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Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 183 – THE BETRAYAL AND ARREST OF JESUS
[INTRODUCTION]
AFTER Jesus had finally awakened Peter, James, and John, he suggested that they go to their tents and seek sleep in preparation for the duties of the morrow. But by this time the three apostles were wide awake; they had been refreshed by their short naps, and besides, they were stimulated and aroused by the arrival on the scene of two excited messengers who inquired for David Zebedee and quickly went in quest of him when Peter informed them where he kept watch.
(1971.2)183:0.2 Although eight of the apostles were sound asleep, the Greeks who were encamped alongside them were more fearful of trouble, so much so that they had posted a sentinel to give the alarm in case danger should arise. When these two messengers hurried into camp, the Greek sentinel proceeded to arouse all of his fellow countrymen, who streamed forth from their tents, fully dressed and fully armed. All the camp was now aroused except the eight apostles. Peter desired to call his associates, but Jesus definitely forbade him. The Master mildly admonished them all to return to their tents, but they were reluctant to comply with his suggestion.
(1971.3)183:0.3 Failing to disperse his followers, the Master left them and walked down toward the olive press near the entrance to Gethsemane Park. Although the three apostles, the Greeks, and the other members of the camp hesitated immediately to follow him, John Mark hastened around through the olive trees and secreted himself in a small shed near the olive press. Jesus withdrew from the camp and from his friends in order that his apprehenders, when they arrived, might arrest him without disturbing his apostles. The Master feared to have his apostles awake and present at the time of his arrest lest the spectacle of Judas’s betraying him should so arouse their animosity that they would offer resistance to the soldiers and would be taken into custody with him. He feared that, if they should be arrested with him, they might also perish with him.
(1971.4)183:0.4 Though Jesus knew that the plan for his death had its origin in the councils of the rulers of the Jews, he was also aware that all such nefarious schemes had the full approval of Lucifer, Satan, and Caligastia. And he well knew that these rebels of the realms would also be pleased to see all of the apostles destroyed with him.
(1971.5)183:0.5 Jesus sat down, alone, on the olive press, where he awaited the coming of the betrayer, and he was seen at this time only by John Mark and an innumerable host of celestial observers.
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[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]
Richard E Warren
.
Greetings Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Visitors!
WELCOME to the OPAD presentation of Paper 183. This Paper has five Sections and seven pages. It covers a short period during the night of April 6, 30 AD, all about the apprehension of the Master at the olive press in Gethsemane park located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, a short distance from Jerusalem.
From today’s reading, the introduction to Paper 183:
…the Master left them and walked down toward the olive press near the entrance to Gethsemane Park…. (1971.3)183:0.3
Three of Jesus’ high born sons (planetary system administrators) were watching the arrest. They too had betrayed him. From the introduction:
…he was also aware that all such nefarious schemes had the full approval of Lucifer, Satan, and Caligastia…. (1971.4)183:0.4
For the sordid story of this ‘war in heaven’ and how it affected Urantia, see Papers 53 & 54:
54. Problems of the Lucifer Rebellion
***
Overview of: The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
1. The Father’s Will
2. Judas in the City
3. The Master’s Arrest
4. Discussion at the Olive Press
5. On the Way to the High Priest’s PalaceThis group of papers [121-196] was sponsored by a commission of twelve Urantia midwayers acting under the supervision of a Melchizedek revelatory director. The basis of this narrative was supplied by a secondary midwayer who was onetime assigned to the superhuman watchcare of the Apostle Andrew.
Synopsis of Paper 183:
The Master awakened Peter, James and John and suggested that they return to their tents to rest. Back at the camp, the apostles slept but the Greeks were still awake. Jesus unsuccessfully tried to convince them all to return to their tents. Failing to disperse them, Jesus went to sit by an olive press near the entrance of Gethsemane, hoping to avoid a confrontation between his followers and those who were coming to arrest him.
