24.197 | Let The Scriptures Be Fulfilled | Mark 14:43-50 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Text: Mark 14:43-50 ESV

43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.”

45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him.

46 And they laid hands on him and seized him.

47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me?

49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.”

50 And they all left him and fled.

Mark 14:43-50 ESV

LET THE SCRIPTURES BE FULFILLED

The chief priests and scribes have already decided they want to arrest Jesus secretly away from the feast. This is to prevent Jesus' many supporters to create a mob (Mark 14:1–2). Thus, they would arrest Jesus during the night time secretly.

Judas arrived at Gethsemane with the guards. He used the traditional greeting of respect, honor, and brotherly love – a kiss. The tired disciples would recognize Judas and think he is returning from buying the supplies for the Feast of Unleavened Bread to be celebrated the next evening (see John 13:27–30). His kiss would guide the captors to identify Jesus. The disciples are completely unsuspicious and unprepared for what is about to happen next.

Satan had entered Judas before he talked to the chief priests about betraying Jesus (see Luke 22:3–4) Judas left the Passover dinner to coordinate the arrest of Jesus (John 13:27). However, Satan doesn't compel Judas to do anything he wasn't willing to do. Satan had deceived him because of his greed. When Judas realizes what his actions have led to, he tries to undo what he has done. It's too late, however, and instead of asking Jesus for forgiveness, Judas kills himself (Mat 27:3–10). As the saying goes, “If you give Satan an inch, he will become your ruler.”

Then they laid hands on Jesus and seized him. Jesus showed no opposition or struggle. Jesus admits that He is the Jesus of Nazareth they are looking for and identifies Himself with such power the guards fall to the ground (see John 18:4–6). Jesus even asked them, "Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me? Every day I was among you, teaching in the temple, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled." He then negotiates for the safe release of the eleven remaining disciples.

But, Peter draws his sword and cut the Roman soldier Malchus ear. He healed and put it back though. Jesus rebuked Peter that Jesus could pray and God would send twelve legions of angels to defend Him. But He would not because this arrest must happen according to the Scriptures (see Mat 26:53–54). In other words, what Peter thought was protecting Christ was preventing Him from obeying God (see Mat 26:52–54; John 18:11).

All these did not happen outside God’s plan. The unjust arrest and the betrayal from a friend. He must be arrested like a meek lamb being led to the slaughter. Jesus appears as a helpless victim to the cruelty of the soldiers before Peter and the disciples’ eyes. But, from heaven’s perspective, Jesus was an obedient Son to the will of His Father according to the Scriptures. Jesus surrendered Himself as a meek lamb under the cruelty of man and as a bold lion courageous to fulfill His Father’s will.

Later on , In His prayer, Jesus said triumphantly,

"…I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father."

--------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram