Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus.       

 ⁴⁷ While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. ⁴⁸ Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” ⁴⁹ And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. ⁵⁰ Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. ⁵¹ And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. ⁵² Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” ⁵⁵ At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. ⁵⁶ But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Sermon Introduction

During the First and Second World War there were more soldiers than farmers, and more fighting amongst people than food for people. Because of the great food shortages during these wars many nations developed what were called “War Gardens.”

These War Gardens could be grown by any person, to any size and in any place. Empty lots in city centers were turned into gardens. People used their back yards, flower beds and window sills to grow gardens. One motto during that times was “sprouts on every sidewalk.”

The War Gardens were such a success at feeding soldiers at war and families left behind, that they came to be known as “Victory Gardens.” They succeeded because besides producing food it also created community during separation, life during much death and hope when there was nothing but despair.

I mention this today because we will be looking at events that take place in another garden, the “Garden of Gethsemane.” In many ways this was a “War Garden” for in it Christ in prayer goes to war against suffering, sin, and Satan.

But we will see that it is also “Victory Garden” because Christ comes out of it more resolved than ever to walk in the will of his father. We are not meeting Jesus this morning in the war garden but in the victory garden. Where he has become resolved in his task, determined to walk in the will of his father, even in the face of injustice.  

Narrative Introduction

• Place: Jesus now takes his disciples to the base of the Mount of Olives a place called the garden of Gethsemane. Recorded only in John as a Garden. Oil Press.
• Mood: When Jesus enters in, it would have been dark and cold. The silhouette of the olive trees would appear frightful. But not as frightful of the darkness that was coming over Jesus soul.
• Attendees: He takes three disciples into the heart of the garden. The same three that stood on a mountain top to see his glory now are at the foot of this mountain to see into his agony. Walking a stone throw away from them Jesus falls to the ground and begins to pray.
• Prayer: Meanwhile the three disciples that are meant to watch and pray along with him, so they don’t fall into temptation, now are feeling the effects of the Passover meal. An hour or so before they all sang together (Hallel, psalm 113-118), now they will all be snoring together leaving Christ alone to deal with the temptation.
• Wilderness: How reminiscent is this to the time in the wilderness he was tempted by the devil. Now, alone once again battling in his soul he lifts up his voice to his father and prays.
• Prayer: Christ Prays three times “39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Who Were the Crowd? 

 ⁴⁷ While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.

• The Sandhedrin: was represented by its three fractions (chief priests / elders of the people / scribes-teachers of the law MK 14:43.
• The Muscle:
  • Sanhedrin Police- police who where a detachment from the Sanhedrin (Jn 18:3),
  • Jewish Temple Guards - soldiers who where Jewish temple guards, able to arrest people for minor infractions.
  • Roman Soldiers - that simply supervised from afar to keep things in order.
• Crowd Size: perhaps 100, enough to arrest 12 if need be, but not draw attention. Came in the middle of the night when most people where asleep.
• Application:
  • Diverse Hatred: Many people from different backgrounds, religious beliefs, have enmity against Christ. They join together against him.
  • Wrong Side: it is easy to find yourself on the wrong side.

I. Judea’s Interrupted a Conversation: 

 ⁴⁷ While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.

• Parent interrupted by child: Judea’s interrupts Jesus like a child.

1. What was the Content of their Conversation? (Final Words To Some of His Disciples).

⁴⁵ Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴⁶ Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

1. Hour is at Hand: The time that I have predicted on three separate occasions has now come. Hour that has been spoken of is now closer then ever before.
   • Son of Man: hands of sinners is the place Jesus will be.
     • What is it like to be in the hands of Sinners?: Lie about who he is/ make up false allegations / bend justice for own benefit / abuse authority / strike -spite – wipe. Done in darkness / secrecy / hurry.
     • We to live in a time when we are also in the hands of sinners?: As believers we are ridiculed for our faith / looked down upon as ignorant / laws are passed restricting our freedom (market place) / persecuted/ tortured/ killed.
     • Sometimes it is our hands which are sinful: unjustly treat our brothers and sisters in Christ / make a mockery of the gospel in front of the world (embezzling money)/ Perusing Divorces over minor issues / Abandoning convictions for convenience / tolerating false teachings to avoid discomfort.
     • How did Jesus live the last few hours of his live in the hands of sinners?

