Lesson 5. Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

• Religious education
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

Event: Jesus' Prayer on the Mount of Olives

Location: Garden of Gethsemane

Jesus and his disciples retreat to the Mount of Olives, specifically to the Garden of Gethsemane, just outside Jerusalem. This was a place where Jesus often prayed and meditated.

Fear and Trial

Jesus feels deep fear and sorrow about what is to come. He knows that his hour of suffering and crucifixion is near. He shares his concerns with his disciples and asks them to stay with him and watch while he prays.

Prayer

Jesus moves a little further and falls on his face to pray to his heavenly Father. He pleads with God to, if possible, take the cup of suffering away from him, but he adds, "Not what I want, but what You want." Jesus repeats this prayer several times, as his emotions grow more intense, and he becomes acutely aware of the heavy burden he will bear.

Strengthened by an Angel

During his prayer, an angel comes from heaven to strengthen Jesus.

Steadfast Faith

Despite his intense fear and the knowledge of the suffering that lies ahead, Jesus remains faithful to God's will and prepares to fulfill his mission on earth.

Meaning

Jesus' prayer on the Mount of Olives reveals his humanity and intense spiritual struggle. It also demonstrates his complete surrender to God's will, even in the face of his own fear and suffering.

This moment is often seen as an example of trust, obedience, and spiritual strength, even in the most difficult times.

Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is a pivotal part of the Passion narrative and holds deep significance for the Christian faith, where it is viewed as a model of surrender to God and trust in His plan.

Learning Objectives

• JYou will be able to understand the meaning of Easter.
• You will know where Jesus went to pray.
• You will be able to name the 3 main disciples.
• You will understand who Judas is and what he did.
• You will know who Caiaphas is.

Op de olijfberg

On the Mount of Olives

When Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, he took three of his disciples with him: Peter, James, and John.

These three were often closer to Jesus than the other disciples. They went with him to a garden called Gethsemane.

 Jesus asked them to stay there and watch, while he went further into the garden to pray.

This day is called "Maundy Thursday."

The Story of Jesus' Arrest

The story of Jesus' arrest begins on the Mount of Olives, where, after a time of intense prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prepares for the suffering that lies ahead. He is deeply sorrowful and feels the heavy burden of the upcoming cross. This moment is seen as a crucial experience of Jesus' human fear and struggle, but also of his complete surrender to God's will. Jesus prays, "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). This shows that Jesus accepts his suffering as part of God's plan for the redemption of humanity.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday gets its name from the white garments that Christians often wear during the liturgies and services of this day. It is a day of remembrance and also a moment of reflection and preparation for Jesus' suffering, which is later commemorated on Good Friday.

On Maundy Thursday, Christians primarily remember the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples, during which he institutes the Holy Communion, and the betrayal by Judas. It is also the day when Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane before he is arrested. This day marks the beginning of Holy Week and leads to the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday.

In many churches, the liturgies on Maundy Thursday are conducted with simple, sober rituals, and sometimes the washing of the feet of the believers is performed to symbolize Jesus' humility and servanthood.

Which three disciples went a little further with Jesus?

During his prayer on the Mount of Olives, Jesus took three of his disciples with him: Peter, James, and John. He asked them to stay awake and pray with him as he struggled with his impending fate. These three disciples were often particularly involved in significant moments in Jesus' life, such as his transfiguration on Mount Tabor and his prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane.

What did Jesus ask them, and why do you think He asked that?

Jesus asked Peter, James, and John to stay awake and pray with him in the Garden of Gethsemane as he struggled with his impending fate. He asked this because he was aware of the intense spiritual battle he was about to face and the need for spiritual support from his closest followers. Jesus did not want to be alone in his prayer to his heavenly Father; he wanted his most trusted disciples to be with him to support him and pray for strength and endurance as he approached his arrest and crucifixion.

Op de olijfberg

On the Mount of Olives

Jesus was very afraid of what awaited him. He said to the three disciples, "I am deeply distressed, almost to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."

1

He went further alone to talk with God. Jesus prayed intensely, saying, "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as You will."

2

He asked God if there was another way so that He wouldn’t have to suffer and die. But He only wanted to do what the Father asked of Him, not what He Himself desired.

3

After His prayer, Jesus returned to the three disciples, but they were asleep. He asked them if they could not stay awake with Him.

4

He went to pray again, and each time he returned, his friends were asleep. This happened three times.

5

Finally, Jesus accepted that it was His fate to suffer and die, and said, "The hour has come. Let us go, for the one who will betray me is near."

6

The Olivet Discourse

On the Mount of Olives, Jesus gave important teachings and prophecies to his disciples, known as the Olivet Discourse. He spoke about the future of Jerusalem, the coming challenges, and signs of the end times. This moment highlights his role as a teacher and prophet, preparing his followers for what was to come.

Prayer Before Arrest (Garden of Gethsemane)

At the foot of the Mount of Olives lies the Garden of Gethsemane. On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus prayed here in deep anguish, asking for strength and submitting to God’s will. This event shows his human vulnerability, his obedience, and the spiritual significance of surrender and trust in God.

Jesus is arrested

Judas (a disciple of Jesus) brought a group of soldiers to the garden where Jesus was. He had arranged to betray Jesus by giving him a kiss.

When Judas kissed Jesus, the soldiers knew who to arrest. Jesus was immediately taken into custody.

