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Finding Ourselves at the Scene of Jesus’ Arrest
Mark 14:43-52
Mari Ikeda
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. 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. 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.
A. Finding ourselves at the scene of Jesus’ arrest
1. Judas: shallowness and inability to imagine others’ suffering
2. The crowd: following those in authority out of thoughtless curiosity and a misguided sense of justice
3. The disciples: overlooking injustice as a result of cowardice and self-protection
4. The naked young man: fleeing the scene once he was exposed
B. And yet, Jesus has prepared a dwelling for us (2 Corinthians 5:5-1)
(II Corinthians 5:1-5) 1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Summary
The scene of Jesus’ arrest reflects the reality of our world. We are all shallow like Judas, careless like the crowd, cowardly like the disciple, and when we are exposed for who we truly are, we run away. And yet despite our flaws, Jesus wants us to be vessels of God’s love in this world. As the Holy Spirit renews us from within and guides us, let us become people who love one another and our world.
For Discussion
- What does the scene of Jesus’ arrest look like in our hearts and in our world today?
- What can we do to be changed and to change our world?