Station 2

Jesus is arrested

Matthew 26:47-56

While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in it’s place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”

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Please put the handcuffs on your wrists as you meditate at this station.

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The sting of betrayal is maddening, painful, and provoking all at the same time.

We invest in people.

We care for them.

We love them.

We give of ourselves.

We make sacrifices.

We cherish our relationship and seek to make it stronger.

And then we’re betrayed.

The power of it is like a blow to the stomach.

We’re speechless.

Stunned.

Gasping to get our breath and our bearings.

Wait!

This can’t be right?

He betrayed me?

She lied to me?

Our mind races to uncover the grievous act.

Where did I go wrong?

What should I have done?

How did I let this happen?