LIFE SCRIPTS

Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted him and fled. A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. Mark 14:43‭-‬52 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/mrk.14.43-52.NIV

The flow of events in the arrest of Christ were interesting. First, Judas Iscariot gave the mob a signal. The signal of a kiss. The one he would kiss would be the man to be taken down. A move he thought would deceive the Son of Man but ended up deceiving himself. We can deceive ourselves through the things we do, think or say. However we can’t deceive Him who’s the creator of all. The mob was armed with clubs and sticks. Probably they could resemble a group of armed and mobilized mercenaries hired by political bigwigs of our day. The office of the high priest was a spiritual office that had been converted into a political seat by its occupier. He endeavored to protect his ‘turf’ at all costs even if it meant the use of intimidation. All along, Christ had been among them. He had walked and ministered to people but this day he had suddenly converted into public enemy number one. Reason? He was speaking truth to people. They were being unshackled from their bond to religiosity and finding a sweet spot in their relationship with the true God. In many ways, some pastors today behave like Annas and Caiaphas, the priestly office holders of the day. They desire to lead people astray and will do all it takes to stop them from having their true liberation through Christ. They tie them down with duties, dos and don’ts, they demand gifts in God’s name impoverishing many. But when the true message of Christ’s redemption reaches their ‘subjects’, they’re quick to pick up arms against the messengers. Well this was no fluke. It had been prophesied for Christ to be taken captive and sentenced to death for you and me. Whereas one of His disciples struck back with a sword, He retaliated not but agreed to be led towards Calvary in humility as stated in the book of Philippians 2. His flock scattered in the midst of such persecution. He was left alone to bear the brunt of punishment on our behalf.