The incidents. Jesus comes forth with His three disciples, Peter, James, John. He asks, "Whom seek ye?" Soldiers fall back in surprise. He asks again—they answer. He asks that disciples may go their way. Request granted; He lost none. St. Peter with sword wounds Malchus. Christ heals his ear (St. Luke xxii. 51) and rebukes Peter. Note the forbearance and majesty of Christ; the loving impetuosity of St. Peter; the malice of Judas and the gratified hatred of chief priests.
II. Christ a Prisoner (12-14). The soldiers close in. Prisoner bound because of attempt to rescue. The captain secures Christ, leads Him to Annas, chief of priests and president of Jewish Sanhedrim.
Lessons. From Judas. Beware of covetousness.
From St. Peter. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal.
From Christ. He loved me and gave Himself for me. What have I given Him?
Christ Loved Best.
A martyr was going to be burned for Christ's sake. His friends brought out his wife and young children, and made them kneel in a long row and ask their father, for their sakes, to deny the faith and live. But as he kissed them one by one he said, "I would do anything for your sakes that I might live with you, but since it is for Christ my Lord's sake, I must tear myself away even from you." So he went to the stake.
