The arrest of Jesus is a pivotal event in the New Testament, marking the beginning of the Passion of Christ. This event is recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, and John 18:1-12. It takes place after the Last Supper and Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Context and Setting

Following the Passover meal, Jesus and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane, located on the Mount of Olives. Here, Jesus spent time in prayer, expressing deep anguish over the impending suffering He was to endure. He prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). This moment underscores Jesus' submission to the Father's will, despite the foreknowledge of His suffering.

The Betrayal by Judas

Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, played a crucial role in the arrest of Jesus. Having agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16), Judas led a contingent of soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees to the garden. The Gospel of John specifies that they carried lanterns, torches, and weapons (John 18:3).

Judas had arranged a signal to identify Jesus, saying, "The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him" (Matthew 26:48). Approaching Jesus, Judas greeted Him with a kiss, a gesture of betrayal that fulfilled the prophecy found in Psalm 41:9, "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me."

The Arrest

As the soldiers moved to arrest Jesus, He demonstrated His divine authority and willingness to fulfill His mission. When Jesus asked, "Whom are you seeking?" and they replied, "Jesus of Nazareth," He responded, "I am He," causing the soldiers to draw back and fall to the ground (John 18:4-6). This moment highlights Jesus' control over the situation, even as He submitted to arrest.

Peter, in an attempt to defend Jesus, drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus rebuked Peter, saying, "Put your sword back in its place. For all who draw the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). He then healed the servant's ear, demonstrating His commitment to peace and healing even in the face of betrayal and violence (Luke 22:51).

Fulfillment of Scripture

Jesus' arrest was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and His own predictions about His suffering and death. He reminded His disciples, "But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled" (Matthew 26:56). The arrest set in motion the events leading to His crucifixion, a necessary step in God's redemptive plan for humanity.

The Disciples' Response

In the chaos of the arrest, the disciples deserted Jesus and fled, fulfilling His earlier prediction that they would scatter (Matthew 26:31). This abandonment highlights the human frailty and fear that contrasted with Jesus' steadfast obedience to the Father's will.

Significance

The arrest of Jesus is a profound moment that underscores His willing sacrifice and the fulfillment of God's salvific plan. It marks the transition from His earthly ministry to the Passion, where He would ultimately lay down His life for the sins of the world.