Meanwhile, Judas went to the captain of the temple guards. A delay in Jerusalem caused the guards to miss finding Jesus in the Mark home. This upset Judas. He knew that only two apostles had been armed during supper, but sixty followers and many weapons were available in Gethsemane.
Judas and the guards returned to the temple. Judas told the Jewish rulers that they would have to look for Jesus in Gethsemane. He requested armed guards. Jewish authorities took this request to the Roman commander, who refused and sent them to his superior officer. They finally obtained permission for the armed guards from Pontius Pilate, who granted their petition, thinking that he could later undo any harm that might be committed that night.
About sixty people accompanied Judas to Gethsemane. Judas walked ahead of the group, hoping to make it look like he was not associated with the others. He pretended that he was coming to warn Jesus of the pending arrest with the thought that this might keep the other apostles from turning against him in anger.
When Peter, James, and John saw the armed band approaching, they rushed to the olive press along with thirty disciples. Jesus made one last effort to save Judas from betraying him. Before Judas could speak, Jesus approached a Roman guard, asked whom he was looking for, and identified himself as Jesus of Nazareth.
But Judas wanted to make a show of his part in the betrayal to ensure his claim on financial compensation. Judas stepped up to Jesus placing a kiss on his brow, saying, « Hail, Master and Teacher. » Jesus replied, « Friend, is it not enough to do this! Would you even betray the Son of Man with a kiss? »
The apostles were stunned. Jesus again asked the guards who they sought. Again the captain said, « Jesus of Nazareth. » Jesus said, « I have told you that I am he. If, therefore, you seek me, let these others go their way. I am ready to go with you. »
One of the guards began to tie Jesus’ hands behind his back. This upset Peter and the others so much that they drew their swords and rushed forward, but Jesus forbade them. The captain feared that these followers would come later to rescue Jesus and ordered their arrest, but they fled. John Mark ran to David and informed him of what was happening. Together they woke the other apostles.
John Zebedee and Peter followed Jesus and the guards while the others met by the olive press to decide what should be done. Simon Zelotes made an impassioned case for trying to rescue Jesus. Nathaniel reminded them of the Master’s teachings about non-resistance and his recent instruction that they should save their own lives so they could preach the gospel to the world. James Zebedee reminded them how Jesus had forbidden the use of force during the arrest. Thomas convinced them that they could do nothing to save Jesus, since Jesus himself had refused both human and divine intervention.
The men were persuaded to separate. David agreed to remain in camp to field messages. The apostles went into hiding in Bethany, Bethphage, and Jerusalem.
Shortly after daylight, Jude arrived in camp and learned that his brother had been placed under arrest.
A dispute arose between the Jewish captain of the guards and the Roman captain of the soldiers about where Jesus was to be detained. The Jewish captain wanted Jesus taken to Caiaphas, the acting high priest, but the Roman guards were under orders to bring him before Annas, the former high priest. As they marched along discussing this issue, John Zebedee stepped up between the guards to be near his Master. The temple guards tried to arrest John, but the Romans stopped them.
Since Roman law provided that any prisoner could have someone stand with him before his judges, the Roman captain ordered that John be allowed to accompany Jesus unmolested. Due to this intervention, John was able to be near Jesus throughout the trial and crucifixion, relaying information to David’s messengers as events unfolded.
From the time of his arrest until his appearance before Annas, Jesus said nothing at all.
Great misunderstandings are associated with the events that ended the Master’s life on earth. It was the will of the Father that Jesus should experience mortal life from birth to death, but God had nothing to do with the brutality and torture that were inflicted on Jesus. The inhuman and shocking final hours of Jesus’ life were in no way the divine will of God; these cruelties were the work of evil men.
Just as ordinary people cannot expect to have their last hours on earth made easy by divine intervention, Jesus steadfastly refused to extricate himself from his situation by divine means.
***
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Tomorrow’s reading, Section 1. The Father’s Will, is a short one, just two paragraphs that explain it was evil humans, not God, who conceived, fomented and carried out this cruel trial and execution, aided and assisted by « the father of sin », Lucifer and his followers.
