Then Everyone Fled
A. They captured Jesus as though they were capturing a rebel
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.
1) The rage that comes from having one's sin pointed out
2) The crowds drift in either direction
B. The disciples deserted Jesus and fled
1) Their desire to follow did not win over despair and fear
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.
2) The preparation for a reunion had begun
51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him,
52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind him.
Summary
As the events that Jesus predicted began to take place, the disciples became despondent--Jesus was not the revolutionary or hero that they hoped for. Everything happened according to Old Testament prophecy. Jesus was captured by many different kinds of people. It was the weakness and evil in people's hearts that crucified him. Jesus' sacrifice was a demonstration of God's love for us.
For Discussion
1) Who were the people that captured Jesus?
2) What do you think the disciples were feeling as they fled?