[There are people out there trying to get Christians confused by calling
the Bible a book of lies, because there are some inconsistencies in it. Then,
they say that if the Bible is a book of lies, it disproves that Jesus Is the
Son of God, but is that really true?]
[I believe that God made you with an intelligent mind, so that you can
hear or read the research for yourself and make up your own minds. I will use
the New King James Version [NKJV] of the Bible and internet resources, if
needed to research the pertinent passages related to Jesus’ disciples sleeping
before He was betrayed. I will read all of those passages and then pull out the
portions and paste them together, to analyze them more carefully to see if any
inconsistencies are significant.]
[There are times that him and he are used within the same Bible verse,
so I will put who is speaking and who is being spoken to, within brackets, if
it isn’t clear by the contexts. Additionally, I will put my analysis, comments,
and opinions within brackets, as well. That way, those who would like to look
at the research more thoroughly can go to either of these two blogs I felt let
to create to post this research: Biblical Proof! at https://BiblicalProof.blogspot.com/ and Do Biblical Inconsistencies Really Matter? at https://Biblicalinconsistencies.blogspot.com/ ]
Matthew 26:36-57 says: Then Jesus came with them to a place called
Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over
there.” And He [Jesus] took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee [James
and John] and He [Jesus] began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He
[Jesus] said to them, “My soul is exceedingly
sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He [Jesus] went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed,
saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass
from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then He [Jesus] came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said
to Peter, “What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The
spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, a second time, He [Jesus] went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it,
Your will be done.” And He [Jesus] came and
found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away
again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His
disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and
resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into
the hands of sinners. “Rise, let us be going, See, My betrayer is at hand.” And while He [Jesus] was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the
twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief
priests and elders of the people. Now His betrayer had given them a sign,
saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” Immediately he [Judas]
went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him [Jesus]. But
Jesus said to Him, “Friend, why have you
come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.
And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched his hand and drew his
sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. But Jesus
said to him, “Put your sword in
its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. “Or do you
think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more
than twelve legions of angels? “How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled,
that it must happen thus?” In that hour Jesus said to
the multitudes, “Have you come out, as
against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you,
teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. “But all this was done that
the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him [Jesus] and fled. And those who had
laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes
and the elders were assembled.
Mark 14:32-53 says: Then they came to a place which was named
Gethsemane; and He [Jesus] said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James,
and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He
[Jesus] said to them, “My soul is exceedingly
sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it
were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from
Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? “Watch and
pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the
flesh is weak.” Again He went away and
spoke the same words. And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for
their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. Then He came
the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and
resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being
betrayed into the hands of sinners. “Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is
at hand.” And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas,
one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the
chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now His betrayer [Judas] had
given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and
lead Him away safely.” As soon as he had come, immediately he [Judas] went up
to Him [Jesus] and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Then they laid
their hands on Him [Jesus] and took Him. And one of those who stood by drew his
sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Then
Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as
against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? “I was daily with you in
the temple teaching ,and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be
fulfilled.” Then they all forsook Him
[Jesus] and fled. Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth
thrown around his naked body. And the young me laid hold of him, and he left
the linen cloth and fled from them naked. And they led Jesus away to the high
priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the
scribes.
Luke 22:39-54 says: Coming out, He [Jesus] went to the Mount of Olives,
as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. When He came to the
place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not
enter into temptation.” And He was withdrawn from
them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless
not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to
Him from heaven, strengthening Him. and being in agony, He prayed more
earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the
ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found
them sleeping from sorrow. Then He [Jesus] said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he was called
Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him.
But Jesus said to Him, “Judas, are you betraying
the Son of Man with a kiss?” When those around Him saw
what was going to happen, they said to Him [Jesus], “Lord, shall we strike with
the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off
his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He [Jesus] touched his
ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the
temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber with swords and clubs? “When I
was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your
hour, and the power of darkness.” Having arrested Him
[Jesus], they led Him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed at
a distance.
