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 ?" 55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds , "Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber ? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me. 56 "But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets ." Then all the disciples left Him and fled .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 26:47-56
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!