Mark 14:44-46

New International Version

Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him.

For Meditation

Growing up in a village in the early fifties, I rarely saw displays of affection. Kissing wasn’t the norm. Like many of my contemporaries, I had to learn how to express affection through kissing as I got older. It took some time.

I discovered that a kiss held significance beyond mere marital affection. It was a way to convey warmth in greetings, welcome, appreciation, and farewells, including goodnights at home, and so much more. I realized a kiss carried deep meaning, requiring both the giver and receiver to understand its purpose. You don’t kiss without love, affection, and genuine fondness. That’s what handshakes are for.

As my understanding deepened, I realized that people sometimes faked these things. Hate hung over their hugs and kisses in public. What hypocrisy! I became sociable, but a little cautious. Then I met Judas Iscariot in the Garden of Gethsemane. He took me through a course in “Kissing 102”, and that is when I learned that kissing could be a sign of betrayal. What a rude awakening that was (Mk. 14:43-46).

Why would such a close friend of Jesus, who sat under His teachings, ate and drank with Him, and ministered in His name, betray Him with a kiss (45)? The hypocrisy of calling Jesus “Rabbi” was revolting. What went wrong?

Judas never truly belonged to Christ. His membership fulfilled God’s plan (John 6:70), but his heart was corrupt from the start. However, he became the treasurer among the disciples (John 13:29). John tells us Judas was a thief (12:6). The love of money consumed him and led to all sorts of wickedness, ultimately destroying him (Matthew 27:5; cf. 1 Timothy 6:10). This was the heart of Satan’s willing tool, and his kiss betrayed the Son (Mark 14:45).

Many Judases abound in the church today, and as he remained anonymous and even admired until Jesus revealed him (Jn. 13:26-27), we cannot sit in judgment over them, but discern. The important thing is our heart’s condition in this matter, for the Lord will reveal it in due time (Heb. 4:12-13).

So, what is in your kiss? How do you feel about the person you just kissed, even your spouse? Was it motivated by love or hatred? Did you fake it, or did it come from a sincere heart? Can the one you kiss in the office and church trust your warmth, or would it be a kiss of death?

May God help us all!

Pray with Me

I stand in awe of your knowledge, as David expresses in Psalm 139:1-6. Indeed, I cannot hide my hatred and pretensions behind my kiss with you. However, I have done that several times with others. Forgive me, Lord, and deliver me from myself. Purify my heart, I pray, and let my ways be straight before you always, in the matchless name of Jesus. Amen.

Photo by Odd Rune Falch on Pexels.com