guards, soldiers attempted to arrest the disciples also.

C. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garments behind.

D. This was certainly an attempted arrest of a disciple.

Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested, Heals Malchus’ Ear

Questions

1. ______, one of the ______, ______leading a ______, a ______of ______and some ______from the ______and ______, set on ______.

2. What happened when Jesus asked these who had come to arrest him, “Who is it you want?” ______

3. ______approached ______and said, “______,______,______!”... and ______him.

4. What excuse did Judas have for betraying Jesus? Did Jesus “do him wrong?” Did he grow up “poor?” Was he “abused” as a child? ______

5. When Peter drew his sword and cut off Malchus’ ear was he then totally prepared to die with Jesus? ______

6. Was Peter aiming for Malchus’ ear? ______

7. What factors led to Peter’s denial of Jesus? ______

8. Why did Jesus’ enemies come out against Jesus with swords and clubs to capture him? ______

9. What was the significance of the young man’s fleeing naked? Who was this young man? ______

10. All this was done that the ______of the ______might be ______. What does Zechariah 13:7 say? ______Finished exam can be mailed or dropped off at: Mason Street Church of Christ 2600 N. Mason Street Appleton, WI 54914 920-734-0785