The Betrayal And Arrest of Jesus JSS2 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

THE BETRAYAL AND ARREST OF JESUS

LESSON OBJECTIVES

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Describe the circumstances and motivations behind Judas’ betrayal of Jesus
2. Explain the events that occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane leading up to Jesus’ arrest
3. Analyze Jesus’ responses during His betrayal and arrest
4. Identify the theological significance of these events within the Passion narrative
5. Apply lessons from this narrative to personal faith and life situations

INTRODUCTION

The betrayal and arrest of Jesus marks the beginning of the final phase of Jesus’ earthly ministry—His Passion. This dramatic sequence of events, occurring after the Last Supper and Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, represents the culmination of growing opposition to Jesus and the fulfillment of His predictions about His coming suffering. The narrative appears in all four Gospels, demonstrating its central importance to the Christian faith.

1. JUDAS’ BETRAYAL: BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION
2. The Arrangement with Religious Authorities

• Judas’ initial meeting with chief priests and officials (Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6)
• Payment of thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15)
  1. Equivalent to about four months’ wages for a laborer
  2. Fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy (Zechariah 11:12-13)
• Agreement to betray Jesus at an opportune time away from the crowds

1. Possible Motivations for Judas’ Betrayal

1. Financial gain
   1. Judas was keeper of the money bag (John 12:6, 13:29)
   2. John identifies him as a thief (John 12:6)
2. Disillusionment with Jesus’ mission
   1. Possible expectation of political/military Messiah
   2. Disappointment with Jesus’ talk of suffering and death
   3. Reaction to Jesus’ acceptance of His coming death
3. Spiritual influence
   1. “Satan entered Judas” (Luke 22:3, John 13:27)
   2. Part of divine plan: “The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him” (Matthew 26:24)
4. Other theories
   1. Attempt to force Jesus to declare Himself militarily
   2. Jealousy over Jesus’ closeness with other disciples
   3. Reaction to Jesus’ rebuke at Bethany (John 12:1-8)

1. Judas’ Knowledge of Jesus’ Habits

• Jesus often went to Gethsemane (John 18:2)
• Judas knew this would be a place to find Jesus away from crowds

1. THE EVENTS IN GETHSEMANE
2. Jesus’ Prayer in Gethsemane

• Jesus took Peter, James, and John deeper into the garden (Matthew 26:36-38)
• He prayed in great anguish (Luke 22:44)
• The disciples fell asleep despite Jesus’ requests to stay awake (Matthew 26:40-45)
• Jesus submitted to the Father’s will: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42)

1. The Arrival of Judas and the Arresting Party

• Judas led a large crowd with swords and clubs (Matthew 26:47)
• The arresting party included:
  1. Roman soldiers (John 18:3)
  2. Temple guards (Luke 22:52)
  3. Chief priests and elders (Matthew 26:47)
• They carried lanterns and torches despite the full moon of Passover (John 18:3)

1. The Betrayal Signal

• Judas arranged a sign: “The one I kiss is the man” (Matthew 26:48)
• The kiss was a customary greeting between rabbi and disciple
• Judas greeted Jesus as “Rabbi” and kissed Him (Mark 14:45)
• Jesus’ response: “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48)

1. Jesus’ Voluntary Surrender

1. Jesus asked them, “Who is it you want?” (John 18:4)
2. When they said “Jesus of Nazareth,” He replied “I am he” (John 18:5)
   1. Greek “ego eimi” – possible connection to divine name (Exodus 3:14)
   2. The crowd drew back and fell to the ground (John 18:6)
3. Jesus demonstrated His power while voluntarily surrendering
4. Jesus asserted: “This is your hour—when darkness reigns” (Luke 22:53)

1. The Disciples’ Reactions

• Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant (John 18:10)
• Jesus rebuked this violent resistance (Matthew 26:52-53)
  1. “Put your sword back in its place… for all who draw the sword will die by the sword”
  2. Jesus could have called “twelve legions of angels” for defense
• Jesus healed the servant’s ear (Luke 22:51)
• The disciples all fled and deserted Jesus (Matthew 26:56, Mark 14:50)
• A young man (possibly Mark) fled naked when seized (Mark 14:51-52)

III. THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

1. Fulfillment of Scripture and Prophecy

• Jesus acknowledged: “This has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled” (Matthew 26:56)
• Specific fulfillments:
  1. Thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13)
  2. Betrayal by a close friend (Psalm 41:9)
  3. Disciples scattering (Zechariah 13:7, cited in Matthew 26:31)

1. Jesus’ Sovereign Control

• John’s account emphasizes Jesus’ authority throughout the arrest
• Jesus surrendered voluntarily rather than being captured
• He protected His disciples: “Let these men go” (John 18:8)
• Jesus’ statement about twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:53)

1. The Cup of Suffering

• Connection to Jesus’ prayer about “this cup” in Gethsemane
• Jesus asked Peter: “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11)
• Jesus embraced the suffering as the Father’s will

1. Non-Violent Kingdom

• Jesus rejected violent defense, even when seemingly justified
• Demonstrated the counter-cultural nature of God’s kingdom
• Connection to teachings about loving enemies and turning the other cheek

1. The Darkness of Sin

• The forces of evil converged on Jesus
• “This is your hour—when darkness reigns” (Luke 22:53)
• The betrayal represents the depth of human sin that Jesus came to address

1. CHARACTER STUDIES AND LESSONS
2. Judas: The Betrayer

• Privileged position: apostle, trusted with finances
• Progressive hardening: greed → plotting → betrayal
• Mixed emotions: returned money, acknowledged sin, despair (Matthew 27:3-5)
• Warnings about greed and spiritual compromise

1. Peter: Misguided Loyalty

• Zeal without understanding
• Relied on physical weapons rather than spiritual ones
• Contrast between violent defense and later denial
• Impulsive action without prayer (contrast with Jesus’ preparation)

1. Jesus: Suffering Servant

• Surrender rather than resistance
• Concern for others amid personal crisis
• Non-retaliation when betrayed and attacked
• Trust in God’s sovereign plan

1. The Fleeing Disciples

• Fear overcame commitment
• Fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction
• The failure of human resolve without divine strength

1. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
2. Dealing with Betrayal

• Jesus as a model for responding to personal betrayal
• The pain of betrayal by those closest to us
• God’s redemptive work even through others’ evil intentions

1. Confronting Evil

• Jesus’ non-violent resistance to evil
• The proper Christian response to persecution
• Trusting God’s justice rather than taking revenge

1. Spiritual Preparation

• Contrast between Jesus’ prayer and disciples’ sleep
• The importance of spiritual vigilance: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41)
• Preparation before times of testing

1. God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

• Judas made real choices yet fulfilled God’s plan
• The mystery of divine sovereignty and human free will
• Finding comfort in God’s control amid apparent chaos

1. Facing Our Own Failures

• Learning from the disciples’ desertion
• The reality of spiritual failure in our lives
• The hope of restoration (as seen in Peter’s later story)

1. TEACHING ACTIVITIES
2. Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Judas betrayed Jesus? Which motivation seems most likely to you?
2. How does Jesus’ response to His arrest demonstrate His character and mission?
3. In what ways might we, like Peter, try to defend Jesus or Christianity with improper methods?
4. Have you ever experienced betrayal? How does Jesus’ example help in responding to betrayal?
5. What does this narrative teach us about God’s sovereignty over evil events?

1. Interactive Activities

1. Dramatic Reading: Assign parts and read the narrative aloud from different Gospel accounts
2. Character Analysis: Create a chart comparing the actions and motivations of different characters
3. Modern Parallels: Identify contemporary situations that parallel the betrayal and arrest
4. Map Activity: Trace Jesus’ movements from the Upper Room to Gethsemane to His trials
5. Artistic Response: Create artwork depicting a scene from the betrayal and arrest

1. Personal Reflection

1. Where do you see yourself in this story? With which character do you most identify?
2. When have you faced a “Gethsemane moment” of difficult surrender to God’s will?
3. What “swords” might you be tempted to use to defend your faith instead of Christ’s methods?
4. How does this narrative shape your understanding of following Jesus when it’s difficult?