Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 22:47-48.
TEXT: But Jesus said to him, "Judas, would you
betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"
(Luke 22:48).

Jesus awakens His disciples. While He is telling
them to stay awake and pray, Jewish temple
guards come forward with Judas at the lead. They
come in force to maintain control, as they take
Jesus into custody. Their presence will be
especially necessary if word should get out to the
great crowd of Jewish pilgrims, hanging on Jesus'
words in the temple.

The large number of temple guards is worthless.
If Jesus didn't want to be arrested, He could
overpower all of them with a word, or He could call
on His Father to send an angel army 72,000 strong.
Instead, He submits to His Father's will. But He
does not remain silent. He speaks one last time to
Judas, trying to awaken his conscience. "Judas,
are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" The
betrayer's hypocrisy is striking, using something as
familiar as a kiss and making it the instrument by
which he would deliver Jesus over to His enemies.

But Judas does not see his guilt or his shame. He
kisses Jesus in order to distinguish Him from the
other disciples. But even this is unnecessary. Jesus
is already stepping forward to put Himself in their hands.

This must have been one of the most painful things
for Jesus. In this bitter betrayal, one that He loved
now turned against Him with a simple kiss. But that
was not all. Jesus knew Judas wouldn't recognize the
terrible thing he just did, and later he would rush off in
despair and take his own life.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, how sharp the pain You suffered as Judas
whom You loved betrayed You with  a kiss! Forgive me
the times I thoughtlessly betray You.    Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)