Listen to Paper 183: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
he was also aware that all such nefarious schemes had the full approval of Lucifer, Satan, and Caligastia.
Thinking about and trying to compare the rebellion of these high spirit beings to the betrayal Judas (if that can be done) the latter really does not impress me as getting a thrill out of seeing Jesus tortured and killed as opposed to the former. Cant help but ponder this difference and the differences of how these beings responded after Jesus physical death – did Lucifer, Satan or Caligastia feel any of the guilt or shame that overcame Judas that lead to his suicide? very curious.
he was also aware that all such nefarious schemes had the full approval of Lucifer, Satan, and Caligastia. Thinking about and trying to compare the rebellion of these high spirit beings to the betrayal Judas (if that can be done) the latter really does not impress me as getting a thrill out of seeing Jesus tortured and killed as opposed to the former. Cant help but ponder this difference and the differences of how these beings responded after Jesus physical death – did Lucifer, Satan or Caligastia feel any of the guilt or shame that overcame Judas that lead to his suicide? very curious.
It is curious…Bet all they felt after his resurrection was chagrin!
Richard E Warren
Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 183 – THE BETRAYAL AND ARREST OF JESUS
1. The Father’s Will
There is great danger of misunderstanding the meaning of numerous sayings and many events associated with the termination of the Master’s career in the flesh. The cruel treatment of Jesus by the ignorant servants and the calloused soldiers, the unfair conduct of his trials, and the unfeeling attitude of the professed religious leaders, must not be confused with the fact that Jesus, in patiently submitting to all this suffering and humiliation, was truly doing the will of the Father in Paradise. It was, indeed and in truth, the will of the Father that his Son should drink to the full the cup of mortal experience, from birth to death, but the Father in heaven had nothing whatever to do with instigating the barbarous behavior of those supposedly civilized human beings who so brutally tortured the Master and so horribly heaped successive indignities upon his nonresisting person. These inhuman and shocking experiences which Jesus was called upon to endure in the final hours of his mortal life were not in any sense a part of the divine will of the Father, which his human nature had so triumphantly pledged to carry out at the time of the final surrender of man to God as signified in the threefold prayer which he indited in the garden while his weary apostles slept the sleep of physical exhaustion.
(1972.1)183:1.2 The Father in heaven desired the bestowal Son to finish his earth career naturally, just as all mortals must finish up their lives on earth and in the flesh. Ordinary men and women cannot expect to have their last hours on earth and the supervening episode of death made easy by a special dispensation. Accordingly, Jesus elected to lay down his life in the flesh in the manner which was in keeping with the outworking of natural events, and he steadfastly refused to extricate himself from the cruel clutches of a wicked conspiracy of inhuman events which swept on with horrible certainty toward his unbelievable humiliation and ignominious death. And every bit of all this astounding manifestation of hatred and this unprecedented demonstration of cruelty was the work of evil men and wicked mortals. God in heaven did not will it, neither did the archenemies of Jesus dictate it, though they did much to insure that unthinking and evil mortals would thus reject the bestowal Son. Even the father of sin turned his face away from the excruciating horror of the scene of the crucifixion.
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[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]
Richard E Warren
.
Good Day nelsong, Bonita, Brad, Alina, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Guests,
Obviously the Melchizedek in charge of the Midwayers who wrote this Paper felt it had to be explained that this cruelty imposed on Jesus was NOT our Father’s will. Hence the two paragraphs we read today.
God’s will in this case was that Jesus should submit to the same skewed justice that you and I are sometimes subject to, even if it is totally unjust. Now, no one can say in truth that when God was incarnate on Urantia he enjoyed special privilege or was permitted to avoid what some humans must endure while in the flesh. Jesus drank that bitter cup to the last drop–never complaining or giving in to self-pity. And there can be no doubt God himself suffered along with his Son.
