The journey from the Mount of Transfiguration to Mount Calvary now takes an ugly turn. Arrests often do. In this case, the subject of the arrest is innocent. An insider betrays Him. The authorities are acting under cover of darkness. They have predetermined the end of the case (the accused will die). They have no evidence against the subject. The authorities are religious leaders. The case is ugly.
And it almost got uglier. Give the disciples some credit. When the arrest is made, as ill prepared as these fishermen were for battle, they were willing to put up a fight. One of them, the Gospel of John says it was Peter, had a sword. He did manage to cut off the high priest's servant's ear.
That is when Jesus stepped in. The soldiers, and those gathered with them, appear uncertain about what was actually happening because when Jesus identified Himself, they all fell down. Now Jesus heals the man's ear. Within earshot of the soldiers, Jesus reminds Peter that if He but signaled, legions of angels would fight for Him.
Then Jesus puts things in a proper context. He will drink the cup the Father has given Him. He will endure the arrest. Though He is innocent, this horrific situation is all part of a divine plan for Him to bear the sins of each of us.
He is arrested! He is taken away.
THE PRAYER: O Lord, help us to see that You were arrested for our transgressions. Amen.
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