Events begin to spiral out of control.
Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives after the dinner just like he has been doing. He is struggling and asks the disciples to be in prayer with him. His time of prayer involves asking God to take away what is going to happen. Yet in his heart of hearts, he wants God’s will done regardless of what he would prefer to have happen. An angel comes to strengthen him. In his anguish, his sweat was like drops of blood as it fell to the ground. When he returns to the disciples, he finds them sleeping.
Judas’ betrayal follows. A well-armed crowd is with him. The betrayal is done with a kiss. One of the disciples uses one of their swords to cut off the ear of a servant to the high priest. Jesus heals the ear and tells the disciples to ‘chill’. They lead Jesus away.
Peter’s denial and the rooster crowing follow at the house of the high priest. Disappointed in himself, Peter steps outside and weeps.
Jesus is mocked and beaten. He is blindfolded and jeered at as his captors demand he prophesy and tell them which one of them is hitting him.
Dawn comes and with it interrogation by the council of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law. They pounce on his words to find charges against him.
Sometimes these scenes crash into themselves when I read the account of these hours. Other times the scenes pass painstakingly in slow motion. Always, I am outraged, terrified, heart-broken, and desperate to rescue Jesus.
