When Jesus was arrested, the events unfolded in a way that was likely shocking and confusing for his disciples, especially Peter. To understand Peter’s actions during Jesus’ arrest, it’s crucial to consider the expectations surrounding the Messiah at that time and the disciples’ understanding – or misunderstanding – of Jesus’ mission.
The Prevailing Expectation of a Messiah: A Liberating King
During Jesus’ time, many Jewish people anticipated the arrival of the Messiah as a political and military leader who would liberate them from Roman oppression. This expectation heavily influenced how Jesus and his role were perceived, even by his closest followers. Peter, along with the other disciples, likely held this common view. They envisioned a Messiah who would establish a powerful kingdom and overthrow Roman rule. This perspective is important because it shaped their interpretation of Jesus’ actions and teachings. They were looking for a triumphant king, not a suffering servant.
Jesus’ Teachings on Suffering vs. Disciples’ Comprehension
Despite Jesus repeatedly speaking about his impending suffering, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem, these messages seemingly did not align with Peter’s and the other disciples’ preconceived notions. They struggled to reconcile the idea of a powerful Messiah with the concept of suffering and crucifixion. As the original article highlights, Peter’s “operating category” for “Messiah” didn’t include crucifixion. This disconnect is evident in various Gospel accounts where the disciples express confusion or disbelief when Jesus talks about his suffering. Their minds were fixed on a different kind of Messiah – one who would reign victoriously, not be subjected to humiliation and death.
Peter’s Action in the Garden of Gethsemane: Drawing His Sword
In the Garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus was arrested, Peter’s reaction was immediate and forceful. As the Gospels recount, Peter drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. This impulsive action reveals much about Peter’s mindset at that moment. He was likely trying to defend Jesus, acting in accordance with his understanding of a Messiah who should resist arrest and fight for his freedom and the establishment of his kingdom. In his mind, if this was the moment for the Messiah to assert his power, then resistance was the appropriate response.
Why Did Peter React This Way? Misunderstanding and Loyalty
Peter’s action, while seemingly aggressive, stemmed from a combination of misunderstanding and deep loyalty to Jesus. He was operating under the assumption that Jesus, as the Messiah, should not be arrested and certainly not be crucified. His drawing the sword was a desperate attempt to prevent what he perceived as a catastrophic derailment of the Messianic plan. He was trying to protect Jesus and perhaps even initiate the uprising he believed the Messiah was meant to lead. This action, therefore, was not one of malice or aggression, but rather a misguided expression of loyalty and a desperate attempt to align events with his expectations of the Messiah.
In conclusion, when Jesus was arrested, Peter’s action of drawing his sword was a direct result of his misunderstanding of Jesus’ true mission and his adherence to the popular expectation of a Messiah who would be a conquering king. He acted out of loyalty and a desire to defend Jesus, but his reaction underscores the disciples’ struggle to grasp the concept of a suffering Messiah – a concept that was central to Jesus’ teachings and ultimately, to his purpose. Peter’s impulsive act in the Garden of Gethsemane provides a powerful insight into the disciples’ mindset during this pivotal moment in biblical history.
