IT’S IN HIS KISS
Opening Prayer
Jesus, strengthen me for this day. Only You know what is coming my way; prepare my spirit to reflect who You are.
Read Mark 14:43–52
Jesus Arrested
43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.
44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.
51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
New International Version (NIV)
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Reflect
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” (Proverbs 27:6). Have you ever felt betrayed?The moment of decision: the mob turns up to arrest Jesus. Before the betrayal Judas not only arranged to identify the “guilty” man, but also gave orders as to what to do with Him: “arrest Him and lead Him away under guard” (43,44).
These are very specific orders. How much was Judas in collusion with the leaders? Had they given him authority to order the guards? Did this show that Judas thought Jesus would fight back? Perhaps Judas suspected something (Matthew 26:53). Judas had known Jesus almost as long as the other disciples. Maybe he thought that Jesus was only human after all, thus the betrayal in the kindly manner of greeting. No need for shouting, Jesus’ bewilderment would be sufficient for the guards to do their business – but it would be the kiss of death to both.
And what of the other disciples? What of us, looking on the scene now? What would we have done at Jesus’ arrest? What do we do now? There are two choices: to “exit stage left” or to follow to see what happens. What are we to do?
Apply
Some disciples fled, Peter tried to fight. Neither was the correct response at that time. What’s your go-to response, fight or fight? Ask God to help you seek His response before you act in tricky situations.
Closing prayer
Jesus, I don’t want to just react to the world and the situations that come against me, I want to choose to act in a godly way. Help me.
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