A Betrayer’s Kiss

While he was still speaking, suddenly a mob came, and one of the Twelve named Judas was leading them. He came near Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:47-48

“Beware the ides of March”! These ominous-sounding words are often identified with gloom and darkness related to one of the famous quotes in William Shakespeare’s play, “Tragedy of Julius Caesar.” Before Shakespeare wrote his play, March 15 was just a normal day. Now it is known for the conspiracy, betrayal, and death associated with the assassination of Julius Caesar. On this day in history, a group of nobles led by Caesar’s friends and associates, Gaius Cassius Longinus and Marcus Junius Brutus violently killed him on the steps of the senate.

Betrayal by an enemy might be understandable and potentially expected. However, it is the betrayal by a friend that leaves one heartbroken and deflated. We know danger comes from all kinds of situations and people, but in our hearts, we never expect it from a friend. Proverbs tell us, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.” (17:17) Then when it is a friend that betrays us, we are left devasted. Betrayal by a friend can then leave you feeling doubtful of other friendships and relationships.

Retired pastor Robert Berendt writes that “We humans experience many problems in life—and for that reason, we seek those we can trust to support and stand by us. When we find such a person, we slowly let down our guard and, in time, there are few areas of life that we will not share. We reveal that which lies deep in our hearts and we become vulnerable because of the revelation of our weaknesses.”

Without a doubt, history’s most infamous betrayal took place in the darkness of night in the quiet, still place called Gethsemane. It must have broken Jesus’ heart to watch Judas approaching. There were countless meals together, deep prayer times, and sharing the deep things of his heart with a friend. Did a tear fall from Jesus’ eye as He felt the kiss of betrayal upon his face? “Friend, Jesus asked him, “why have you come?” Jesus knew the answer, yet till the end, He reached out to Judas with grace and redemption.

Betrayed…how could my friend do such a thing?

Betrayed…will I ever again feel the certainty of trust?

Betrayed…only You God can again give me hope.

“You are betrayed. Bitten with a snake’s kiss. It’s more than rejection. Rejection opens a wound; betrayal pours the salt. It’s more than loneliness. Loneliness leaves you in the cold; betrayal closes the door. It’s more than mockery. Mockery plunges the knife; betrayal twists it. It’s more than an insult. An insult attacks your pride; betrayal breaks your heart.” -Max Lucado

Jesus would walk out of that garden alone, surrounded only by his enemies. Where are those who called him friend, teacher, and even Messiah?  Judas may have been the one who placed the kiss of betrayal upon his face but the others’ betrayal was just as sinister and maybe even more devasting. If only Peter had walked with him to Pilate’s house. Jesus needed to hear a word of encouragement from John. Did Jesus look around for James, Thomas, Andrew, and the others? They were all gone.

“Are we, like the disciples, full of bluster one minute, sleep the next, and confused shame the next? Are we ready to betray Jesus if it suits our other plans, or if he fails to live up to our expectations? Or are we prepared to keep watch with him in the garden, sharing his anguished prayer? We are not called to repeat his unique moment of suffering; he went through that alone on behalf of us all. But as Christian writers from the very beginning (i.e. Paul) have seen, it is part of normal Christian experience that we, too, should be prepared to agonize in prayer as we await our own complete redemption and that of all creation. The church is called to live in the middle of this great scene: surrounded by confusion, false loyalty, direct attack and traitor’s kisses, those who name the name of Christ must stay in the garden with him until the Father’s will is done.” –N. T. Wright

As we approach Easter in a few weeks, sit with Jesus’ words out of Mark.

“Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed…Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? ‘Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (part of passage out of Mark 14:32-42)

The darkness of that night finally gave way to the morning light of the resurrection.  The sting of betrayal was finally washed away by grace found on the rugged frame of a cross. The betrayers who came for redemption were overwhelmed that morning with love and forgiveness. Today, whether we are the betrayed or the betrayer, Easter gives us hope to face life again, the renewal of soul and mind, and the confident assurance that God is with us till the end!

God is great!