Matthew 26:47-56 The Arrest

While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? “How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?” At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me. “But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled. [Matthew 26:47-56 NASB]

Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, and Jesus responded, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Even in his betrayal, Jesus did not look upon Judas as an enemy, but had compassion for him, and called him "friend". Had Judas repented and sought forgiveness, I believe he would have received it. 

When we perceive an insult or injury, we may, with difficulty, learn to forgive. But though the person is forgiven, we will still tend to keep our distance. It is even possible that, in time, a friendship may be rekindled. But how many of us will be able to look our betrayer in the eye, and in the moment of betrayal, call him "friend". That is the character of Jesus. And that is the character that we should want to aspire to.

The gospel of John in chapter 18 adds an interesting aspect of this scene. When the crowds approached, Jesus asked them, "Whom do you seek?" 

They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He said to them, “I Am.” And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them. So when He said to them, “I Am,” they drew back and fell to the ground. [John 18:5-6 NASB]

(Note that many English translations render the Greek word "eimi" as "I am he". The word "he" is added for readability, but is not in the original, and is more accurately translated, "I am".)

This brings to mind Moses at the burning bush. When Moses asked God His name the scripture says;

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” [Exodus 3:14 NASB]

The power of Jesus' declaration of divinity caused to the crowd to draw back and fall to the ground.

What is apparent in this scene is that, although Jesus is the one being arrested, He is the one who is in control. He stopped Peter from fighting, and potentially starting a bloody battle. According to Luke, Jesus healed the slave's ear that Peter cut off.

He further displays His divine authority when he says, “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" I think an army of more that 6,000 angels could have effectively destroyed the entire Roman army, much less a crowd with swords and clubs.

Having already come to terms with it in prayer, Jesus was determined to fulfill the prophecies, and redeem mankind. Jesus allowed Himself to be arrested; not because He was overwhelmed by numbers or by armament, but because He loved the us enough to die for us.