John 17:1-26 says: Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to
heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has
come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, “as You have given
Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as
You have given Him. “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only
true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.“ “I have glorified You on the
earth. I have finished the work which You have given me to do. “And now, O
Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You
before the world was. “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have
given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to me, and they have
kept Your word. “Now they have known that all things which You have given Me
are from You. “For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and
they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and
they have believed that You sent Me. “I pray for them. I do not pray for the
world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. “And all Mine
are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. “Now I am no longer
in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep
through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.
“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You
gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition [
Jesus is speaking of Judas Iscariot], that the scripture might be fulfilled.
“But now I come to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may
have My joy fulfilled in themselves. “I have given them Your word; and the
world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the
world. “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You
should keep them from the evil one. “They are not of the world, Just as I am
not of the world. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. “As You
sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. “And for their
sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. “I do
not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through
their word; “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in
You’ that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent
Me. “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be
one just as We are one: “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made
perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have
loved them as You have loved Me. “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave
Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have
given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. “O righteous
Father! The world has not known you, but I have known that you sent Me. “And I
have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which
You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
John 18:1-13 further says: When Jesus had spoken these words, He went
out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which
He and His disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place;
for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then Judas, having received a
detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came
there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things
that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” They answered Him, “Jesus
of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to
them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to
the ground. Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said,
“Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I
have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,”
that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I
have lost none.” Then Simon Peter, having a
sword, drew It and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear.
The servant’s name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My
Father has given Me?” Then the detachment of
troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound
Him. And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of
Caiaphas who was high priest that year.
[Where did Jesus go to pray with His disciples before His betrayal?]
Matthew 26:36-37says: Then Jesus came with them to a place called
Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit
here while I go and pray over there.” And
He [Jesus] took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee [James and John] and
He [Jesus] began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.
Mark 14:32-33 says: Then they came to a place which was named
Gethsemane; and He [Jesus] said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James,
and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed.
Luke 22:39-41 says: Coming out, He [Jesus] went to the Mount of Olives,
as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. When He came to the
place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not
enter into temptation.” And He was withdrawn from
them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed,
John 18:1 says: When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His
disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His
disciples entered.
[Both the Gospels of Matthew and Luke are consistent with saying that:
Jesus took His disciples to Gethsemane and He asked most of them to sit, while
He [Jesus] took Peter, James, and John with Him while He prayed. The Gospel of
Luke said that Jesus and the disciples went to the Mt. of Olives. John 18:1
says that they were at the Brook Kidron where there was a garden.]
[I needed to check where Gethsemane is in relation to Kidron Valley and
the Mount of Olives, to make sure that all four Gospels are referring to the
same general place. I found this in Encyclopedia Britannica
at: https://www.britannica.com/place/Gethsemane
Gethsemane,
garden
across the Kidron Valley on the Mount of
Olives (Hebrew Har ha-Zetim), a mile-long ridge
paralleling the eastern part of Jerusalem,
where Jesus is
said to have prayed on the night of his arrest before his Crucifixion. The name
Gethsemane (Hebrew gat shemanim, “oil press”) suggests that the garden
was a grove of olive trees in which was located an oil press. These are all located in
the same general area, so that’s consistent.]
[Were all the disciples with Him when Jesus went to
pray prior to His betrayal?]
[The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke weren’t
specific about the names of all Jesus’ disciples that were with him before His
betrayal, but the following passages are significant in determining this.]
John 13:21-30 says: When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in
spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to
you, one of you will betray Me.” Then the disciples looked
at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom
one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore motioned to him
[John] to ask who it was of whom He [Jesus] spoke. Then, leaning back on Jesus’
breast, He [John] said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He [Jesus] gave it to Judas Iscariot, the
son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him [Judas]. Then
Jesus said to him [Judas], “What you do, do quickly.” But no one at the table knew for what reason He [Jesus] said this to
him [Judas]. For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had
said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give
something to the poor. Having received the piece of bread, he [Judas] then went
out immediately. And it was night.
John 18:1 goes on to say: When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out
with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He
and His disciples entered.
