He Called Him Friend

Draft, under review

Matthew 26:47–56

47While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people.

48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.”

49Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

50“Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.

51At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

52“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

53Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

54But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”

55At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me.

56But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.

Berean Standard Bible. Read the full chapter

Reflection

The betrayal came out of the dark garden, with a crowd carrying swords and clubs, and it came from one of the Twelve (Matt 26:47). Judas had arranged a signal. The man he kissed would be the one to seize. So he walked up, greeted his teacher, and kissed Him (Matt 26:48–49).

Jesus' answer is startling. He calls Judas friend and tells him to do what he came for (Matt 26:50). This isn't naivety. Jesus had already said that one of them would hand Him over (Matt 26:21–25), and Luke records Him naming the kiss for what it was (Luke 22:48). He sees the betrayal clearly. He simply refuses to become like the betrayer.

When Peter swings a sword, Jesus stops him (Matt 26:51–52). He could have summoned a vast army of angels, but He entrusts Himself to the Father and to the Scriptures (Matt 26:53–54). Peter, who was there that night, later describes how Jesus bore all His suffering: when He was wronged, He did not threaten, but handed Himself over to the One who judges justly (1 Pet 2:23). Then all the disciples ran (Matt 26:56).

If someone close has betrayed you, Jesus knows that wound from the inside (Ps 41:9; Heb 4:15). His way doesn't mean pretending it didn't happen, and it doesn't mean trusting the person again right away. Forgiveness hands the right to revenge to God (Rom 12:19). Trust is rebuilt only by real repentance over time, and no one is required to stay in danger. Report abuse to the authorities.

Word study: verified (STEPBible)

hetairos (Greek, Strong's G2083): companion, comrade (Matt 26:50). Only Matthew uses it in the New Testament, and each time it addresses someone who is in the wrong, as a gentle but searching word (Matt 20:13; 22:12; 26:50).

Cross-reference trail

  1. Ps 41:9: A trusted friend who turned against David.
  2. Matt 26:21-25: Jesus knew in advance who would hand Him over.
  3. Luke 22:48: Jesus names the kiss for what it is.
  4. 1 Pet 2:21-23: Entrusting yourself to the One who judges justly.
  5. Rom 12:17-19: Leaving vengeance to God.

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, You were betrayed with a kiss. Hold my wound, guard me from bitterness, and help me to leave justice in Your hands.

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