Our Next Guest Is: An Army of Adversaries

Series: Our Next Guest | Week 12: A Journey Through the Gospel of Mark

Day One Mark 14:43-52

43 And immediately, even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders. 44 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.” 45 As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. “Rabbi!” he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss.

46 Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 47 But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.

48 Jesus asked them, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? 49 Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day. But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me.”

50 Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away. 51 One young man following behind was clothed only in a long linen shirt. When the mob tried to grab him, 52 he slipped out of his shirt and ran away naked.
– Mark 14:43-52 (NLT)

Discover
1. Who arrives to arrest Jesus according to verse 43?
2. What strikes you about Jesus’ response in verses 48-49?
3. Compare verse 50 with Jesus’ prediction in verse 27.

Respond
Jesus is finally arrested by an army of men under the cover of night. But as He walks willingly to His death, His closest friends scatter. How does your profession of faith in Jesus stand up when tested or questioned? Some commentators say the unnamed man of verses 51-52 is a representation of each of us. While we may like to think we’ll be the one who stands firm in the face of adversity, our flesh often wins out in favor of self-preservation. Spend some time now doing two things: 1. Thank Jesus that He willingly went to the cross for you, and 2. Ask for the humility and strength to stand fearlessly for Him.

For Further Reading: Arrested Under the Cover of Night

*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.

Our Next Guest