Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 22:47-53

"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. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? And when they that were about him saw what would follow, they said, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And a certain one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye [them] thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. 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? 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." — Luke 22:47-53 (ASV)

Nothing can be a greater affront or grief to the Lord Jesus than to be betrayed by those who profess to be His followers and say that they love Him. There are many instances of Christ's being betrayed by those who, under the form of godliness, fight against its power. Jesus here gave an illustrious example of His own rule of doing good to those who hate us, as He afterwards did of praying for those who despitefully use us.

Corrupt nature warps our conduct to extremes; we should seek the Lord's direction before we act in difficult circumstances. Christ was willing to wait for His triumphs until His warfare was accomplished, and we must be so too. But the hour and the power of darkness were short, and such will always be the triumphs of the wicked.