WEDNESDAY April 5, 2023
Betrayed with a Kiss
Then He [Jesus] came the third time and said to them [His disciples], “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
Mark 14:41-42
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus agonized in prayer. He had asked His disciples to watch and pray, but three times he found them sleeping. Could they not watch and pray with Him? It was too late; His hour had come! The Son of Man was to going to be betrayed into the hands of sinners!
Judas, a thief and a betrayer, drew close leading a multitude with swords and clubs. Among them were the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Judas was privileged to be one of the Twelve. He walked closely with Jesus and the other disciples. He heard His teachings and saw the miracles He performed––the lame walking and the blind able to see.
Jesus spoke of Judas’ betrayal at the last supper, saying: “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me’ ” (John 13:18). What Scripture was fulfilled? Psalm 41:9: Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
Why did Judas so willingly betray Jesus? He was greedy for money. Covetousness motivated his betrayal: ...Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-15). How would Judas betray Jesus? With a kiss. ...he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:47-48).
Betrayal from a friend is so painful.
Let me be on my guard when the world puts on a loving face, for it will, if possible, betray me as it did my Master, with a kiss.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
