Mark's Passion 3

The transition to the next scene is complete as the mob descends upon Jesus. Who exactly are these men? We are told that they were sent by the chief priests and lawyers but beyond that little else beyond their weapons: swords and clubs. We live in a world where such mob violence is still a reality. My middle class world tends to view it from afar, although even here it touches us. How does it happen that Jesus falls victim to such a crowd?

Judas kisses Jesus. This leads me to think that they did not know what Jesus looked like. In our age of photos and TV coverage images are instantly available. It is easier to understand that Jesus could be hidden in plain view if we remember that such images were not at their disposal. So Jesus must be pointed out.

In the other Symoptic Gospels the Lord speaks to Judas (Mt. "Friend why are you here; Lk "Judas would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?") but here there is no emphasis added. The horror of such betrayal with a sign of friendship is a reminder to us, when we are betrayed, that our Lord has taken that experience and redeemed it.

Someone draws a sword (the Fourth Gospel names Peter and the victim) and strikes. One theory is Peter is unnamed by Mark because such an offense could be evidence to prosecute him (and after his death he is named in a later Gospel). Scholars debate. Mark leaves the brief moment of resistance without remark. Clearly, Jesus is not leading an armed resistance movement. (Something Christians must ponder as we debate on various social issues.) Jesus upbraids the men who have come for Him. He also ties the events to the "filling up" of Scripture. [Side note, the Greek word, to fill, is usually translated as 'fulfill' in English Bibles. This language implies predictions/fulfillment and has led to misunderstanding. In reality, Jesus recapitulates the story of salvation (OT) and fills it to perfection. The stories of the past find new and complete meaning in the story of Jesus. The story of Israel  finds its deepest meaning in the story of Jesus)

"Everyone deserted Him and fled." Pause to think about this. Totally alone.
14:51 includes the odd story, found only in Mark, of a young man who is seized, but flees, naked, leaving his linen cloth in their hands. There is much speculation on this young man. Is it Mark himself? Is it an angel (at the resurrection such a man is present) and a sign that Jesus is all alone? Is it a play on Jesus' command that the disciple must leave everything to follow Him (and now the man leaves everything to flee)? Is it a connection to Adam and the other Garden where sin revealed nakedness?

The "trial" of Jesus is not a trial as we understand it. However, the injustice of the Justice System is portrayed. Here we see an abuse of power. The evidence, we are told, is false testimony. Reference is made to Jesus saying He will destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. (Something Jesus does NOT say in Mark but in John; a reminder that each Gospel leaves out far more than it contains of the Jesus story) Too often we assume that our courts will provide justice. Fallible humans are not so adept.

The key moment is Jesus' answer to the direct question, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" We already know the answer, a voice from heaven has twice made this clear (at the baptism and transfiguration) and the second witness is Peter, who declares this in chapter 8. However, for the first time, Jesus Himself confirms His identity. In answer to the question He says, "ego eimi/ I am" which is, of course, the Divine Name revealed to Moses. "I Am." There can be no doubt who this Jesus is, will the leaders embrace their King? No, they tear their robes, declare Him a blasphemer and condemn and abuse Him.

Herein lies the problem of Jesus. How can anyone claim Him to be a great moral teacher while ignoring this fundamental claim which He makes. If we are honest we must face this. Too many of the "hate the church, love Jesus" crowd side step the issue of His identity. He is the KING. He declares He will "sit at the right hand... and come in the clouds." This Jesus makes amazing claims. Our response to Him cannot be to say He is simply, merely, only a teacher of a better morality. We must acknowledge Him as King (or join the crowd which rejects and crucifies Him). Sadly, too often, we use our power to bully and abuse. We take advantage of the weak instead of serving the Master. We, too, stand condemned with those who kill the Lord.