Ironies of the Arrest and Trials of Jesus

Irony is a literary technique by which the full significance of one’s words and actions are clear to the audience or reader but unknown to the character. A state of affairs occurs that seems directly contrary to the truth of the matter. The biblical account of the arrest and trials of Jesus seems to be baptized in irony (Please read Matthew 26:47-27:26; Mark 14:43-15:15; Luke 22:47-23:25; John 18:2-19:16). Consider the following points of irony –

The Prince of Peace is approached by a mob carrying swords and clubs.
The Light of the World is taken in darkness.
The God of love is betrayed by a kiss.
The Word is struck in the mouth.
The Omnipotent One is bound.
The Embodiment of Truth has false witnesses speak lies about Him, and is considered a blasphemer.
The only completely innocent One is pronounced guilty.
The Judge of all men is judged by men.
The One acknowledged by God Himself is denied by a friend.
The King of glory took a beating, was spit upon and mocked.
The One who was arrested was the One most in control.
The Good Shepherd lays down His life, all while protecting His sheep (the apostles – none are lost except Judas).
The great High Priest of heaven was judged guilty by an earthly high priest.
The One who spoke openly and taught publicly was judged by men who had plotted and conspired in secret.
The Advocate for men remains personally silent when accused.
The All-Knowing One was asked to “prophesy.”
The Sanhedrin has no qualms about killing Jesus, but has “issues” about putting “blood money” in the temple treasury.
The people responsible for Christ’s arrest and guilty verdict often declare Jesus to be innocent (examples – Judas, Herod, Pilate).