Section 124, The betrayal and arrest

Section 124 
JESUS BETRAYED, ARRESTED, AND FORSAKEN
(Gethsemane. Friday, several hours before dawn)
MATT. 26:47-56
MARK 14:43-52
LUKE 22:47-53
JOHN 18:2-11

My summary:  As Jesus is talking, a group arrives. Judas comes up and kisses Jesus.  A nameless disciple pulls out his sword and cuts the ear of one of the group.  Jesus instructs this person, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword."  He is determined to fulfill his mission on earth.  By the end of the scene, the disciples flee.

Fourfold Gospel has this to say about Peter's use of the sword: "By the healing of Malchus' ear and the words spoken to Peter, Jesus shows that the sword is not to be used either to defend the truth or to advance his kingdom.While we know better than to rely upon the aid of the sword for the advance of truth, we are often tempted to put undue trust in other "carnal weapons" which are equally futile. Wealth and eloquence and elaborate church buildings have but little saving grace in them. It is the truth which wins."

Vincent's Word Studies pinpoints the nuances of the word used for Judas' kiss, "The compound verb has the force of an emphatic, ostentatious salute. Meyer says embraced and kissed."

It's a small detail but gives good insight into the potential personality and character of Judas; he had no trouble affecting love amid great betrayal. He was comfortable with the lie.

Here, there is a bit of "reverse kairos"--wrong time and wrong place:

"When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."  -Luke 22:53

As we can work in the right moment and right circumstances, sometimes the circumstances conspire against us inherently.  Jesus acknowledged this truth.

The three synoptic gospels report this episode with great similarity.  All three begin in medias res with Jesus being interrupted in his speech by Judas and the crowd.  All three note the detail of the kiss and sword, then end with the disciples' flight.

In contrast, John's account is singular.  Jesus questions the party as to whom they are seeking.  There is no kiss.  Simon Peter is featured prominently as the person who drew his sword.  John doesn't mention the flight of the disciples but tracks Jesus as he is sent first to Annas.  Peter follows in stealth.