Jesus’ Arrest and Judas’ Betrayal (Luke 22:47–53)
Introduction
In Luke 22:47-53, Jesus’ arrest marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative. Betrayed by Judas with a kiss, Jesus is confronted by an armed crowd. Despite his disciples’ readiness to fight, Jesus chooses surrender to fulfill God’s plan of salvation.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 22:47–53 and Commentary
Luke 22:47
“While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him.”
The tension is thick in the air, as Jesus, moments away from his arrest, is still speaking to his disciples in the garden. In the middle of this quiet conversation, the scene erupts. Judas, a trusted member of the inner circle, emerges with a crowd in tow.
His name alone signals betrayal. A betrayal not just in act but in heart—a man who had walked with Jesus, seen the miracles, heard the teachings, and still chose to hand him over. The kiss, traditionally a sign of affection, is perverted into a symbol of deceit and treachery. Judas betrays with the very gesture meant to convey love.
It’s chilling to think that such a personal, intimate sign of affection becomes the weapon of betrayal. And as Jesus sees him coming, he doesn’t flinch. He knows exactly what’s coming. Judas’ kiss is the fulfillment of the prophecy, and Jesus, despite being betrayed, does not shy away from the path laid before him.
Luke 22:48
“But Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?’”
Jesus doesn’t pull away, doesn’t recoil at the betrayal. Instead, he calls Judas by name, confronting him in front of the crowd. He doesn’t just ask a rhetorical question; he invites Judas to see the gravity of what he’s doing. The word “betray” stings, not just for Judas, but for anyone who hears it.
This is the critical moment where Jesus, in his infinite grace, still extends an opportunity for Judas to recognize the wrongness of his actions. Jesus addresses him directly, calling him out in love—his heart is still open to Judas even in the face of this great sin. This moment is a sobering reminder that betrayal doesn’t just wound physically—it cuts deep into the heart.
Luke 22:49
“When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, ‘Lord, should we strike with the sword?’”
The disciples, still reeling from the tension of the moment, are ready to fight. Their confusion and fear push them toward action. Peter, in particular, is quick to respond. He’s always been impulsive, ready to take up arms for Jesus. But what they don’t yet grasp is that Jesus has something greater in mind than a physical battle. This moment isn’t about standing their ground or fighting for his honor. It’s about laying down everything for the greater good of God’s plan. How often do we, too, find ourselves ready to fight battles that Jesus has already won, instead of yielding to his perfect will?
Luke 22:50–51
“Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched his ear and healed him.”
It’s a flash of violence—a disciple, possibly Peter, cutting off the ear of the servant who came to arrest Jesus. In the heat of the moment, Peter sees an enemy, and his response is immediate and drastic. But Jesus rebukes him. His kingdom isn’t established through violence, through force, through retaliation.
Jesus’ words—“No more of this!”—are not just a reprimand to the disciples, but a redirect for all who would follow him. Jesus doesn’t fight with swords; he fights with love, with healing. In a miraculous act, he touches the man’s severed ear and restores it. Even in his arrest, even as the tension climaxes, Jesus remains committed to his message of peace and restoration. His arrest would soon lead to his crucifixion, but it’s already pointing forward to a greater act of healing—the healing of the world.
Luke 22:52
“Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit?’”
Here, Jesus challenges the religious authorities. They come to arrest him as though he were a criminal, as though he were a bandit, a threat to the peace. The irony is thick. For three years, he’s preached peace, love, and reconciliation, and now, the very people who should have been supporting him are treating him like a common criminal. Jesus points out the absurdity of the situation, but he does it not with anger, but with clarity. He wants them to see how wrong they are—how they’re acting out of fear, out of manipulation, out of a desire to maintain control. The truth is, they’re arresting the one who has all authority, but they don’t see it. They fail to understand that the one they seek to imprison is the one who sets all people free
Luke 22:53
“When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
Jesus calls them out once more. He’s been in the temple daily, teaching openly, and they never once came after him. But now, in the dark of night, they’ve come with weapons, under the cover of darkness. Jesus identifies the true source of their actions: “the power of darkness.” These authorities aren’t acting under God’s guidance; they are being manipulated by evil forces. This moment is part of a larger, cosmic battle between light and darkness, between good and evil. Jesus, in his calm demeanor, understands this. He knows this is the hour when darkness will temporarily have its way, but the victory will ultimately belong to the light.
Meaning for Today
The arrest and betrayal of Jesus stand as a sobering reminder of the consequences of human sin. Judas’ betrayal with a kiss speaks to the depths of personal failure—when the bonds of trust are shattered by greed or fear. Yet, in the midst of this profound betrayal, Jesus demonstrates a radical response: love, mercy, and healing.
For us, this passage calls us to examine how we handle betrayal and opposition. Jesus didn’t retaliate. He didn’t meet violence with violence. He responded with peace, pointing toward a higher calling. The violence of the world often tempts us to strike back in anger, but Jesus’ example challenges us to love even those who harm us. His words—“No more of this”—invite us to lay down our weapons of anger and fear and instead, offer peace.
Even in the darkness of betrayal, Jesus remained faithful to God’s plan. We, too, must trust in God’s greater plan, especially when things feel beyond our control. The darkness may seem overwhelming at times, but the power of God’s light shines brighter still.
Conclusion
Jesus’ arrest and Judas’ betrayal in Luke 22:47-53 provide a powerful moment of reflection on loyalty, betrayal, love, and peace. Despite the darkest of circumstances, Jesus shows us a better way—the way of peace, surrender, and trust in God’s plan. When faced with trials, we’re called to remember his example: to love the unlovable, heal the hurting, and walk in the light even when the night seems at its darkest.
FAQ
Q: Why did Judas betray Jesus with a kiss?
A: Judas’ kiss was a signal to the crowd that would ensure Jesus’ identification, marking his betrayal with a personal and intimate gesture.
Q: What was Jesus’ reaction to being arrested?
A: Jesus responded with calm submission, emphasizing that his arrest was part of God’s will and challenging the crowd for coming after him like a criminal.
