LAST HOURS BEFORE JESUS IS ARRESTED
Events Prior to Jesus Arrest
Jesus aware that the time of his death was near at hand, sent his disciples to the city to prepare for Passover. During the hours following the Last Supper and prior to his arrest Jesus visited several places in Jerusalem.
(St. Matthew 26: 18) But Jesus said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him. "The Master says, My time is near at hand; at thy house I am keeping the Passover with my disciples."
(St. Mark 14: 16-17) And he sent two of his disciples, and said to them, "Go into the city and there will meet you a man carrying a picture of water; follow him. And wherever he enters, say to the master of the house. The Master say, "Where is my guest chamber, that I may eat the passover there with my disciples?" "And he will show you a large upper room furnished; there make ready for us."
(St. Luke 22: 9-12) And he said to them, "Behold on your entering the city, there will meet you a man carrying a picture of water, follow him into the house into which he goes. And you shall say to the master of the home. The Master says to thee, "Where is my guest chamber, that I may eat the passover there with my disciples?" "And he will show you a large upper room furnished; there make ready."
Last Supper
Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, he and his disciples shared a last meal which is known as the "The Last Supper." This meal was held in southwest Jerusalem in what is now called "The Upper Room." (St. Luke 22: 9-12) Jesus also told them that he would be betrayed by one of them.(St. Mark 14: 18)(St. Matthew 14:21) It was during this last meal that he explained to his disciples events that would take place and the reasons behind them. Jesus also arose during the supper, laid aside his garments, taking a towel, he proceeded to pour water into a basin and to wash the feet of the disciples.(St. John 13: 4-5; 14-15) While giving the first communion, Jesus told his disciples that His body and His blood were to be given. During the meal Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, giving it to the disciples saying "eat for this is My body." He also took a cup and gave thanks, then passing the cup to his disciples he said "drink for this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for the sins of man." He also explained that this would be the last he would eat or drink before entering the Father's Kingdom.(St. Matthew 26: 26-29)
(St. Matthew 14: 21) "And while they were eating, he said, "Amen I say to you, one of you will betray me -- one who is eating with me."
(St. Matthew 26: 26-29) And while they were at supper. Jesus took bread, and blessed and broke, and gave it to his disciples and said, "Take and eat; this is my body." And taking a cup, he gave thanks and gave it to them saying. "All of you drink of this; for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is being shed for many unto the forgiveness of sin. But I say to you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I shall drink it new with you in the kingdom of my Father."
(St. Mark 14: 18) "And while they were at the table easting, Jesus said, "Amen I say to you, one of you will betray me -- one who is eating with me."
(St. Mark 14: 22-25) And while they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, he broke and gave it to them, and said "Take and eat; this is my body." And taking a cup and giving thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it and he said to them, "This is my blood of the new covenant, which is being shed for many. Amen I say to you, that I will not drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I shall drink it new with you in the kingdom of God."
(St. Luke 22: 15-20) And he said to them "I have greatly desired to eat the passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you that I will eat of it no more until it has been fulfilled in the Kingdom of God." And having taken a cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and share it among you; for I say to you that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God comes." And having taken bread, he gave thanks and broke and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is being given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In like manner he took also the cup after the supper, saying "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which shall be shed for you."
(St. John 13: 4-5) rose from the supper and laid aside his garments, and taking a towel girded himself. Then he poured water into the basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, and to dry them with the towel with which he was girded.
(St. John 13: 14-15) If therefore, I the Lord and Master have washed your feet, you also ought to wash the feet of one another. For I have given you an example, that as I have done to you, so you also should do.
Note: If one makes a trip to Jerusalem today they can visit the Cenacle or Cenaculum (Latin for dinning hall). This room is built over what is believed to be the actual site of the "Upper Room," (Kollek) which was located in the southwestern part of the old city.
Garden of Gethsemane
Upon completion of the Passover meal, Jesus and his disciples left and went to the Garden of Gethsemani which is located on the Mount of Olives, northeast of the city. Once arriving at Gethsemani he told his disciples to wait where they were while he went to pray. Jesus took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee to watch over him a short distance away while he prayed. Falling upon the ground he began to pray to his Father, "if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." In reading his words, knowing what was to occur, it is easy to understand his sadness, the distress and anguished he must have felt as he prayed. It was then an angel appeared to Jesus from heaven giving him strength.(St. Mark14:34) Jesus, apparently knowing that the time of his death was near, suffered great mental anguish, and, as described by the physician Luke, his sweat became like great drops of blood.(St. Luke 22:39-46) Upon his return he found Peter and the others asleep from sorrow. Awakening them he asked "Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptatio." The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." He then left for a second time to pray, again asking them watch him. He again prayed to his Father saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." Once again upon his return, he found them to be sleeping, so he went to pray again for a third time.
