43 And immediately, while he was yet speaking, Judas comes up, [being] one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd, with swords and sticks, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now he that delivered him up had given them a sign between them, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he; seize him, and lead [him] away safely. 45 And being come, straightway coming up to him, he says, Rabbi, Rabbi; and he covered him with kisses. 46 And they laid their hands upon him and seized him. 47 But a certain one of those who stood by, having drawn his sword, struck the bondman of the high priest, and took off his ear. 48 And Jesus answering said to them, Are ye come out as against a robber, with swords and sticks to take me? 49 I was daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye did not seize me; but [it is] that the scriptures may be fulfilled. 50 And all left him and fled.
51 And a certain young man followed him with a linen cloth cast about his naked [body]; and [the young men] seize him; 52 but he, leaving the linen cloth behind [him], fled from them naked.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 14:43-52
Commentary on Mark 14:43-52
(Read Mark 14:43-52)
Because Christ appeared not as a temporal prince, but preached repentance, reformation, and a holy life, and directed men's thoughts, and affections, and aims to another world, therefore the Jewish rulers sought to destroy him. Peter wounded one of the band. It is easier to fight for Christ than to die for him. But there is a great difference between faulty disciples and hypocrites. The latter rashly and without thought call Christ Master, and express great affection for him, yet betray him to his enemies. Thus they hasten their own destruction.