James Nisbet Commentary - Mark 14:46 - 14:46

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James Nisbet Commentary - Mark 14:46 - 14:46


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

BETRAYED AND FORSAKEN

‘And they laid their bands on Him, and took Him.’

Mar_14:46

I. Betrayed by a kiss.—Of all preconcerted signs possible, this was the one selected; as if to show what sin has in it, and what sin can do. In Judas the sin of humanity culminates. The kiss of Judas removed whatever awe might have stricken the soldiers, and whatever reluctance they might have felt to going on with their task. They instantly laid their hands on Him Who had been thus indicated, and began to bind Him in their own merciless fashion.

II. Forsaken by friends.—He who forsakes Christ forsakes perfection. It was not out of calm, set, deliberate purpose that they forsook their Lord. They were in a brief madness, and knew not what they did. Their souls were suddenly stormed, and the strength by which they had hitherto been kept was for the moment, and for their eventual good, withdrawn. ‘Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.’

Illustration

‘Think of the conduct of our Lord’s chosen Apostles, and see if it is possible for us to be like them. One betrays Him with a kiss. You belong to the band of Christ’s disciples—chosen by Him, pledged to serve Him, professing to love Him. See that you are not tempted to give Him up. No sin so hateful to man as treachery; and nothing so painful to Christ as when those who profess to be His go over to the enemy. All forsake Him. Although all had declared they would die with him (Mar_14:31), their courage failed; thought only of their own safety; showing how weak man is. If they had watched and prayed they would have been prepared. See how important that we should be ready. Only by watching and praying can we stand up for Jesus.’