Treachery to Christ
B. Beddome, M. A. Luke 22:47-53 And while he yet spoke, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them… I. Observe, THE PERSON ADDRESSED — Judas. One on whom the Saviour had conferred many benefits, and who had made an open profession of His name. Betrayest thou! II. Observe, the PERSON SPEAKING — Jesus. The title which Jesus here assumes, in calling Himself the Son of Man, may teach us the following things — 1. That He is really and properly Man, as well as truly Divine. 2. The phrase, Son of Man, seems intended to denote the meanness of Christ's origin, and the poverty of His outward condition. 3. Christ's assumption of this character may teach us to consider Him as the Saviour of all nations; or of all that ever will be saved, out of every kindred, tongue, and people: He is not the Son of this or that particular people, but the Son of Man, and the Saviour of all them that believe, by whatever name they may be distinguished. 4. The term Son of Man seems to have been prefigured and foretold as a title which belonged to the expected Messiah. III. THE QUESTION WHICH JESUS PUTS TO THE TRAITOR: "Betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?" Improvement: 1. We have here a loud call to be jealous of our own hearts, and to exercise a holy watchfulness over them. More especially, if we regard our immortal interests, let us carefully avoid the following things — (1) Self-confidence. The fear of falling is a good security against it. (2) The secret indulgence of any sin: this was the ruin of Judas. (3) Beware of a profession without principle, the form of godliness without the power. Those who have no root in themselves will soon wither away. 2. We see how far a person may go in the way to heaven, and yet fall short of it. 3. Let us admire and adore the infinite wisdom of God, who brought so much real good out of so much aggravated evil. (B. Beddome, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. WEB: While he was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him.