His disciples were afraid, and  Peter drew his sword to defend himself, but Jesus told him to put the sword away.

He struck a servant and cut off his ear, but Jesus immediately healed it.

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

The betrayal and arrest of Jesus by Judas are pivotal events in the Christian story, taking place in the Garden of Gethsemane, an olive grove just outside Jerusalem. Here is a brief description of these events:

Betrayal by Judas

Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, betrayed him to the Jewish religious leaders in exchange for a sum of money.

He led a group of armed men, sent by the high priests and elders of the Jewish people, to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest Jesus.

This moment marks the fulfillment of Scripture, which foretold that the Messiah would be betrayed by one of his friends (Psalm 41:10, Zechariah 11:12-13).

When Jesus is arrested, the disciples panic. Peter tries to defend Jesus by cutting off the ear of a soldier, but Jesus rejects this act. He says to Peter, "Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). This demonstrates that Jesus did not seek an armed rebellion, but that His suffering was part of God's redemption plan.

What is incorrect in this depiction?

Judas identified Jesus by kissing him, which was a signal for the armed men to arrest Him. It was not a Roman soldier who kissed Jesus, but a close friend of His.

What was the name of the disciple of Jesus who cut off the servant's ear with his sword?

Peter, one of the disciples, tried to defend Jesus by drawing his sword and attacking one of the men, but Jesus forbade him from using further violence and even healed the man's ear that Peter had cut off.

Jesus is taken away

Jesus knew that all of this was part of God's plan.

He said to the soldiers, "You come to me as if I were a criminal, but every day I was in the temple, and you did not arrest me there."

Jesus before Caiaphas

Then, Jesus was taken to the high priest Caiaphas, where the leaders of the people had gathered.

1

They wanted to accuse Jesus of something that could lead to his punishment, but they could not find any evidence.

2

 They asked Jesus if He was the Son of God, and Jesus answered, "I am."

3

They asked Jesus if He was the Son of God, and Jesus answered, "I am."

4

The leaders accused Him of blasphemy, which was a serious crime according to Jewish law. They decided that Jesus must die.

4

After Jesus was arrested, he was taken to the high priest Caiaphas, where the leaders of the people had gathered. They wanted to know everything about Jesus and tried to accuse him of something, but many witnesses could not provide clear accusations.

Uiteindelijk vroeg de hogepriester Jezus rechtstreeks of hij de Messias was, de Zoon van God. Jezus antwoordde bevestigend, en de leiders beschuldigden hem van godslastering, wat een ernstige misdaad was volgens de Joodse wet. Ze besloten dat Jezus moest sterven.

What was the name of the high priest?

1. Judas
2. Herod
3. Caiaphas
4. Pilate

Why did Jesus have to die according to the leaders?

1. Because they believed He was a threat to their power and influence
2. Because He thought of himself as too important
3. Because they saw Him as a false prophet leading people astray
4. Because He said He was the Son of God

Judas

After betraying Jesus, Judas felt guilty. When he saw that Jesus was condemned, he knew he had made a great mistake.

1

He brought the silver back to the temple and said to the leaders, "I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood."

2

But the leaders gave no response and said that it was his problem.

3

Judas threw the thirty silver coins on the ground and left the temple.

4

He was so filled with sorrow over what he had done that he eventually hanged himself.

5

After the arrest of Jesus, Judas felt immense guilt. When he saw that Jesus was sentenced to death, he brought the thirty silver coins back to the temple and told the leaders that he had betrayed innocent blood. The leaders showed him no compassion, so Judas threw the money away and left the temple. He was so sorrowful and confronted with his mistake that he ultimately hanged himself.

Theologically, Judas is often seen as the symbol of betrayal and apostasy. His actions were a fulfillment of biblical prophecies, which foretold that the Messiah would be betrayed by someone from his own circle (for example, Psalm 41:10). Judas’ betrayal plays a crucial role in the story of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection because it leads to the events that ultimately make the salvation of humanity possible. Despite his betrayal and the immense guilt he felt, Judas' role in the larger divine plan is a subject of much discussion and reflection within Christian theology.

Het paard in het schaakspel beweegt 2 velden horizontaal met 1 veld verticaal of een beweging van 2 velden verticaal met 1 veld horizontaal. 

Er ontstaat bij een paardensprong altijd een L-vorm.

This is what Judas did.

Knight's move puzzle

R

A

B

Y

T

L

A

E

Answer: betrayal

What would the value of those 30 silver coins be now?

Answer: The value of 30 silver coins today varies depending on various factors, including the type of silver, purity, and the current market price of silver. Historically, the silver used in Biblical times was often referred to as "silver," but it was likely not pure silver as we know it today.

In contemporary terms, the value of 30 silver coins is determined by the current silver price on the market. At the time of writing (2022), the price of silver is around 20 to 25 euros per troy ounce (31.1 grams). Since a troy ounce is approximately equal to 31.1 grams, you can calculate the value of 30 silver coins by multiplying the current silver price by the weight of 30 silver coins in grams.

However, it's important to note that the value of historical coins is often higher than just the value of the metal itself, due to their historical and collectible worth. This is especially true for coins that have cultural or religious significance, such as the silver coins mentioned in the Biblical context of Judas' betrayal.

With a price of 22.50 euros per gram of silver, the value of 30 silver coins would be approximately 20,962.50 euros.

Write down two things you have learned from this lesson.