The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

47 As he was yet speaking, behold, a crowd, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went on before them, and drew near to Jesus to kiss him. 48 And Jesus said to him, Judas, deliverest thou up the Son of man with a kiss? 49 And they who were around him, seeing what was going to follow, said [to him], Lord, shall we smite with [the] sword? 50 And a certain one from among them smote the bondman of the high priest and took off his right ear. 51 And Jesus answering said, Suffer thus far; and having touched his ear, he healed him. 52 And Jesus said to the chief priests and captains of the temple and elders, who were come against him, Have ye come out as against a robber with swords and sticks? 53 When I was day by day with you in the temple ye did not stretch out your hands against me; but this is your hour and the power of darkness.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 22:47-53

Commentary on Luke 22:47-53

(Read Luke 22:47-53)

Nothing can be a greater affront or grief to the Lord Jesus, than to be betrayed by those who profess to be his followers, and say that they love him. Many instances there are, of Christ's being betrayed by those who, under the form of godliness, fight against the power of it. Jesus here gave an illustrious example of his own rule of doing good to those that hate us, as afterwards he did of praying for those that despitefully use us. Corrupt nature warps our conduct to extremes; we should seek for the Lord's direction before we act in difficult circumstances. Christ was willing to wait for his triumphs till his warfare was accomplished, and we must be so too. But the hour and the power of darkness were short, and such the triumphs of the wicked always will be.