The Judas Kiss
The Judas Kiss
48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
Matthew 26:48-49
Hollywood couldn’t have done a more dramatic scene and in fact has copied this aspect of Jesus’ life in many films. Known as the kiss of death, it takes something that should be positive, heartfelt and loving and turns it into an act of betrayal, pain and death. What could have gotten into Judas’ heart to think of a kiss as a way to betray his master? Although not in the Bible, I would suggest it was Satan himself who put that in his heart. You can easily imagine a similar scene in heaven when Lucifer first began to doubt and question God. As his heart hardened and began to hate, how many times did he smile and show kindness to his God, while only wishing evil for him?
44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
John 8:44
How painful must it been for Jesus to say these words. The Jews were his people, the very ones he protected, saved and deliveries from enemies. He loved them and blessed them like no other people on earth. But once he was standing in front of them, they not only rejected him, but also planned his death. That is why his words are truth.
When we are born in this world, we really are sons of the devil, born in sin and enemies of God. But God works with all his strength to adopt us into his family. He tries everything to make us sons of God.
If we don’t bend and allow God to enter, we remain children of the devil and act out his evil wishes. How many times have we given a Judas kiss in this world? How many times have we betrayed Christ for earthly gain or pleasure? When we do, we are puppets of the devil and reenact all the things he would like to do himself to God.
May we chose to not be imprisoned by the deadly ruler of this current place! We have a deliverer who can free us from this sinful bondage. Let us give our hearts to God and live a life that praises him and honors him. May we kiss his check, not in a sign of death but with eternal gratitude and love.
God bless,
Pr. Steven Couto