Judas led the way. A crowd was following him for a change. Behind Judas was a cohort of Roman soldiers (480 soldiers). In addition to the mighty show of force from Rome, temple guards who protected the chief priests and elders were among them. The multitude was armed with swords and clubs.
Torches illuminated small patches of light in the darkness as Judas led the group across the Kidron Valley. His steps were sure as he led the mob directly toward the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew exactly where Jesus would be. He’d stayed there with Jesus and his fellow disciples many times. But those days were behind him now.
The men who would make the arrest didn’t know Jesus. If others in the crowd knew Jesus, they wouldn’t be able to pick Him out of a group at night. Judas was the only one willing to lead them directly to Jesus. Besides, he’d already been paid to do so. To make sure there was no mistake which one was Jesus, Judas provided them with a signal:
“Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.”
Judas led the group into the garden. Jesus looked at Judas as he approached.
Without hesitation, Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him on the cheek.
“Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? Friend, do what you have come for,” said Jesus.
Suddenly all eleven disciples who had been unable to keep their eyelids open minutes before, were wide awake. Their exhaustion vanished and adrenalin flooded them as they realized what was happening. Their fellow disciple, Judas, had brought with him a group of soldiers with weapons to take Jesus.
Peter grabbed his sword and struck the man nearest him. His sword sliced the ear of Malchus, the servant of the High Priest.
Malchus screamed in pain as blood poured down his clothes.
“Stop! No more of this,” ordered Jesus.
Jesus reached out and touched the ear of Malchus. With a simple touch, the man’s ear was completely healed-no more blood, no more pain. It was a miracle.
“Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? How then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen this way?” said Jesus.
Jesus knew His hour had come. He was ready. Every prophecy would be fulfilled, exactly as God said.
Carla Killough McClafferty