[It stands to reason that Judas who is about to betray Jesus wasn’t
there throughout the time when Jesus was praying prior to His betrayal.]
[ In fact, in John 18:2-3 says: And Judas, who betrayed Him [Jesus],
also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then
Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief
priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. ]
[In that it says, “they came there”, means that they weren’t there all
along. So, I think it is not only a logical, but an accurate conclusion from
this evidence that Judas was not with the other disciples while Jesus prayed
before His betrayal.]
[What, if anything, did the disciples do while Jesus prayed prior to His
betrayal?]
Matthew 26:36-37says: Then Jesus came with them to a place called
Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit
here while I go and pray over there.” And
He [Jesus] took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee [James and John] and
He [Jesus] began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.
Mark 14:32-33 says: Then they came to a place which was named
Gethsemane; and He [Jesus] said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James,
and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed.
Luke 22:39-41 says: Coming out, He [Jesus] went to the Mount of Olives,
as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. When He came to the
place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not
enter into temptation.” And He was withdrawn from
them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed,
John 18:1 says: When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His
disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His
disciples entered.
[In the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, Jesus had some of the disciples
sit, while He took Peter, John and James with Him while He prayed. The Gospel
of Luke said that Jesus went a stone’s throw from His disciples and knelt
down prayed. While the Gospel of John said that His disciples were with
Him when they went over the Brook Kidron where there was a garden that they
entered.]
[Does it matter whether two Gospels don’t say that Jesus took Peter,
John and James with Him while He prayed? Not really, the point is that Jesus
had all His disciples, except for Judas Iscariot, there with Him while He
prayed, whether some of them were a stone’s throw away and others close by or
whether they were all together.]
[What happened when Jesus prayed?]
Matthew 26:39-46 says:He [Jesus] went a little
farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me;
nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then He [Jesus] came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said
to Peter, “What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? “Watch
and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the
flesh is weak.” Again, a second time, He
[Jesus] went away and prayed, saying, “O My
Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be
done.” And He [Jesus] came and found them asleep again, for
their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third
time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and
the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. “Rise, let us be
going, See, My betrayer is at hand.”
Mark 14:37-41 says: Then He [Jesus] said to
them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.
Stay here and watch.” He went a little farther,
and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might
pass from Him. And He said, “Abba, Father, all things
are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I
will, but what You will.” Then He came and found
them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping?
Could you not watch one hour? “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again He went away and spoke the same words. And when He returned, He
found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what
to answer Him. Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come;
behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.
Luke 22:41-46 says: And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down
and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will,
take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. and being
in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of
blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to
His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He [Jesus] said to
them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into
temptation.”
John 17:1-26 says: Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to
heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has
come. Glorify Your Son, that Your son also may glorify You, “as You have given
Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as
You have given Him. “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only
true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.“ “I have glorified You on the
earth. I have finished the work which You have given me to do. “And now, O
Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You
before the world was. “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have
given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to me, and they have
kept Your word. “Now they have known that all things which You have given Me
are from You. “For I have given to them the words which You have given Me;
and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You;
and they have believed that You sent Me. “I pray for them. I do not pray
for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. “And
all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. “Now I am
no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy
Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may
be one as We are. “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your
name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the
son of perdition [Jesus is speaking of Judas Iscariot], that the scripture
might be fulfilled. “But now I come to you, and these things I speak in the
world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. “I have given them
Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just
as I am not of the world. “I do not pray that You should take them out of the
world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. “They are not of the
world, Just as I am not of the world. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word
is truth. “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
“And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the
truth. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in
Me through their word; “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me,
and I in You’ that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that
You sent Me. “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they
may be one just as We are one: “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made
perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have
loved them as You have loved Me. “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave
Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have
given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. “O righteous
Father! The world has not known you, but I have known that you sent Me. “And I
have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which
You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
[Are any inconsistencies significant within these four passages about
what happened while Jesus was praying?]
