THE SCRIPTURES MUST BE FULFILLED

Mark 14:43-52 / Keywords 14:49

Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled."

 

14:43 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.

44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.

51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.

1. One disciple was not in the garden with the others. This disciple had gone off and betrayed his master. Now that disciple—Judas—appeared with an armed crowd to capture Jesus. Judas sold Jesus for money (11) and betrayed him with a kiss. When those who were with Jesus saw him being arrested, they responded with force. They intended to defend Jesus, and one of them even drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant.

 

2. Jesus saw the scene differently. He was not a rebel; he was a Bible teacher. He did not come to fulfill some political ambition, but to fulfill the Scriptures. Jesus saw God fulfilling his redemptive will, as revealed in his word from the beginning. He even testified about God to his captors and his followers when he was being arrested. At this time the disciples fled. They were blinded to the will of God that Jesus spoke of. The young man introduced in verse 51 is thought to be Mark the author. It is his unique and very personal testimony of the gospel work in him.

 

Prayer Lord, heal my blindness, that I may see as Jesus saw and that the Scriptures may be fulfilled in me.

One Word The Scriptures must be fulfilled