One of the most astonishing facts I learned about his tortuous death, was that Lucifer didn’t wish for it, and couldn’t look at the cross. Evidently he still had feelings. From today’s reading:
…God in heaven did not will it, neither did the archenemies of Jesus dictate it, though they did much to insure that unthinking and evil mortals would thus reject the bestowal Son. Even the father of sin turned his face away from the excruciating horror of the scene of the crucifixion…. (1972.1)183:1.2
What did they do exactly? Interfere with the thinking of certain rebellious mortals? Coerce unstable persons into rejection? Did they have in their service willing human minions?
***
In tomorrow’s reading, Section 2. Judas in the City, the betrayer leads the Roman guards to the Mark home only to find Jesus and his loyal apostles had left 15 minutes earlier. He is filled with fear and asks for more guards to accompany him to the campsite in Gethsemane.
Overview of: The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
1. The Father’s Will
2. Judas in the City
3. The Master’s Arrest
4. Discussion at the Olive Press
5. On the Way to the High Priest’s PalaceThis group of papers [121-196] was sponsored by a commission of twelve Urantia midwayers acting under the supervision of a Melchizedek revelatory director. The basis of this narrative was supplied by a secondary midwayer who was onetime assigned to the superhuman watchcare of the Apostle Andrew.
Listen to Paper 183: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
Obviously the Melchizedek in charge of the Midwayers who wrote this Paper felt it had to be explained that this cruelty imposed on Jesus was NOT our Father’s will. Hence the two paragraphs we read today.
No doubt there are powerful reasons why.
« How great the wisdom and the love that fill the courts on high, and sent the savior from above to suffer, bleed and die. »
The above is from a church hymn sung during a sacrament ritual, a church I was brought up in.
…God in heaven did not will it, neither did the archenemies of Jesus dictate it, though they did much to insure that unthinking and evil mortals would thus reject the bestowal Son.
Yeah, cater to a crowd like this, foment injustice and rebellion then turn away at the moment of truth when things get ugly. Says much about the character imho. I’ve known people like this but high spiritual beings – very disturbing to me.
So God did not will it or cause it, human fear and brutality brought it about. And yet, Jesus chose this or allowed this, knowingly and with full insight of the circumstances and motives that led to his self-predicted end. And Michael’s primary directive was to seek and fulfill Father’s will. So Jesus would have preferred a Judaic awakening and a rebirth of a renewed relationship between a nation/people and all other peoples and God, as paternal creator and upholder of all – a social/religious beacon of truth on the highest hill of humanity. This was not to be.
So, then is public execution and resurrection Plan B? I think it was. Michael did not come here to live for thousands of years for epochal progress management as a Magesterial or Teacher Son. His bestowal was for all of Nebadon as lived on Urantia…..the final step to being crowned a Master Son. So, what could he do, within a mortal generation that would most effectively prepare the world for the Spirit of the Son – the gift of and for epochal progress to come. A new gospel, a new hero and savior, a tale of submission to and resurrection from the material shackles, the gift of eternity and reality of love. Without the resurrection, would Urantia still know His name? I wonder.
Without the resurrection, would Urantia still know His name? I wonder.
Agreed, Urantia would not be the same, however he could have had the same resurrection 50 years later after a reasonably long mortal life followed by death from a disease or old age, no? The immediate social impact would have been different if there were not so much brutality, injustice and public attention about all of that.
If it were not for the choices of his enemies this may have been the case. imho but that did not happen and Jesus submitted to his fate as a man among men. Makes me want to reread paper 196:1
Sometimes when my imagination goes out there about this – I like to think that Jesus would have also submitted to a real, (OBJECTIVE) fair trial. Where he could have been heard and represented, (representing him would have been interesting) his accusers required to present evidence, all argued publicly in front of a jury – what could have been the impact of something like that? I mean there must have been something close to this in those days, no? I guess it is difficult for be to believe that suffering and injustice was the key to the end of his mission and getting his message out to the world.
…I like to think that Jesus would have also submitted to a real, (OBJECTIVE) fair trial. Where he could have been heard and represented, (representing him would have been interesting) his accusers required to present evidence, all argued publicly in front of a jury – what could have been the impact of something like that? I mean there must have been something close to this in those days, no? I guess it is difficult for be to believe that suffering and injustice was the key to the end of his mission and getting his message out to the world.
