The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 563

On II former occasion, when hurried by an infuriated rabble to the brow of the hill a\ Nazareth, that they might throw him headlong, he knew how to pass through the midst of them (8ee Luke iv. 30). How he did this we are not informed-whether he shut their eyes or overawed them by the sense of his majesty. But Judas knew the fact, and was probably influenced by the recollection of it when he nervously said, "Hold him fast." Instead of avoiding the traitor: 2. He end1wed his kiss. (1) A kiss is the token of allegiance and friendship (see Ps. ii. 12). (2) With JudM the token of friendship was mn<le the sign of treachery. The kiss of Judas came to be an expression for ihe greatest of all hyrocrisies-the betrayal of innocence by simulated love. The "ang"l of light" seeks hellish ends in heavenly means. (3) By enduring that infamous kiss Jesus permitted the traitor to show himself up. God's permission is judicially given to the sinner to sin. "Do that for which thou art come." Sin is its own chastiser. 3. Ee called him "friend," or "companion." (1) Thus he identified himself as the Ahirhophel of prophecy (cf. 2 Sam. xv. 12; Ps. xii. 9; Iv. 12-14). (2) He 'WB8 "one of the twel,e." The vilest wretches lurk in the best company. (3) Once, probably, Judas had been as sincere a friend to Jesus as Ahithophel had been to David,, The Heart-searcher would not have chosen him for a disciple and promoted him to the 11postolate unless he had then been a true man. (4) But how fearfully had he fallen r A leader of the flock of Christ has become the leader of a mob of ruffians age.inst his life. Apost.ates from religion become its bit-terest foes. Julian and Judas are notable examples. (5) There is truth in the irony of the term "friend." The working out of the redemption and salvation of men was the great purpose cherished in the hear\ of Christ. Jud&.~, therefore, unwitti □ gly befriended him in furthering his sufferings. Jesus called Peter "Satan" for hindering him (see eh. xvi. 22, 23). God brings good out of the e,il working of the wicked. IL THE SUllllISSION OF JESUS TO THE BAllBLE. 1. He might haw resisted them. (1) With what authority did he drive the throng of sacrilegious traders from the temple (see eh. :xxi. 12, 13) ! (2) He was the same Miracle-worker still. A.t the utterance of the words, " I am he," they were so overpowered that " they went back- ward, and fell to the ground" (see John xviii. 6). They never could have approached him without his conse □ t. The power that restored the ear of Malchus could not have been controlled by that of Malchus and his company. (3) He might have had" more than twelve legions of angels." Note: (a) The "innumerable company of angels," are marshalled into ranks. (b) The angels were to Elisha" chariots of fire and horses of fire," not only to secure him, but to consume his assailants (cf. 2 Kings i, 10--15; ii. 11; vi. 14-17; Ps. civ. 4). (c) If a single angel could destroy a hundred and eighty-five thousand Assyrians at a stroke (2 Kings xix. 35), what might not "twelve legions" do? 2. He forbade an appeal to the sword. (1) Had he made such e._n appeal, there would he.l"e been a popular response. The people were disposed even forcibly to make Jesus their Warrior-King (see John vi. 15). They readily followed false Christe who relied upon the sword. 1:'eter was in sympathy with his nation when he weilded the sword. (2) But Jesus rebuked the impetuosity of Peter. He struck without asking, "Shall we smite with the sword?" (see Luke xxii. 49). Peter did not intend evil, but intemperate zeal is often evil in its results. (3) He reproved him for appealing to the sw0rd. (a) It was needless, for Christ could have received succour from his Father. God has no need of our sins to bring about his purposes, (b) It was dangerous, viz. both to himself and his fellow-disciples. For "he thl\t takes the sword shall perish by the sword." (c) It evinced ignorance of the Scriptures. They teach that tLe way to glory is through suffering rather than through fighting. Peter would have the end without the means. (d) Peter's unsanctified zeal was another step toward bis fall, by increasing his subsequent fear of detection. (4) To show that he did not "ish to be defended by carnal weapons, the Lord healed the ear of Malchus (see Luke x.x.ii. 51). The soldiers of Christ do not war after the flesh (see 2 Cor. L 3, 4). 3. Instead of resisting, he reasoned. (1) "Are ye come out as agains\ a robber, with swords and staves?" J udrea at this time was infested with thieves, and every one will lend a hand to stop a thief. (2) The "swords" were those of the "cohort" of the chiliarch, or "chief captain "-probably Roman soldiers from the Tower of Antonia (cf. ver.45; John xviiL 12). The" slaves" were thoseofthe creatures of the high priest. These classes were usually at variance ; but, like Pilate and Herod, cu. xxv1. 1-75.J THE GOSPEL AUUOTIDING TO ST. MATTHEW. 569