hotcoffee
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Matthew 26:47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”[d]
50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”[d]
d. Matthew 26:50 Or “Why have you come, friend?”
In plain english, this is how these verses are explained.
Matthew identifies Judas as ‘one of the 12 disciples’. This again emphasises how wicked Judas was. He handed Jesus over to his enemies. But the religious leaders expected that Jesus would fight. They thought that his disciples might defend him. So they had sent their soldiers ready to fight them. People were saying that Jesus was the Messiah. So the leaders were afraid that he might try to establish himself as a political king by force.
Judas had arranged to kiss Jesus. Then the soldiers would know who was the right person. Then they could arrest him. It was probably dark among the olive trees. So it was difficult to identify Jesus. Judas did not appear at Jesus’ trial, and soon after this he killed himself.
Judas had arranged to kiss Jesus. Then the soldiers would know who was the right person. Then they could arrest him. It was probably dark among the olive trees. So it was difficult to identify Jesus. Judas did not appear at Jesus’ trial, and soon after this he killed himself.
Another commentary offers this.
"Those skilled in the Jewish learning tell us, that the ordinary guard of the temple belonged to the priests, and such officers as their employed; but upon their great festivals, the Roman governors added a band of soldiers, who yet were under the command of the priests."
Jesus knew why Judas betrayed Him. Jesus knew what was going to happen.
