Saturday, April 21, 2012

April 21 – Betrayed with a Kiss

Matthew 26:47-56

Judas, accompanied by a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people, went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Kiss-Kiss. Mostly only lovers, close friends and immediate family kiss in the United States. This week at the shopping mall near my neighborhood and I was aware of lots of people kissing. Is this a Spring thing?  It’s that time of year when people just seem to be more affectionate. Kiss-Kiss.

Betrayed with a kiss.  Judas didn’t just point Jesus out in the Garden—he went up to Him, real friendly like, and kissed Him. He had arranged that the man he kissed would be arrested. It was common in Jewish culture to greet others with a kiss on the cheek, so that was not unusual.  What was unusual was that the crowd with Judas was armed with swords and clubs.  Peter pulled out his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s slave—but Jesus touched his ear and healed him (Luke 22:51). So Jesus was arrested and taken away, fulfilling prophesy of Scripture. The disciples left Him and fled.  Just as Jesus predicted, the disciples denied Him and left.

Lord, I don’t want to ever deny or betray you.  

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

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