Judas’ Arrival to Betray Jesus
January 1, 2020
Commentary
As Jesus was speaking, Judas arrived (v. 43). Notice here, as well as in verse 10 and 20 the phrase “one of the twelve.” Here the traitors’ act is being carried out. John’s gospel tells us that Satan put it into the heart of Judas to betray Jesus (John 13:12). It was a custom to greet a Rabbi with a kiss. This was to show respect and affection for a well loved teacher. Here it is a dreadful thing, however because the word Judas used when he said “whom I shall kiss, that is he” he used the word for respect (vv. 44-45). When it is said he came forward and kissed Jesus the word was that of a lover’s kiss. This hypocrisy may have tried to show the idea to Jesus that Judas’ heart was hurting because of what is to happen to him. In Judas’ address of “master” there lies a hint as to how his mind must have been working and that he had really trying to deceive Jesus up to now.
According to (John 18:4-9) Jesus delivers himself into the hands of his captors which shows that the betrayal and signal of Judas had no worth. This arresting mob came from the chief priests, the scribes and the elders. Even under Roman jurisdiction the Sanhedrin had certain police rights and duties in Jerusalem and had its own police force. Mark manages to convey the whipped-up excitement of those who came to make the arrest (vv. 46-47). Jesus points Himself out to them and here the mob had come armed with short swords and clubs as if for a battle. Jesus just stepped forward and said “take me” (vv. 48-49). “What the Scriptures say must come true.” At this point all of the disciples ran off and left him (v. 50). One young man even left his linen cloth and ran away naked (vv. 51-52).
Application
Where do I stand? When the name of Jesus Christ is up for grabs, where do I stand? When the battle for morality and decency is on, am I ready to speak up for Him? If I don’t stand for Him, in essence I will become a traitor.
Mark 14:43– 52 (NET)
43 Right away, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. With him came a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and experts in the law and elders. 44 (Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him and lead him away under guard.”) 45 When Judas arrived, he went up to Jesus immediately and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 Then they took hold of him and arrested him. 47 One of the bystanders drew his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his ear. 48 Jesus said to them, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me like you would an outlaw? 49 Day after day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, yet you did not arrest me. But this has happened so that the scriptures would be fulfilled.” 50 Then all the disciples left him and fled. 51 A young man was following him, wearing only a linen cloth. They tried to arrest him, 52 but he ran off naked, leaving his linen cloth behind.