Betrayed With A Kiss

(Luke 22:47-53)

Here we see the betrayal of Jesus when Judas led a crowd against Him and betrayed him with a kiss. Jesus was in the garden at Gethsemane waiting for them to come for he knew the hour of His betrayal was at hand. He had just been praying that he would not be tempted to escape this hour asking the Father if this cup could be removed, but now the time had come when the powers of darkness would prevail for it was their time.

The Betrayal

Jesus knew this was the time of the evil one. He said to Judas, “Judas, would you betray the Son of man with a kiss?” (Verse 48) Judas was under the power of Satan at this time and carrying out the desires of the evil one to betray Jesus into the hands of the chief priests who sought Jesus’ death.

We see that the chief priests did not come by themselves but brought a crowd. And this crowd were incited to violence for they came out against Jesus with weapons; clubs and swords. Why would they think it necessary to take Jesus by force in such a way? As Jesus himself said to them, “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.” (Verse 52-53)

He had preached peace, forgiveness and the power of God for several years in the temple, and yet these people believed they needed to take him violently.

But Jesus recognised what was occurring for after he pointed out their violence he said, “But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” (Verse 53) This was the time when Satan was permitted to take Jesus so that He would be led away to his death. Little did the men know that this was the plan of God and through Jesus death all mankind would be able to receive the grace of God and be freed from sin.

Jesus Compassion

Even though He was taken in violence, we see the compassion of Jesus. We see in action how he fulfilled His own words when he said to “Love your enemies.” (Matthew 5:44)

One of the men with Jesus struck the slave of the high priest with a sword and cut off his ear. In John 18:10 we see that it was Peter who carried out this act. But we see Jesus’ response saying, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.” (Verse 51)

In spite of the violence that was being brought against Jesus, he still showed compassion for the afflicted and took the time to heal the slave of the main man opposing him, the high priest. Can you imagine what must have been going through the mind of Malchus, the slave of the high priest? Having been struck and losing his right ear to be immediately healed and have it replaced? One wonders what must have become of this man later on after the resurrection and the rise of the disciples.

In the face of his enemies Jesus still stood doing the works of God and showing all of us how we must live our lives. He still walked in the love of God and showed Gods love as his enemies were about to drag him away to trial and death. There is a tremendously powerful example of love and compassion that Jesus left us in this action that we need to heed and learn.

(Picture sourced from ChristiansUnite.com)

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