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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 14:47-50
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.