Yesterday, we began our 14-day meditation on the scriptural stations of the cross with Jesus praying in the Garden. Today we continue with Station 2: Jesus, betrayed by Judas, is arrested:

While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Matthew 26.47 – 54, NIV)

So much to see:

• Jesus is calm.
• Jesus addresses Judas as “friend.”
• Peter draws a sword and cuts off a guy’s ear. (John is the only gospel writer naming Peter and the servant – see John 18.10.)
• Jesus explains that he could make all this go away, but he won’t.

We don’t know what motivated Judas. Was it just for the money? John had observed that Judas, as group treasurer, was a thief (see John 12.4 – 6). Or was he disillusioned with Jesus’ apparent non-violent mission? Or did he think he could force Jesus to take violent action? We don’t know except that when the betrayal resulted in Jesus’ death, Judas killed himself (Matthew 27.3 – 5).

And so it begins. Jesus prays in advance, and he is calm when it starts.

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.” (Matthew 26.20 – 25, ESV)

Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me. (Psalm 41.9, NIV)