During Passion Week, we encounter one of the most striking moments in the Easter story—when Judas betrays Jesus. This event led to His arrest as though He were a common criminal (Matthew 26:47-56).
As Judas approached with soldiers, they failed to see they were seizing the Almighty Himself. Yet even in this act of betrayal, Jesus demonstrated His incredible grace, offering forgiveness. And, He forgave those who played a role in His crucifixion. This Easter, let’s take time to reflect on why Jesus came and the depth of His love and mercy.
Easter Story – Judas Betrays Jesus and He is Arrested
While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.”
Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him. – Matthew 26:47-50 NASB
Why Did Judas Need to Identify Jesus?
Judas Iscariot is one of the most fascinating yet tragic figures in the story of Easter. His infamous betrayal raises a simple but puzzling question: Why did Judas need to identify Jesus for the religious leaders? After all, Jesus had spent countless days teaching openly in the temple. He wasn’t exactly hiding. So, what was the purpose of Judas’s role in this plot?
The answer has a lot to do with the political and social climate at the time, as well as the practicalities of the arrest. Let’s break it down.
Judas’s Role as the Accuser
The religious leaders—these were the high priests and elders of the Jewish council, not the Roman soldiers—knew exactly who Jesus was. They had already been plotting to arrest Him for a while (Matthew 26:3–5). But they needed Judas for two reasons:
- To formally accuse Jesus. Judas wasn’t just betraying Jesus in private. His role was to officially identify Him as the man they wanted arrested, which was critical for a trial. Think of it like “picking someone out of a lineup.”
- To locate Jesus in private. The leaders wanted to avoid a public uproar. Jesus had a large following, and arresting Him in the middle of a crowded area like the temple could have sparked a riot. Judas, as one of Jesus’s disciples, knew His habits and could lead the officials to Him in a quiet, secluded spot.
This explains why the arrest took place in the Garden of Gethsemane, under cover of night.
A Betrayal Sealed with a Kiss
Judas didn’t just point Jesus out from a distance—he walked right up to Him and kissed Him on the cheek. In that culture, a kiss was a sign of respect and affection. For Judas to use such a gesture to betray his teacher makes the act all the more heartbreaking.
In Matthew 26:49–50, we see this moment play out:
“Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him. Jesus replied, ‘Do what you came for, friend.’”
Even in the face of betrayal, Jesus responded with grace, calling Judas “friend.” It’s a moment that reveals so much about Jesus’s character and His commitment to fulfilling God’s plan, no matter the cost.
Peter Strikes Out
As the soldiers and religious leaders moved in to arrest Jesus, Peter—true to his bold, impulsive nature—drew his sword and struck the ear of the high priest’s servant.
Jesus immediately stopped Peter, healing the man’s ear and reminding Peter that this wasn’t the way (Luke 22:49–51). He explained that everything happening was necessary to fulfill Scripture. Jesus wasn’t about to use violence to resist what He knew was His Father’s will.
This moment teaches us that even when we feel like we need to act, we must first seek God’s guidance. Sometimes, what seems like “helping” can actually go against God’s plan.
The Disciples Flee
Once Jesus was arrested, His disciples scattered. The men who had just vowed to stay with Him—even to the point of death—ran away in fear.
But before we judge them too harshly, let’s remember that they didn’t yet understand the full story. They didn’t know the resurrection was coming. To them, Jesus’s arrest likely felt like the end of everything they believed in.
Later, after the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–13), these same disciples would be transformed. They would go on to boldly preach the Gospel, even at the cost of their own lives.
This is a powerful reminder of God’s grace. He knows our weaknesses and failings, yet He can still use us to do incredible things when we surrender to Him.
What Are We Willing to Do?
Reading about Judas’s betrayal and the disciples’ flight can make us reflect on our own lives. Are there times when we’ve abandoned Jesus, whether by staying silent about our faith, giving in to fear, or prioritizing other things over Him?
Truthfully, God doesn’t call everyone to be a missionary in a foreign land—but we’re all called to share Christ in some way. That might look like volunteering at your local church, supporting missions financially, or simply showing love and kindness to the people around you.
One excellent way to support global missions is by donating to organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and the International Mission Board. These two keep Christians in the field around the world. If you have the means, consider contributing to this or another mission effort.
Learning from That Fateful Night
The events in the Garden of Gethsemane remind us that Jesus’s journey to the cross was filled with pain and betrayal, but also grace and purpose. Judas’s kiss, Peter’s sword, and the disciples’ flight all serve as powerful lessons for us today.
This Easter, let’s commit to standing firm in our faith and sharing the hope of Jesus with others. After all, He willingly endured betrayal and suffering so that we could have eternal life.
So, how can you take even a small step toward living boldly for Christ today? Whether it’s through prayer, service, or sharing your faith with a friend, every act of obedience matters. Let’s not abandon Jesus, but instead, live as a reflection of His love and grace.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to take a look at John 3:16.