The Event of the Arrest refers to the apprehension of Jesus Christ by the authorities, a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative that leads to His crucifixion. This event is recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, and John 18:1-11. It takes place in the Garden of Gethsemane, located on the Mount of Olives, shortly after Jesus' agonizing prayer and His disciples' struggle to stay awake.

Context and Setting

The arrest occurs after the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper and predicts His betrayal by one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot. Following the supper, Jesus and His disciples go to Gethsemane, where He prays fervently, expressing His sorrow and seeking strength from the Father. The setting is significant as it highlights Jesus' submission to the Father's will, even in the face of impending suffering.

The Betrayal by Judas

Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, plays a central role in the arrest. Having agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16), Judas leads a contingent of soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees to Jesus. The Gospel of John specifies that they come with lanterns, torches, and weapons (John 18:3). Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss, a prearranged signal, as recorded in Matthew 26:48-49: "Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: 'The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.' Going directly to Jesus, he said, 'Greetings, Rabbi,' and kissed Him."

The Response of Jesus

Jesus' response to the arrest is marked by calmness and authority. In John 18:4-8, Jesus steps forward and asks, "Whom are you seeking?" When they reply, "Jesus of Nazareth," He declares, "I am He," causing the arresting party to draw back and fall to the ground. This moment underscores His divine authority and the voluntary nature of His submission to arrest.

The Reaction of the Disciples

The disciples' reaction is one of confusion and fear. In an attempt to defend Jesus, Peter draws a sword and strikes the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear (John 18:10). Jesus rebukes Peter, saying, "Put your sword back in its sheath! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?" (John 18:11). He then heals the servant's ear, demonstrating His commitment to peace and His acceptance of the Father's plan.

Fulfillment of Scripture

The arrest fulfills several Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' own predictions about His betrayal and suffering. In Matthew 26:54-56, Jesus states, "But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?" This event is seen as a fulfillment of prophecies such as Isaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant, and Zechariah 11:12-13, which alludes to the betrayal for thirty pieces of silver.

Significance

The Event of the Arrest is significant for several reasons. It marks the beginning of the final phase of Jesus' earthly ministry, leading to His trial, crucifixion, and ultimately His resurrection. It highlights the themes of betrayal, the fulfillment of divine prophecy, and the contrast between human weakness and divine purpose. Jesus' willingness to be arrested and His command to His disciples to refrain from violence emphasize His role as the sacrificial Lamb, willingly laying down His life for the salvation of humanity.