1. Be-Awake: 45…“Sleep and take your rest later on.”

• Awake: not the time to be resting.
• Rest Later: Jesus knew disciples would be free, what was transpiring yet he knew that the disciples would be alright, able to take their rest later on.

1. Rise and Lets Go: ⁴⁶ Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

• Jesus was not moving away from the coming crowd but towards them. Stepping into his hour. He did not run away.
• He did not shy away from the hands of sinners
• Had conviction and determination. Where did it come from?

Judas: ⁴⁶ Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

• Betrayer: Jesus doesn’t draw the disciples attention to the crowd, but to his betrayer, saw from afar.
• Personally Knew Judas: Walked for over 3 years with Judas
• “Jehovah Leads: Judas means “Jehovah Leads”. Parents expectation. Naming my children. Elli/Owen = together. Danial /Trinity.
• Betrayal Prophesied:
  • Psalm 41:9 “⁹ Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.”
• Personal Expectations: Jesus might not have fulfilled Judases. Grow disillusioned.
• Every Opportunity to Trust: 3 years walking with him, seeing what Judeas saw miracles, teachings (love of money, 10 virgins).
• Our Ministries: How are we chosing to follow Christ, do we like the group, enjoy seeing people blessed or feed or heeled. Do we enjoy songs sung, the sermons preached.

The Kiss: ⁴⁸ Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” ⁴⁹ And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. ⁵⁰ Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.”

• Where? for a disciple to kiss his master hand or foot was an uncommon greeting but showed respect and honour, but only if they were to be invited too. Otherwise it was an insult.
• To Identify: Judas kissed him to identify who Christ was to those who might not have seen him and because it was dark out.
• A Sign: Judas used a sign of friendship and affection as a tool for betrayal.
  • Peace pipe used to stab the chief
  • Boy scouts friendship knot used as betrayal
• “Friend”: Still considered him a friend up until the last hour.
  • Psalm 55:12-14 ¹² For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. ¹³ But it is you, a man, my equal,my companion, my familiar friend.¹⁴ We used to take sweet counsel together;  within God's house we walked in the throng.
• Greatest Betrayal: ……No Surprise: Judas betrayal not a surprise like Brutes betrayal to Cesare, “You to Brutus.”
• Parents of Apostates: Parents at times, pour into their children only to have them turn away from Jesus. …………..Our Hearts Healed Opponent:

II. Judea’s Came at the Conclusion of a Time of Prayer:

“39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

The Cup between Gethsemane to Golgotha: Remove the cup of wrath that he must drink / Tormenting of the Devil

1. Prayer Strengthens Us for the Hours that Come:

• Intimacy (Father) / Care of God / Eternal Importance. betrayal, arrest, abandonment, denial ,ultimately death.
• How Jesus acted leaving the garden was determined form with the garden. Because he fought the war he now walks in victory.
• Prayer Gives Us Spiritual Discernment: Something Peter Lacked, aware of the spiritual dimensions (Legions).

2. Prayer Hands Control back to God.

• Tendency Each Day: to think we are in control.
• Hour is at Hand:
• Fulfilled: Twice in our text Jesus said that all that was to happen was to fulfill what the scriptures had said would take place.
• Tells Judas: ⁵⁰ Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.”
• Knew Own Authority: He knew he could call down legions if he could.
• NOT ONLY IN HANDS OF SINNERS BUT HANDS OF GOD!

3. Moving from a War Garden to a Victory Garden Means Living in Gods Sovereignty.

• Trust that God Knows Best:
  • Your child pulling weeds in garden but killing flowers.
• Recognize Gods Authority in Normal Authority: Placing himself in the hands of the Sanhedrin.
• Trials Have Purpose: perhaps not Immediate purpose but Gods purpose. Not See or understand. Providential care
• Desired to Walk in the Will of his Father: Obedience before all else.
  • Not as I will but as you will: Contrasted with Peter who did his own will and not Gods, and Judas who did Satan's will and not Gods.
  • Story: Boy approaching painted rails. Carefulness vs Obedience.           

III. Peters Reaction to Christs Arrest.

⁵¹ And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. ⁵² Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

1. What was Going on In Peters Mind?

• Prove to Jesus that he is willing to fight and die for him.
• To protect him from his coming death.
• Honestly Afraid
• Speculation……..but we can know what is happening in our own hearts.