Well put.
But if there had been a trial where he could be heard, no doubt his enemies would be exposed and he set free. Then continue building and teaching the kingdom on Urantia for 70 more years…….Maybe that happened in a different local universe.
Richard E Warren
Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 183 – THE BETRAYAL AND ARREST OF JESUS
2. Judas in the City
After Judas so abruptly left the table while eating the Last Supper, he went directly to the home of his cousin, and then did the two go straight to the captain of the temple guards. Judas requested the captain to assemble the guards and informed him that he was ready to lead them to Jesus. Judas having appeared on the scene a little before he was expected, there was some delay in getting started for the Mark home, where Judas expected to find Jesus still visiting with the apostles. The Master and the eleven left the home of Elijah Mark fully fifteen minutes before the betrayer and the guards arrived. By the time the apprehenders reached the Mark home, Jesus and the eleven were well outside the walls of the city and on their way to the Olivet camp.
(1972.3)183:2.2 Judas was much perturbed by this failure to find Jesus at the Mark residence and in the company of eleven men, only two of whom were armed for resistance. He happened to know that, in the afternoon when they had left camp, only Simon Peter and Simon Zelotes were girded with swords; Judas had hoped to take Jesus when the city was quiet, and when there was little chance of resistance. The betrayer feared that, if he waited for them to return to their camp, more than threescore of devoted disciples would be encountered, and he also knew that Simon Zelotes had an ample store of arms in his possession. Judas was becoming increasingly nervous as he meditated how the eleven loyal apostles would detest him, and he feared they would all seek to destroy him. He was not only disloyal, but he was a real coward at heart.
(1973.1)183:2.3 When they failed to find Jesus in the upper chamber, Judas asked the captain of the guard to return to the temple. By this time the rulers had begun to assemble at the high priest’s home preparatory to receiving Jesus, seeing that their bargain with the traitor called for Jesus’ arrest by midnight of that day. Judas explained to his associates that they had missed Jesus at the Mark home, and that it would be necessary to go to Gethsemane to arrest him. The betrayer then went on to state that more than threescore devoted followers were encamped with him, and that they were all well armed. The rulers of the Jews reminded Judas that Jesus had always preached nonresistance, but Judas replied that they could not depend upon all Jesus’ followers obeying such teaching. He really feared for himself and therefore made bold to ask for a company of forty armed soldiers. Since the Jewish authorities had no such force of armed men under their jurisdiction, they went at once to the fortress of Antonia and requested the Roman commander to give them this guard; but when he learned that they intended to arrest Jesus, he promptly refused to accede to their request and referred them to his superior officer. In this way more than an hour was consumed in going from one authority to another until they finally were compelled to go to Pilate himself in order to obtain permission to employ the armed Roman guards. It was late when they arrived at Pilate’s house, and he had retired to his private chambers with his wife. He hesitated to have anything to do with the enterprise, all the more so since his wife had asked him not to grant the request. But inasmuch as the presiding officer of the Jewish Sanhedrin was present and making personal request for this assistance, the governor thought it wise to grant the petition, thinking he could later on right any wrong they might be disposed to commit.
(1973.2)183:2.4 Accordingly, when Judas Iscariot started out from the temple, about half after eleven o’clock, he was accompanied by more than sixty persons — temple guards, Roman soldiers, and curious servants of the chief priests and rulers.
***
[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]
Richard E Warren
.
Greetings Bradly, nelsong, Bonita, Alina, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Visitors,
Excellent timing!
