“While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22.47-48
Typically when we think of kisses we might think of a first kiss between a boy and a girl—maybe a teenage kiss as they discover “puppy” love. Often in the Bible people greet one another with a holy kiss. We see this today in several European and Central American countries when they “peck” each cheek as a greeting, a sign of welcome more than affection.
The kiss Judas was about to plant on the cheek of Jesus was disguised as a kiss of loyalty and friendship but was actually a kiss of betrayal. It was a sign to the arresting Roman soldiers and the scheming Jews which prophet was actually Jesus. Although they had seen him regularly in the temple courts, confirmation from the mouth of Judas sealed the deal. Even Jesus calls out Judas as he approached: “Are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
Imagine that kind of hell for Judas—to be the one who betrayed God. Now it’s true that we have all sinned and betrayed Christ at one point in our lives because of our disobedience, so in reality we are not much better than Judas. But to be the one, the first, who so obviously turned Jesus over to the Jews—and he did so for a measly thirty pieces of silver. What? No gold? No rubies? No diamonds? Was the betrayal of Christ as cheap as it sounded?
Judas was one of the Twelve with a capital “T.” He was in the close-knit circle as a disciple who had walked with Jesus for three years. They had shared meals, slept next to each other, laughed and perhaps cried together. They were deeply bonded. But the moment Satan entered Judas’s heart (because Judas allowed him in, mind you), that bond was broken and betrayal was in the works.
From here I can either condemn us for being similar betrayers or discuss the redemptive nature of the cross—that betrayal was necessary in order for Jesus to go to the cross. God was always in control of the situation, even if control meant allowing this series of events to happen so that Jesus indeed became the Lamb of God who would wash away our sin.
It’s a paradox that God sent his Son to die because of sin, and the act of Judas is reflective of the act of every human heart—longing toward meeting our own personal desires but struggling with the choice to seek holiness and please God with our daily lives.
We are Judas. But God is good. We are sinners. But Christ is just. We cannot earn our way to salvation; it’s a gift freely offered to a whole mess of sinful people who, without the Cross, would be utterly helpless and hopeless in our sin.
This message is one of rescue in the middle of distress. Just as we identify with Judas, so we rely upon the mercy of God to save us from our sin and anoint us with his Spirit, marking our salvation and our sanctification.
Let’s return to the Lord this day. Let’s confess our sins, reject the sin that so easily entangles, and press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward.
“O Lord God, you are good. Today is the day of salvation. You have called and gathered your people to come to your throne on bended knee to bow, to confess, to find forgiveness in your Cross. Come now, Holy Spirit, redeem us and restore what was lost. Help us turn quickly to you, resisting temptation and finding our hope in you alone. I love you, Lord, and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.