2. What Would You do in the Same Situation.

• Drew a sword and swung.
• Remained Silent as the other disciples did.
• Prepared to Run away.

3. Some Think Jesus was Teaching Pacifism.

52...“For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”

• “The weapons of our warfare are not of this world” (2 Cor 10:4).
• We are to “love our enemies” (Matt 5:44).
• We are to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21).
• “harmless as doves.” (Mat 10:16).
• “turn the other cheek” and “ pray for those who persecute you,” (Mat 5:38-44).
• Do not “resist an evildoer” (Mat 5:39)
• Never “repay anyone evil for evil” (Rom 12:17).

4. Some Early Church Fathers for Pacifism

• Origen ( 184-253) Christians “do not go forth as soldiers.”
• Tertullian ( 160-225) only “without the sword can the Christian wage war, for the Lord has abolished the sword”
• Clement of Alexandria (150-215) “he who holds the sword must cast it away” and “if one of the faithful becomes a soldier he must be rejected by the Church, for he has scorned God.”

Example: Hacksaw Ridge is a 2016 biographical war drama film about the World War II experiences of Desmond Doss, an American pacifist combat medic who was a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, refusing to carry or use a firearm or weapons of any kind. Doss became the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor, for service above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle of Okinawa.

 IV.Some Think Jesus was not teaching about Pacifism

• “Put your sword back into its place.
• “Sword” – not a pocket knife. Sword “Machaira” (Ma-kai-ra)
• Roman centurions tend to be positive models in the NT. Mat 27:54/Lk 7:9…)
• Pacifism can result in more harm and death. Let someone hurt your family.
• The Baptist Rebuking, crowed for not producing fruit. Luke 3:14 “14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
• John 18:36- 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
• Romans 13Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, ⁴ for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.

Early Church Father for Just War

Athanasius of Alexandria (292-373t) “Although one is not supposed to kill, the killing of the enemy in times of war is both a lawful and praiseworthy thing. This is why we consider individuals who have distinguished themselves in war as being worth of great honors and indeed public monuments are set up to celebrate their achievements……… It is evident, therefore that at one particular time and under one set of circumstances, an act is not permissible, but when time and circumstance are right, it is both allowed and condoned.”                                                                    

Augustine and Just War Theory:

1. Justness of War
   
   

1. Just Cause:  All aggression is condemned, only defensive war is legitimate. Have a just cause (e.g., defense of innocents and freedom against direct aggression).
2. Just Intentions: The only legitimate intention is to secure a just peace for all involved. Neither revenge nor conquest nor economic gain nor ideological supremacy are justified. Be just in intent (establish peace, freedom, justice; not unlimited destruction of the enemy)
3. Last Resort: War may only be entered upon when all negotiations and compromises have been tried and failed. Reflect moral deliberation (last resort after sincere diplomacy).
4. Formal Declaration: Since the use of military force is the prerogative of governments, not of private individuals, a state of war must be officially declared by the highest authorities. Be waged by a legitimate authority (government or state, not private individuals)
5. Probability of Success: Reasonable belief that victory can be achieved.

1. Justice in War
   
   

1. Proportionate Means: The weaponry and the force used should be limited to what is needed to repel the aggression and deter future attacks, that is to say to secure a just peace. Total or unlimited war is ruled out. With proper proportionality (sufficient, but not excessive force will be used; good should outweigh evil)
2. Proper Discrimination: Since war is an official act of government, only those who are officially agents of government may fight, and individuals not actively contributing to the conflict (including POW’s and casualties as well as civilian nonparticipants) should be immune from attack. With proper discrimination (noncombatants [civilians or innocents] should not be targeted)

Criticisms of Just War.

• Pre-emptive: (e.g., by failing to appreciate the benefits of a preemptive strike,
• Unrealistic: being unrealistic in its moral expectations,
• Difficult to Implement: Civilian participation.
• Natural Law: Stop Sign illustration. Moral obligation from objects, nature.
• Accepted Position: yet it nevertheless remains the most commonly accepted position among Christian thinkers when it comes to evaluating the moral considerations of waging war.