…The Master and the eleven left the home of Elijah Mark fully fifteen minutes before the betrayer and the guards arrived…. (1972.2)183:2.1
It has to be noted here that the Midwayers don’t say Judas acted like a coward, rather that he IS one:
…He was not only disloyal, but he was a real coward at heart…. (1972.3)183:2.2
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About the fortress cited in today’s reading. Evidently it was adjacent to the temple:
…they went at once to the fortress of Antonia and requested the Roman commander to give them this guard…. 1973.1) 183:2.3
From Wikipedia:
The Antonia Fortress was a military barracks built around 19 BC by Herod the Great in Jerusalem on the site of earlier Ptolemaic and Hasmonean strongholds, named after Herod’s patron Mark Antony. The fortress was built at the eastern end of the great wall of the city (the second wall), on the northeastern side of the city, near the Temple Mount and the Pool of Bethesda.
This fortress was mentioned in three other Papers. This is the first, in Paper 162:
…The entire city was gaily decorated except the Roman castle of Antonia, which looked down in grim contrast upon this festive and worshipful scene. And how the Jews did hate this ever-present reminder of the Roman yoke! (1794.1)162:4.2
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The name Pilate comes up in today’s text. In fact it appears in more than 100 paragraphs. Because of his authority over the Jews, his is a pivotal role in these final hours and the decision for crucifixion.
…In this way more than an hour was consumed in going from one authority to another until they finally were compelled to go to Pilate himself in order to obtain permission to employ the armed Roman guards…. (1973.1)183:2.3
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The Gospels of John, Matthew and Mark each have a little about Judas and the Roman guard.
From John 18:
1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
From Matthew 26:
46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
From Mark 14:
42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
***
In tomorrow’s reading, Section 3. The Master’s Arrest, the traitor delivers his infamous kiss, even tho it wasn’t necessary. A sword fight almost breaks out, but Jesus prevents it. Everyone scatters, then reassembles at the olive press, while Peter, John and Mark follow the mob back to Jerusalem. Young Mark escapes capture by a thread.
Overview of: The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
1. The Father’s Will
2. Judas in the City
3. The Master’s Arrest
4. Discussion at the Olive Press
5. On the Way to the High Priest’s PalaceThis group of papers [121-196] was sponsored by a commission of twelve Urantia midwayers acting under the supervision of a Melchizedek revelatory director. The basis of this narrative was supplied by a secondary midwayer who was onetime assigned to the superhuman watchcare of the Apostle Andrew.
Listen to Paper 183: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 183 – THE BETRAYAL AND ARREST OF JESUS
3. The Master’s Arrest
As this company of armed soldiers and guards, carrying torches and lanterns, approached the garden, Judas stepped well out in front of the band that he might be ready quickly to identify Jesus so that the apprehenders could easily lay hands on him before his associates could rally to his defense. And there was yet another reason why Judas chose to be ahead of the Master’s enemies: He thought it would appear that he had arrived on the scene ahead of the soldiers so that the apostles and others gathered about Jesus might not directly connect him with the armed guards following so closely upon his heels. Judas had even thought to pose as having hastened out to warn them of the coming of the apprehenders, but this plan was thwarted by Jesus’ blighting greeting of the betrayer. Though the Master spoke to Judas kindly, he greeted him as a traitor.
(1973.4)183:3.2 As soon as Peter, James, and John, with some thirty of their fellow campers, saw the armed band with torches swing around the brow of the hill, they knew that these soldiers were coming to arrest Jesus, and they all rushed down to near the olive press where the Master was sitting in moonlit solitude. As the company of soldiers approached on one side, the three apostles and their associates approached on the other. As Judas strode forward to accost the Master, there the two groups stood, motionless, with the Master between them and Judas making ready to impress the traitorous kiss upon his brow.
(1974.1)183:3.3 It had been the hope of the betrayer that he could, after leading the guards to Gethsemane, simply point Jesus out to the soldiers, or at most carry out the promise to greet him with a kiss, and then quickly retire from the scene. Judas greatly feared that the apostles would all be present, and that they would concentrate their attack upon him in retribution for his daring to betray their beloved teacher. But when the Master greeted him as a betrayer, he was so confused that he made no attempt to flee.
