MPV Commentary

1-3. Jesus and his disciples went over the brook Kedron, a deep ravine northeast of Jerusalem, to a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives called Gethsemane, which means "olive press." This was a familiar spot for Jesus, who often resorted there with his disciples.

Judas, one of the twelve apostles, knew this place well because he had accompanied Jesus here many times (John 8:1; Luke 21:37). However, Judas' knowledge of the garden was used to betray Jesus. He led a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees to the garden, where they were armed with lanterns and torches.

The cold-bloodedness of Judas' betrayal is evident in his instructions to the group: "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He, hold Him fast" (Matthew 26:48). When Jesus was approached by Judas, who kissed him as a sign of identification, he asked, "Friend, wherefore art thou come?" (Matthew 26:50), implying that Judas' actions were a betrayal of their friendship.

4-9. Knowing all things that should come upon him, Jesus went forth from the shade of the trees into open view, indicating his preparedness to meet his captors. When asked by the group, "Whom seek ye?" (John 18:5), Jesus replied, "I am He" (John 6:20). This response was likely intended to prevent a rush of soldiers upon the disciples.

However, when Jesus said, "I am He," they recoiled and fell to the ground, struck down by the majesty of Christ. This event showed his power over his enemies and demonstrated his freedom in giving himself up to be arrested. Jesus then asked them again, "Whom seek ye?" (John 18:7), giving them a chance to escape from their guilt.

10-11. Simon Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, drew his sword and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Jesus then said to Peter, "Suffer ye thus far" (Luke 22:51), indicating that he did not want any further violence.

Jesus also healed the servant's ear, demonstrating his compassion for those who were seeking to harm him. This act showed that the Son of man came not to destroy men's lives but to save them (Luke 9:56).

12-13. The band then took Jesus away, but not before he had made them feel that no one could take his life from him, but that he laid it down of himself. As they led him away, Jesus said to the multitudes, "Are ye come out as against a thief, with swords and staves, for to take Me?" (Matthew 26:55). He reminded them that he had sat daily with them in the temple and yet they had not laid hold on him.

However, this was their hour and the power of darkness. Jesus' words were fulfilled by the scriptures of the prophets, and all the disciples forsook him and fled (Matthew 26:56), thus fulfilling his prediction (Mark 14:27; John 16:32).