All gazes point to the center
of the scene, where the betrayer reaches out to Jesus and envelops him in a
yellow cloak. To the left we see Peter - in a desperate struggle he has cut off
a servant’s ear.
The Lord responds to the evil differently. Looking calmly into Judas’s eyes, which are nearly black with malice, he makes no effort to resist what is happening. Not even the torches and clubs raised high above, as if to fall upon him at any moment, unnerve him. The Father is at work; at last, he will bring about the salvation of mankind. Easter joy will not be had without this suffering.
His betrayer had arranged a signal with
them, saying,
"The man I shall kiss is the one;
arrest him and lead him away
securely."
He came and immediately went over to him
and said,
"Rabbi." And he kissed him.
-Mark 14:44-46