(1974.2)183:3.4 Jesus made one last effort to save Judas from actually betraying him in that, before the traitor could reach him, he stepped to one side and, addressing the foremost soldier on the left, the captain of the Romans, said, “Whom do you seek?” The captain answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Then Jesus stepped up immediately in front of the officer and, standing there in the calm majesty of the God of all this creation, said, “I am he.” Many of this armed band had heard Jesus teach in the temple, others had learned about his mighty works, and when they heard him thus boldly announce his identity, those in the front ranks fell suddenly backward. They were overcome with surprise at his calm and majestic announcement of identity. There was, therefore, no need for Judas to go on with his plan of betrayal. The Master had boldly revealed himself to his enemies, and they could have taken him without Judas’s assistance. But the traitor had to do something to account for his presence with this armed band, and besides, he wanted to make a show of carrying out his part of the betrayal bargain with the rulers of the Jews in order to be eligible for the great reward and honors which he believed would be heaped upon him in compensation for his promise to deliver Jesus into their hands.
(1974.3)183:3.5 As the guards rallied from their first faltering at the sight of Jesus and at the sound of his unusual voice, and as the apostles and disciples drew nearer, Judas stepped up to Jesus and, placing a kiss upon his brow, said, “Hail, Master and Teacher.” And as Judas thus embraced his Master, Jesus said, “Friend, is it not enough to do this! Would you even betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
(1974.4)183:3.6 The apostles and disciples were literally stunned by what they saw. For a moment no one moved. Then Jesus, disengaging himself from the traitorous embrace of Judas, stepped up to the guards and soldiers and again asked, “Whom do you seek?” And again the captain said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” And again answered Jesus: “I have told you that I am he. If, therefore, you seek me, let these others go their way. I am ready to go with you.”
(1974.5)183:3.7 Jesus was ready to go back to Jerusalem with the guards, and the captain of the soldiers was altogether willing to allow the three apostles and their associates to go their way in peace. But before they were able to get started, as Jesus stood there awaiting the captain’s orders, one Malchus, the Syrian bodyguard of the high priest, stepped up to Jesus and made ready to bind his hands behind his back, although the Roman captain had not directed that Jesus should be thus bound. When Peter and his associates saw their Master being subjected to this indignity, they were no longer able to restrain themselves. Peter drew his sword and with the others rushed forward to smite Malchus. But before the soldiers could come to the defense of the high priest’s servant, Jesus raised a forbidding hand to Peter and, speaking sternly, said: “Peter, put up your sword. They who take the sword shall perish by the sword. Do you not understand that it is the Father’s will that I drink this cup? And do you not further know that I could even now command more than twelve legions of angels and their associates, who would deliver me from the hands of these few men?”
(1975.1)183:3.8 While Jesus thus effectively put a stop to this show of physical resistance by his followers, it was enough to arouse the fear of the captain of the guards, who now, with the help of his soldiers, laid heavy hands on Jesus and quickly bound him. And as they tied his hands with heavy cords, Jesus said to them: “Why do you come out against me with swords and with staves as if to seize a robber? I was daily with you in the temple, publicly teaching the people, and you made no effort to take me.”
(1975.2)183:3.9 When Jesus had been bound, the captain, fearing that the followers of the Master might attempt to rescue him, gave orders that they be seized; but the soldiers were not quick enough since, having overheard the captain’s orders to arrest them, Jesus’ followers fled in haste back into the ravine. All this time John Mark had remained secluded in the near-by shed. When the guards started back to Jerusalem with Jesus, John Mark attempted to steal out of the shed in order to catch up with the fleeing apostles and disciples; but just as he emerged, one of the last of the returning soldiers who had pursued the fleeing disciples was passing near and, seeing this young man in his linen coat, gave chase, almost overtaking him. In fact, the soldier got near enough to John to lay hold upon his coat, but the young man freed himself from the garment, escaping naked while the soldier held the empty coat. John Mark made his way in all haste to David Zebedee on the upper trail. When he had told David what had happened, they both hastened back to the tents of the sleeping apostles and informed all eight of the Master’s betrayal and arrest.