(St. Matthew 26:36-44) Then Jesus came with them to a country place called Gethsemani, and he said to his disciples, "Sit down here, while I go over yonder and pray." And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and he began to be saddened and exceedingly troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is sad, even unto death. Wait here and watch with me." And going forward a little he fell prostrate and prayed, saying, "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; yet not as I will, but as thou willest." Then he came to the disciplies and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, "Could you not, then, watch one hour with me? Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is week." Again a second time he went away and prayer, saying, "My Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink it, thy will be done." And he came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavey. And leaving them he went back again, and prayed a third time, saying the same words over.
(St. Mark 14: 32-42) Basically the same text as the above.
(St. Luke 22:39-46) And he came out and went according to his custom to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples also followed him. But when he was at the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And he himself withdrew from tham about a stone's throw, and kneeling down, he began to pray, saying, "Father, if thou art willing remove this cup from me; yet not my will but thine." And there appeared to him an angel from heaven to strengthen him. And falling into an agony he prayed the more earnestly. And his sweat became as drops of blood running down upon the ground. And rising from prayer he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping for sorrow. And he said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, that you may not enter into temptation."
Note: The garden of Gethsemani contains many ancient olive trees even today. Olive trees can regenerate from their roots and live for thousdands of years. It is thought that some of these tress may have come from the time of Jesus. "Gethesemani", comes from the Hebrew Gat Shmanim, meaning "oil press" (Kollek).
Note: Hematidrosis or hemohidrosis which is commonly known as bloody sweat may occur when a person is under severe emotional stress. Although very rare, this phenomenon occurs when tiny capillaries in the sweat glands break, mixing blood with sweat. Cases of this happening are well documented and can be found in medical journals.
The betrayal and arrest of Jesus
The first time Judas betrayed Jesus was when he went to the chief priest before Passover and asked what they would give him, for delivering Jesus to them. (St. Matthew 26:14-16) Judas betrayed Jesus while he was speaking to a multitude by by going to Jesus and giving him a kiss. It was then Jesus and his disciples left, but Judas knew where they had gone and led a detachment of troops and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees to arrest him.(St. Luke 22:47) It was while in Gethesemane, that Judas betrayed Jesus who is is then arrested by the Jews. His disciples deserted him and ran away.(St. Mark 14:51-52) ( St. Matthew 26:56) "Then all the disciples deserted him and fled." Upon his arrest he was bound and brought back to the city to the court of the High Priest, which is located near the Upper room. (St. John 18:12)
(St. Matthew 26: 14-16) Then on of the Twelve, called Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests, and said to them, "What are you willing to give me for delivering him to you?" But they assigned him thirty pieces of silver. And from then on he sought out an opportunity to betray him.
(St. Matthew 26: 47-49) And while he was yet speaking behold Judas, one of the Twelve, came and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now his betrayer had given them a sign, saying; "Whomever, I kiss, that is he; lay hold of him. And he went straight up to Jesus and said "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
(St. Matthew 26:55-56) In that hour Jesus said to the crowds, "As against a robber you have come out, with swords and clubs to seize me, I sat daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not lay hands on me." Now all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples left him and fled.
(St. Mark 14: 10-11; 43-46; 50-52) Basically the same text as in St. Matthew.
(St. Luke 22: 47-48; 52-53) Basically the same text as in St. Matthew.
(St. Luke 22:47-53) "And while He was yet speaking, behold, a crowd came and he who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was going before them, and he drew near to Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said to him, "Judas, thou betray the Son of Man with a kiss?" But when they who were about him saw what would follow, they said to him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, "Bear with them thus far." And he touched his ear and healed him. But Jesus said to the chief priests and captains of the temple and elders who had come against him, "As against a robber have you come out, with swords and clubs. When I was daily with you in the temple you did not stretch forth your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness" .
(St. John 18: 1-13) After saying
these things, Jesus went forth with his disciples beyond the torrent of
Cedron, where there was a garden into which he and his disciples entered.
Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place; since Jesus had often
met there together with his disciples. Judas, then taking the cohort
and attendants from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with
lanterns and torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing
all that was to come upon him went forth and said to
them, "Whom do you seeking?" They answered him,
"Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Now
Judas, who betrayed him, was also standing with them. When therefore,
he said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
So he asked them again, "Whom do you seeking?" And they said,
"Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered, "I have told you that I am he.
If terefore, seek me, let these go their way." That the word
which he said might be fulfilled. "Of those whom thou
hst given me, I have not lost one". Simon Peter, therefore,
having a sword, drew it and struck the servant of the high
priest and cut off his right ear. Now the
servant's name was Malchus. Jesus therefore said to Peter,
"Put up thy sword into the scabard. Shall I not drink the cup
that My Father has given Me?" The cohort therefore and
the tribune and the attendants of the Jews seized Jesus and bound him.
And they brought him to Annas first for he was the father-in-law of Cuiphas,
who was the high priest that year.
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