Betrayed and Arrested – Matthew 26:47-56

The contextual emphasis of this chapter of Jesus' journey to the cross could not be more clear (56) “ all this has taken place that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Even passages from the Psalter come alive in the narrative as we see their main character assailed with the afflictions immortalized in the songs of the synagogs. In Psalm 88:8,18 The repeated refrain had foretold: “You have caused my companions to shun me: and have made me a horror to them, I am shut in so that I cannot escape: (18) “You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me; my companions have become darkness.” All four gospel accounts prominently feature the betrayal and arrest of Jesus for this reason. It is not the defeat of Christ, but the triumph of the Father's will that is detailed. These are sips from the cup (39) of trial, affliction, and wrath taken by our Messiah on our behalf. While His followers remain disillusioned, scared, and befuddled at this time, they would soon echo what Jesus here clearly proclaims. (Acts 2:22-23) “... This Jesus delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.”