43 And immediately—while he is yet speaking—cometh near Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude, with swords and sticks, from the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders; 44 and he who is delivering him up had given a token to them, saying, 'Whomsoever I shall kiss, he it is, lay hold on him, and lead him away safely,' 45 and having come, immediately, having gone near him, he saith, 'Rabbi, Rabbi,' and kissed him. 46 And they laid on him their hands, and kept hold on him; 47 and a certain one of those standing by, having drawn the sword, struck the servant of the chief priest, and took off his ear. 48 And Jesus answering said to them, 'As against a robber ye came out, with swords and sticks, to take me! 49 daily I was with you in the temple teaching, and ye did not lay hold on me—but that the Writings may be fulfilled.' 50 And having left him they all fled;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 14:43-50
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.