Jesus knew that the time had come for him to be taken away.
43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.
Mark 14:43
Note how the crowds had laid down their palm branches and picked up swords and clubs instead. Under the influence of religious leaders, their hearts had turned against Jesus.
Judas made his move.
44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.
Mark 14:44-50
At the end of this chaotic scene, we are left with the image of a naked young man, fleeing the garden and leaving his clothes behind (Mark 14:51-52). Although not named, many scholars suggest that the young man is Mark himself, the author of this gospel, who had dressed hurriedly to follow Jesus and the disciples. Along with the others, the young man ran away leaving Jesus alone.
The religious leaders took Jesus away to be questioned in front of the Sanhedrin but the decision to kill him was already in place. After securing the false testimony of a number of witnesses, Jesus was condemned under the charge of blasphemy. Rather than fleeing the scene, Peter looked on from a distance. Perhaps Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s denial played through his mind. Determined to stay close to Jesus, Peter witnessed Jesus declare that he was the Messiah.
Again the high priest asked him,
“Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 14:61-62
With these words, Jesus was condemned to death. He was spat on and with his eyes covered was unable to brace himself and determine where the next fist would land. The guards then took him away and the beatings continued.
Peter watched from afar until a servant girl spotted him.
“You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.
68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.
69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.”
70 Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”
71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Mark 14: 67-72
At that moment, Peter knew that everything Jesus had predicted had come to pass.
Something to think about…
When, if ever, have you felt that your failures made it impossible for you to serve Christ again?
How did you overcome these feelings?
Questions are taken from the Serendipity Bible.
For today’s reading you will need to start the clip at 5 minutes 24 seconds and watch to the end.
Kay Moorby
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