A Kiss

While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
Luke 22:47–53
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A Kiss
How could Judas do such a thing? Afterall, he had witnessed, what could be worth betraying his friend, teacher, and Messiah? We know from God’s Word that it was but a few silver coins that would do it. And when the time came, a kiss, the most affection sign between friends, would be the sign which the devil would use to ensnare our Lord. Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss. But Jesus, even in this most tense and hurtful circumstance does not repay evil with evil. Jesus, in mercy, heals the servant’s severed ear. The conflict between Jesus and the forces of darkness had escalated. And this darkness still would surround us today. Yet, God used that night of betrayal in an olive grove to overcome the darkness and usher in His everlasting light. May His light continue to disperse the night of Satan, so that we remain faithful to Him.