“As Upon a Robber” – MARK 14:41-50

What a drastic change in Jesus’ demeanor.

Only moments before He told the disciples to awaken and be watchful, but now He says “You’ve had enough rest” (14:41), it is time to act. Instead of waiting in agony and falling to the ground (14:35), Jesus says it is time to go out to meet the ones who would arrest Him (14:42). The boldness of Jesus contrasts sharply with the deceitful actions of Judas (14:44) and the shame of men who must carry out their deeds at night. Jesus pointed to their dark work and chided them for coming at Him with such force when He was readily available to them (14:48). They, indeed, were treating Him like a robber. Perhaps the perceived need for swords and clubs and a multitude of men (14:43, 48) to subdue Jesus and the twelve was a tacit admission of their own wrong-doing.

Even though He agonized at what was coming, Jesus never shrank from His work.

We have such a limited record of the extensiveness of the ministry of our Master it serves us pause and understand what He says to the elders, scribes and high priests who came to arrest Him that night (14:43b). “I was with you daily, teaching in the temple” (14:49) and was not hiding from you – why not arrest me publicly? His ministry was not “hit and run”. Instead, Jesus was a persistent and patient teacher trying to reach the hearts and minds of the lost sheep of Israel … including the religious leaders. If these men were to bring charges against Him it could only be for the things He taught. It speaks volumes that Jesus professed to have taught openly and extensively and answered the questions and challenges presented to Him.   The leaders would not take Him in front of the people because they knew their charges were false and unsustainable.

Still, Jesus is in complete control of the situation as it unfolds according to the will of God.

While admonishing these men for their deceitfulness and scheming, Jesus then states that all of this is in fulfillment of prophecy. God knew what they would do (14:49b), even though they themselves could not see it. Among many other prophecies, these sad events fulfilled the word of God through Zechariah (13:7), “ ‘Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me,’ declares the LORD of hosts. ‘Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ ”

Keeping in mind that Mark was a protégé of Peter, it is interesting to learn that the “certain one” who struck the ear of Malchus was Peter (John 18:8-11). Probably emboldened by the devastating impact of Jesus words “I am” (John 18:6) which knocked the soldiers down, Peter lashes out. Peter does not wish to portray himself in any way as heroic at a time when he would deny Christ. The sheep truly would scatter. There would be no need for the swords and clubs because Jesus would go willingly. The shepherd would lead the way to the cross. The lamb would remain in control of the slaughterhouse.

Our efforts, like Peter’s, could not help or hinder the majestic work being accomplished.