(1975.3)183:3.10 At about the time the eight apostles were being awakened, those who had fled up the ravine were returning, and they all gathered together near the olive press to debate what should be done. In the meantime, Simon Peter and John Zebedee, who had hidden among the olive trees, had already gone on after the mob of soldiers, guards, and servants, who were now leading Jesus back to Jerusalem as they would have led a desperate criminal. John followed close behind the mob, but Peter followed afar off. After John Mark’s escape from the clutch of the soldier, he provided himself with a cloak which he found in the tent of Simon Peter and John Zebedee. He suspected the guards were going to take Jesus to the home of Annas, the high priest emeritus; so he skirted around through the olive orchards and was there ahead of the mob, hiding near the entrance to the gate of the high priest’s palace.
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Richard E Warren
.
Good Day nelsong, Bonita, Bradly, Alina, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Guests,
…As this company of armed soldiers and guards, carrying torches and lanterns, approached the garden, Judas stepped well out in front of the band that he might be ready quickly to identify Jesus…. (1973.3)183:3.1
…they all rushed down to near the olive press where the Master was sitting in moonlit solitude…. (1973.4)183:3.2
Wish there was a painting of this:
…As Judas strode forward to accost the Master, there the two groups stood, motionless, with the Master between them and Judas making ready to impress the traitorous kiss upon his brow…. (1973.4)183:3.2
JESUS IN GETHSEMANE
Evidently just his reputation and hearing his « unusual voice » were enough to stun and push back these tough Roman soldiers:
…Many of this armed band had heard Jesus teach in the temple, others had learned about his mighty works, and when they heard him thus boldly announce his identity, those in the front ranks fell suddenly backward…. (1974.2)183:3.4
Fascinating! How privileged those who witnessed this, and who heard that voice.
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This was such a crucial point in the establishment of the spiritual kingdom on Urantia. If he and his apostles had been arrested, they could have all been killed with their leader and the Gospel might have died too, or at least be grievously wounded. His best option was to step out and declare (twice!):
“…I have told you that I am he. If, therefore, you seek me, let these others go their way. I am ready to go with you….” (1974.4)183:3.6
Impetuous Peter had to assert himself of course. From today’s reading:
…Peter drew his sword and with the others rushed forward to smite Malchus…. (1974.5)183:3.7
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SIMON PETER CUTTING OFF MALCHUS’ EAR
Hard to say how all four of the erroneous Gospel versions about Peter cutting off Malchus’ ear, and Jesus healing it (Luke only), came to be included in the New Testament. Each of the Gospels have something about the events at the arrest scene.
From Mark 14:
42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
50 And they all forsook him, and fled.
51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
From Matthew 26:
46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.
51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.
52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
From Luke 22:
47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.
From John 18:
2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
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What a different New Testament we might have had if John Mark had been a second slower. From today’s reading:
…the soldier got near enough to John to lay hold upon his coat, but the young man freed himself from the garment, escaping naked while the soldier held the empty coat…. (1975.2)183:3.9
Mark guessed right:
…He suspected the guards were going to take Jesus to the home of Annas, the high priest emeritus…. (1975.3)183:3.10
More about the decision to take the Master to Annas is in Section 5. But first, in tomorrow’s reading, Section 4. Discussion at the Olive Press, the apostles almost decide to mount an attempt to rescue Jesus, and would have but for sagacious pleas from Nathaniel and Thomas. Instead they were scattered like shepherdless sheep, except for John who remained by Jesus to the end.
Overview of: The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
1. The Father’s Will
2. Judas in the City
3. The Master’s Arrest
4. Discussion at the Olive Press
5. On the Way to the High Priest’s PalaceThis group of papers [121-196] was sponsored by a commission of twelve Urantia midwayers acting under the supervision of a Melchizedek revelatory director. The basis of this narrative was supplied by a secondary midwayer who was onetime assigned to the superhuman watchcare of the Apostle Andrew.
Listen to Paper 183: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
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