[The passages in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are all pretty
consistent in Jesus’ asking God the Father if the cup of His impending death on
the cross could be taken from Him, but He wanted not His will but God the
Father’s will to be done. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is praying that He
[Jesus] glorifies God, His Father and that God would protect Jesus’ disciples
from the evil one and to sanctify them by God’s truth. Does it mean that Jesus
didn’t ask for God the Father to remove the cup from Him, but not Jesus’ will,
but God’s will be done? In that, the Gospel of John says that Jesus prayed that
He would glorify God, His Father and for God to protect His disciples from the
evil one and to sanctify them by God’s truth doesn’t mean that Jesus didn’t
pray this? Well, Jesus could have prayed for all of it, but it wasn’t all
recorded. Remember three of the Gospels recorded that some of the disciples
fell asleep, so they may not have heard it all.]
[Additionally, in that the Gospel of John doesn’t record that
Jesus found His disciples sleeping doesn’t disprove that the disciples fell
asleep while Jesus prayed. They had the Last Supper with Jesus that evening,
and heard Jesus say that He would be betrayed by one of them and afterward,
they walked to the garden and were there while Jesus prayed. According to www.enotes.com it is
a little over a mile walk from the Upper Room where they had the Last Supper,
to get to the Garden of Gethsemane, so it’s understandable that some of the
disciples might have been tired and dozed off while Jesus was praying.
Regardless, either way isn’t significant enough to disprove that Jesus found
His disciples sleeping while He prayed before He was betrayed nor does it
disprove that Jesus Is the Son of God!]
[ You will find out if you watch this brief video by J. Warner Wallace,
a L.A. Cold-Case Detective, who tells that witnesses rarely report things
exactly the same way. Were the Gospels Written by Eye Witnesses? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siOcvLyKuEk (3 minutes 27 seconds) In my opinion, this video is really worth
watching, because it clarifies so many things about the inconsistencies in the
Gospel recordings.]
[Now, let’s examine when Jesus announces to His disciples that He is
about to be betrayed, to see if there are any significant inconsistencies.]
Matthew 26:45-46 says: Then He came to His
disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and
resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed
into the hands of sinners. “Rise, let us be going, See, My betrayer is at hand.”
Mark 14:41-42 says: Then He came the third time
and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and
resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being
betrayed into the hands of sinners. “Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is
at hand.”
Luke 22:45-46 says: When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His
disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He [Jesus] said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”
John 18:1-2 says: When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with
His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His
disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus
often met there with His disciples.
[ The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are pretty consistent. Although
the Gospel of John doesn’t record in this portion of the passage that Jesus
announces His betrayal before it happens, John tells how Jesus announced it at
the Last Supper, so this inconsistency isn’t significant. John 13:21-30 says:
When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and
said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray
Me.” Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed
about whom He spoke. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His
disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore motioned to him [John] to
ask who it was of whom He [Jesus] spoke. Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast,
He [John] said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He [Jesus] gave it to Judas Isacariot, the
son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him [Judas]. Then
Jesus said to him [Judas], “What you do, do quickly.” But no one at the table knew for what reason He [Jesus] said this to
him [Judas]. For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had
said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give
something to the poor. Having received the piece of bread, he [Judas] then went
out immediately. And it was night.]
[Are there any inconsistencies about how Judas betrays Jesus?]
Matthew 26:47-50 says: And while He [Jesus]
was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude
with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the
one; seize Him.” Immediately he [Judas] went up to Jesus and said,
“Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him [Jesus]. But Jesus said to Him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid
hands on Jesus and took Him.
Mark 14:43-46 says: And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas,
one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the
chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now His betrayer [Judas] had
given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and
lead Him away safely.” As soon as he had come, immediately he [Judas] went
up to Him [Jesus] and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Then they
laid their hands on Him [Jesus] and took Him.
Luke 22:47-48 says: And while He [Jesus] was
still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he was called Judas, one of the
twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to Him, “Judas, are you betraying
the Son of Man with a kiss?”
John 18:4-9 says: And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place;
for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then Judas, having received a
detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came
there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all
things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” They answered Him, “Jesus
of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Then He asked them again, “Whom
are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go
their way,” that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom
You gave Me I have lost none.
