Matthew 26:47-49 - While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
I've always wondered why Judas concocted this relatively elaborate scheme for identifying who Jesus was to the mob that was following him. I would think at least some of them already knew him. Did Judas tell them before they got there that it was Jesus they were going to capture? Perhaps not.
Still, why the fuss? Why not just point to him when they arrived and say, "Take him."? Would there really have been any doubt as to which guy to grab?
Was the plan supposed to trick the 11 disciples into thinking nothing bad was going to happen so they wouldn't be upset or be on the defensive? If so, it didn't work as fas as Peter was concerned.
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