BETRAYAL!...just as prophesied

Here they come! ...a great multitude armed to the teeth, to arrest the Messiah who has done nothing but teach and heal. (Matt 26:47-56)

Notice what everyone - except Jesus - is doing with their hands....                                                                               

So many hold swords and staves, and after they seize Jesus, one of the disciples even wacks off the ear of a servant to the high priest!

What was the trigger?  

Judas had promised them he would betray his Master with a kiss (Gk:phileo) but when the time came, he chose to kiss Jesus profusely! (Gk:kataphileo) 

How does Jesus respond?  With 72,000 angels?        

No, with His voice as He reminds them twice that everything happening is fulfilling prophecy – God’s Word will always prevail.

Which prophecies?

• “Yes, my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted up his heel against me”   What a kick in the guts that smooch is!
• ‘He was numbered with the transgressors’  The disciples weren’t supposed to be carrying swords but it gave the band an excuse to arrest Jesus.                         

Don’t forget guys...  “All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword”!

Now watch what happens...                 

• ‘ALL the disciples forsook Him and fled’                                                 ...just as Zechariah prophesied 550 years before.

Betrayed & alone, Jesus now faces trial by Jew & Gentile...NEXT