The night Jesus was betrayed he went into a garden to pray. I imagine the sound of frogs and crickets filled the air. I can see in my mind’s eye a star lit sky. It was a quiet relaxing place. We know this because the disciples fell asleep.
Suddenly the silence was broken with the sounds of a multitude of people carrying lanterns, swords and clubs. The mob was lead by the chief priests and elders of the people. Why did they think it was necessary to take one man and 12 followers with such force? Most likely it had more to do with curiosity for some, and anger for others than it had to do with a need for numbers. Crowds can be dangerous things (Mathew 26:47).
Our tendency is to think more people makes for right. After all, how can so many people be wrong? But Jesus said the way that leads to destruction is wide and many follow that path; but the way that leads to righteousness is very narrow and few find that path (Mathew 7:13).
