47 While He was still speaking , behold , Judas , one of the twelve , came up accompanied e by a large crowd with swords and clubs , who came from the chief priests and elders of the people . 48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign , saying , "Whomever e I kiss , He is the one; seize Him." 49 Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said , "Hail , Rabbi !" and kissed Him. 50 And Jesus said to him, " Friend , do what you have come for." Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him. 51 And behold , one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword , and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear . 52 Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place ; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword . 53 "Or do you think that I cannot e appeal to My Father , and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels ? 54 "How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled , which say that it must happen this way ?"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 26:47-54
Commentary on Matthew 26:47-56
(Read Matthew 26:47-56)
No enemies are so much to be abhorred as those professed disciples that betray Christ with a kiss. God has no need of our services, much less of our sins, to bring about his purposes. Though Christ was crucified through weakness, it was voluntary weakness; he submitted to death. If he had not been willing to suffer, they could not conquer him. It was a great sin for those who had left all to follow Jesus; now to leave him for they knew not what. What folly, for fear of death to flee from Him, whom they knew and acknowledged to be the Fountain of life!