Jesus knew exactly why Judas had come; moments earlier He had said, "he is at hand that doth betray me" (Matthew 26:46). Barnes explains, "This was said, not because he was ignorant why he had come, but probably to fill the mind of Judas with the consciousness of his crime, and by a striking question to compel him to think of what he was doing." Among several ways of reading the question, Gill offers this one: "is thy coming as a friend, or as an enemy? if as a friend, what means this company with swords and staves?" The kiss was the signal that told the crowd whom to seize (Matthew 26:48). Jesus' question set the greeting beside the swords.

Matthew records no answer from Judas. Instead, "Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him" (Matthew 26:50). Luke adds that Jesus also said, "Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:48). A disciple drew his sword, and Jesus told him to put it away (Matthew 26:51-52). Judas speaks again in Matthew only when he sees that Jesus is condemned: "I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood" (Matthew 27:3-4).

The word "Friend" translates hetairos, which Thayer defines as "a comrade, mate, partner," used in kindly address. Barnes notes that Greek has two words the KJV renders "friend," one implying "affection and regard," the other not; this one is nearer to "companion." Barnes points out that Matthew uses the same word for "the disaffected labourer in the vineyard" (Matthew 20:13) and for the guest without a wedding garment (Matthew 22:12).

The Greek of Jesus' question is very short, literally "for what you are here," which is why the ESV reads, "Friend, do what you came to do." Judas had set the sign in advance: "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast" (Matthew 26:48).

Even at the moment of betrayal, Jesus does not lash out. He calls Judas by a word of companionship and asks him a question, the last words Jesus speaks to him in Matthew. Gill says that because Christ had always treated Judas as "his familiar friend," the word "carried in it something very cutting, had Judas had any conscience, or sense of gratitude." Matthew Henry contrasts this with Peter: Jesus called Judas friend because he moved His sufferings forward, while He had called Peter "Satan" for trying to hold them back (Matthew 16:22-23).

Jesus was not trapped. He knew the hour had come (Matthew 26:45-46), and right after this He told His disciple that He could ask the Father for "more than twelve legions of angels" (Matthew 26:53). He let them take Him.