Sanctity of Life (Christians Values)

“We should seek as many ways as possible to protect lives during a war, on both sides.”

1. 1. Conscious Objections: Should be respected.
2. 2. Pre-emptive Strikes: if it may save lives in the end. Neutralizing or lessening deaths.
3. 3. Non-combatants exclusion though not distinguished in scripture is does uphold the Sanctity of Life.
4. Humane Gestures: War often gives opportunities for humane gestures, such as giving soldiers and opportunity to surrender, and giving civilians an opportunity to escape from impending attaches

V. To Fulfill Scripture: (non-violence vs pacifism)

The nonviolence at Gethsemane and on Calvary is not pacifism for Christians, rather, this non-violence was necessary in order to fulfill the Scriptures and God’s plan to satisfy His wrath and bring forgiveness for sins of man through a sacrifice.   

Jesus Did Everything in order to Fulfill the Scriptures: ⁵⁴ But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” ⁵⁵ At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. ⁵⁶ But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Isaiah

• Smitten & Spit Upon **** Isa 50:6 / Mat 26:67
• Silent Before Accusers **** Isa 53:7 / Mat 27:12
• Wounded & Bruised **** Isa 53:5/Mat 27:26
• Made Intercession for His Persecution **** Isa 53:12 /lk 23:54
• Buried in a Rich Mans Tomb **** Isa 53:9 / Mat 27:57-60
• Crucified with Thieves **** Isa 55:12 / Mat 27:38

Psalms

• Mocked **** Psalm 22:7-8 / Mat 27:67
• Hands & Feet Pierced **** Psalm 22:16/ Lk 23
• Garments Parted & Lots Cast **** Psalm 22:18 / Jh 19:23-24
• Heart Broken **** Psalm 22:14 / Jh 19:34
• His Forsaken Cry **** Psalm 22:1 / Mat 27:46
• Bones not Broken **** Psalm 34:20 / jh 19:3
• Accused by false witnesses **** Psalm 35:11/ Mat 26:59
• To Suffer Thirst **** Psalm 69:21/jh 19:28
• Gall & Vinegar offered **** Psalm 69:21/ Mat 27:34                    

• Fell Under the Cross **** Psalm 109:24-25 / Jh 19:17
• People shook their heads **** Psalm 109:25 / Mat 27:39
• His Side Pierced **** Zech 12:10 / Jh 19:34

Resurrection:

• Hosea 6:2 “After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up,that we may live before him.
• Job 19:25-26: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. ²⁶ And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God,”
• Mathew 12:40 – “⁴⁰ For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

VI. What is at the Heart of War is the War in the Heart

James: 4:1-2 “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? ² You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.”

 Grand Wars begin in small places…heart.

• Arguing with spouse /yelling with kids/ choice worlds with employer.
• Fist-to-Cuffs
• Waring Passions: give it to God, except his providence over it, willing to make changes in your life.
• Jesus had waring passions in the Garden…..handed it over to his father.
  • Do I want to die……they will flee from my side
  • I can disappear into the night…..dicipels sleeping.
  • Separated and rejected by my father
  • Do I want to drink this cup?......
  • John 18:11 “So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

VII. Jesus Mentions Twice that this is for the Scriptures to be fulfilled.

• Two different groups, 1.Disciples. Crowd.
• No attention drawn to the Miracles: No Crowd falling “I am he,” no “ear being healed.” But the scriptures Fulfilled!

1. To Peter His Disciples: ⁵² Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

• There is a Choice: not forced. Could have called legions down.
• The cup or the sword.
  • Sword: Quick resolution / hurt felling’s or body / self-satisfaction.
  • Cup: Longer Resolution/ hurt is on you only / Pride, Desire, Humiliation, Gods – satisfaction.
• Opens the Way to the Cross for People.

2. To The Crowd: ⁵⁵ At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. ⁵⁶ But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

• The atrocity of injustice become more blatant in the face of innocence:
• When a child is hurt, it creates even grater shame. For the betrayer.
• Jesus most innocent of them all.
• Punch no return / yell and swear / mistreat / steal
• Martin Luther King
  • “Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals.”
  • “At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.”

3. Having No Cross because of No Cup.

Community during times of separation

Life in the soul where there is death

Hope for the future instead of despair