A5- PART S

PART S: Arrest
‘Here comes that one disciple who betrays
the Son of Man into the power of those
whose minds are closed and who are steeped in sin.’
And as he spoke, from darkness they could hear
commotion… footsteps… and could see the lights
of lanterns and of torches getting close.
A troop of High Priest’s Guard: with them a squad
of Roman soldiers, helmeted and armed,
came into view with Judas to the fore.
He had been paid by the authorities
to point out Jesus at a time and place
where he could be arrested without fear
of interference from the people – folk
who dogged him everywhere. All that they lacked,
which Judas could provide, was certainty.
They needed to be sure that the man
they hoped to seize was really Jesus, not
some nobody in semi-darkness grabbed
in too much haste. So, smiling furtively
and with an action that would make his name
for ever execrated in the world’s
long history, false Judas took the hand
of Jesus with a kiss. This was the way
a student, follower, disciple or
an acolyte would show acknowledgement
of his teacher. The gesture was a mark
of public deference and of gratitude.
Of course, the irony did not escape
the Lord. ‘Thus, Judas it is with a kiss
that you betray me!’ Then deliberately
he stepped out from among his followers
confronting those who sought him, quite alone.
‘So, who exactly are you looking for?’
The High Priest’s Guard Commander raised his voice.
‘A Nazarene named Jesus. He’s the one.’
The Roman Officer confirmed the name.
‘Jesus of Nazareth. Do you know him?’
‘I am Jesus of Nazareth’, he said.
What happened next is not entirely clear.
Instead of surging forward to arrest
the man who had quite openly confessed
to be the so-called ‘criminal’ they sought
t