52 Then saith Jesus to him, 'Turn back thy sword to its place; for all who did take the sword, by the sword shall perish; 53 dost thou think that I am not able now to call upon my Father, and He will place beside me more than twelve legions of messengers? 54 how then may the Writings be fulfilled, that thus it behoveth to happen?'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 26:52-54
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!