Page 8 - October 2025 - Truth & Tidings

n previous articles we divided Mark The betrayer had a prearranged signal
into four parts, and suggested that to identify their target: “Whomsoever I
Ieach part corresponds with one of shall kiss, that same is he” (Mar 14:44). The
Isaiah’s Servant Songs. The final section kiss of friendship was to become the token
of Mark (11:1-16:20) links with the last of treachery. Judas’ greed had overcome
Servant Song (Isa 53) and records the all decency, unleashing the devil-inspired
Servant’s Conflict (11:1-13:37), Cross (14:1- depravity in his heart. And, even with the
16:8) and Commission (16:9-20). strength projected by such a vast crowd
In our consideration of the Servant’s of armed men, Judas conveyed his fearful-
Cross (14:1-16:8), we noted the Anticipation ness by insisting they “take him, and lead
of the Servant (14:1-42). His full aware- him away safely” (v44). The Lord was
ness and unreserved acceptance of His identified, and “they laid their hands on
impending suffering are seen at Bethany him, and took him” (v46).
(vv1-11), the Upper Room (vv12-25), and The Lord was forsaken. Judas’ wicked-
the garden of Gethsemane (vv26-42). ness was accompanied by the disciples’
We now consider the Action Against the weakness. Peter (Joh 18:10) foolishly
Servant (14:43-15:15). His arrest and trials “drew a sword, and smote a servant of
manifest again His perfect submission to the high priest, and cut off his ear” (v47).
God’s will. Many predictions made by And, eventually, all the disciples “forsook
Isaiah are fulfilled here. His wisdom (Isa him, and fled” (v50).
52:13), rejection (53:3), oppression and Their failure resulted from misplaced
affliction (53:7), silent submission (53:7), self-confidence and lack of prayerful de-
experience of injustice (53:8) all reveal His pendence on God (vv26-42). Their contrast
commitment to accomplish God’s will and with their Lord is striking. Overtaken by
“finish his work” (Joh 4:34). circumstances and overcome by emotions,
1
they fight and flee. The Lord calmly and
Action Against the Servant authoritatively challenged His opponents
(14:43-15:15) while submitting fully to God’s Word
His Arrest (14:43-52) (v49).
The Lord was betrayed. Judas, one of the Mark adds his own personal account
twelve, arrived in Gethsemane accompa- of failure (vv51-52). Wrapped in a linen
nied by a great multitude. This multitude cloth, apparently just aroused from sleep,
included a “band of soldiers” (Joh 18:3 Mark had followed the Lord as He was
ESV), a cohort, or one-tenth of a Roman taken. But when laid hold of, he “left the
linen cloth, and fled from them naked.”
legion. Perhaps six hundred men, armed
with swords and staves to fight and car- Mark does not cover himself in glory. His
rying torches, were sent to arrest the Lord personal record agrees with the flow of the
in the garden. narrative in which there is only one hero.
The perfect Servant, walking in God's
will, was submissive and obedient. The
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV
unless otherwise noted. disciples, imperfect servants, failed in the

296 TRUTH kTidings October 2025