Jesus Is Betrayed by Judas and Arrested

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

While Jesus is still speaking to his disciples in Gethsemane, Judas arrives — one of the Twelve, the keeper of the common purse, a man who had followed Jesus for three years and witnessed his miracles — leading a crowd of armed men sent by the chief priests and elders. The agreed-upon signal is a kiss: "The one I shall kiss is the man; arrest him" (Matthew 26:48). He approaches Jesus and says, "Hail, Rabbi," and kisses him. Jesus says to him: "Friend, do what you have come for" (Matthew 26:50).

The word Jesus uses — "friend" — is breathtaking. Not "traitor," not "fool," not the contemptuous silence that would be understandable. Friend. Jesus offers Judas the same word at the moment of betrayal that he uses for his closest disciples. There is in this word a final, persistent invitation — a door left open even in the moment it is being slammed shut. Jesus will not coerce Judas's return, but neither will he withdraw his love. The kiss that betrays is met with the word that invites.

John's Gospel records that when Jesus identified himself to the arresting soldiers — "I AM" (John 18:5-6), an echo of the divine name — they fell to the ground. Jesus holds the power to resist. He does not use it. He allows himself to be bound so that we might be freed. The arrest is not a defeat; it is a choice. Every station that follows flows from this: the free surrender of the Son of God into the hands of those who cannot ultimately contain him.