47 While he yet spake, behold, a multitude, and he that was called
Judas, one of the twelve, went before them; and he drew near unto
Jesus to kiss him. 48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest
thou the Son of man with a kiss? 49 And when they that were about
him saw what would follow, they said, Lord, shall we smite with
the sword? 50 And a certain one of them smote the servant of the
high priest, and struck off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered
and said, Suffer ye _them_ thus far. And he touched his ear, and
healed him. 52 And Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains
of the temple, and elders, that were come against him, Are ye come
out, as against a robber, with swords and staves? 53 When I was
daily with you in the temple, ye stretched not forth your hands
against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
The manner in which Judas concluded his foul crime was in perfect keeping
with its essential baseness. He led a multitude armed with swords and
clubs into the Garden where his Master was wont to retire for prayer, and
there betrayed him with a kiss, a sign which had been agreed upon in order
that, in the deep shadows, one of the disciples might not be mistaken for
the Master and arrested in his place. A kiss was a usual sign of
friendship, but the manner of Judas and the rebuke of Jesus indicate that
it was given with a false semblance of deep affection and was thus the
more repulsive to the Lord. Acts of disloyalty to Christ are even more
distressing to him in surroundings which are sacred and when committed by
those who have made loud protestations of love.
The fearless composure of the Master is now contrasted with the conduct of
his followers. They asked whether they should defend him with the sword,
and before he could reply, Peter rashly smote the servant of the high
priest and cut off his right ear. To this act Jesus made reply, “Suffer ye
them thus far;” the exact meaning is not certain, but probably he was
addressing his disciples to prevent further violence. He then touched the
ear of the servant and healed him. Only Luke, “the beloved physician,”
mentions this “unique miracle of surgery.” The incident has its message
for disciples in all ages. Violence and cruelty in the defense of the
cause of Christ misrepresent him to the world. The act of Peter gave
countenance to charges which would be preferred against Jesus, and further
resistance would have compromised the position of his Lord. However well
intended, such rash defenses weaken the cause they are designed to
promote.
Jesus turned to rebuke his enemies and resented the fact that they had
come against him as against a robber with swords and clubs. He reminded
them that daily he had taught in public. Their coming with violence, in
secrecy; and under the cover of night, was a proof that the arrest was
false and that it could not be justified. There had been abundant
opportunities during many days to seize him in public when he was
unprotected. Their present course bore its own condemnation; but he added
mournfully, “This is your hour, and the power of darkness.” In the mystery
of his providence God was allowing this iniquity. He was giving this
temporary authority to the forces of evil. It was to be a brief hour, but
those who willingly put it to such a use would incur eternal condemnation.
Nothing is more solemn than the possibility of using for evil ends the
liberty allotted us of God.