[The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all are consistent that Judas
made arrangements with the multitude with swords, clubs, lanterns, torches, and
weapons to seize Jesus, the one Judas kisses. The Gospel of John says that
Judas had received a detachment of troops and led them to Jesus, but it says
nothing about Judas kissing Jesus as a signal. Does that mean that Judas didn’t
kiss Jesus as a signal to the troops to seize Jesus? No. The three Gospels were
very consistent about that. Often, some of the Gospel writers don’t tell all
what has already been recorded, but they add additional information that wasn’t
in the others. Whether or not this is the case, it isn’t really significant as
to whether Judas betrayed Jesus by kissing Him or not. What is significant is
that all four Gospels clearly spell out that Judas Iscariot did betray Jesus to
the troops he brought with him, so they could seize Jesus and take Him away.
That is evidenced by the following passages.]
Matthew 26:50-57 says: . But Jesus said to Him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid
hands on Jesus and took Him. And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus
stretched his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest,
and cut off his ear. But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will
perish by the sword. “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and
He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? “How then could the
Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to
take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize
Me. “But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be
fulfilled.” Then all the disciples
forsook Him [Jesus] and fled. And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away
to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
Mark 14:46-53 says: Then they laid their hands
on Him [Jesus] and took Him. And one of those who stood by drew his sword
and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Then Jesus
answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against
a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? “I was daily with you in the temple
teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then they all forsook Him [Jesus] and fled. Now a certain young man
followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young
men laid hold of him, and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked. And
they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the
chief priests, the elders, and the scribes.
Luke 22:49-54 says: When those around Him saw what was going to
happen, they said to Him [Jesus], “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And
one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
But Jesus answered and said, “Permit
even this.” And He [Jesus] touched his
ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the
chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber with swords and clubs? “When I
was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your
hour, and the power of darkness.” Having arrested Him
[Jesus], they led Him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed at
a distance.
John 18:8-13 says: Jesus answered, “I
have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,”
that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I
have lost none.” Then Simon Peter,
having a sword, drew It and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his
right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My
Father has given Me?” Then the detachment of
troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound
Him. And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of
Caiaphas who was high priest that year.
[Prior to the soldiers taking Jesus away after Judas betrayed Him, one
of the disciples took a sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s
servant In the Gospel of John, it was recorded that the high priest’s servant
was Malchus and that Peter was the one who cut off his ear with a sword. The
Gospel of Luke had that Jesus touched the severed ear and healed it. This is
an excellent example of how some of the Gospel writers add additional
information to what has already been recorded in the other Gospels. ]
[There is nothing in any of these passages that disproves that Jesus is
the Son of God. In fact, there are lots of things that corroborate that Jeus Is
the Son of God. In addition to Jesus foretelling His own betrayal, who would
betray Him, His death, and resurrection all before all before they happened,
but all this additional proof in the Gospel of John. ]
John 17:1 says: Jesus spoke these words,
lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father,
the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,
John 17:5 says: “And now, O Father,
glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before
the world was.
John 17:8 says: “For I have given to
them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have
known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent
Me.
John 17:11 says: “Now I am no longer in the
world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through
Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We
are.
John 17:19-20 says: “I do not pray for these
alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; “that they
all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You’ that they also may
be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
John 17:24 says: may know that You have sent
Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. “Father, I desire that they also
whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory
which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
[Don’t let people confuse you and tell you that inconsistencies in the
Bible disprove that Jesus Is the Son of God. As you can see, there were no
significant inconsistencies in these passages, but they might try to twist
things around like this and try to get people to lose their faith in Jesus
Christ, our Savior! But you will use your intelligent brains to decide not to
fall prey to their deceitful actions!]
[Always remember John 3:16-21 says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. “For God
did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world
through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he
who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the
name of the only begotten Son of God. “And this is the condemnation, that the
light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light,
because their deeds were evil. “For everyone practicing evil hates the light
and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. “But he who
does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they
have been done in God.”
