What A Kiss!

When is a kiss more than a kiss?

I always thought that the kiss Judas gave to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane must have been a simple peck on the cheek. Afterall, it was a sign of his betrayal . . . it marked Jesus out for arrest and execution!

What a shock for me this week when I discovered that the word used in Matthew's account of Jesus' arrest was an intensive verb form of the word "to kiss" and it implied a fervent and continuous expression of affection. Wow! Judas was a bigger creep than I thought . . . or as someone blurted out at Bible study this week after I shared this insight: "WHAT HYPOCRISY!" I couldn't agree more.

For me, however, there was also the thought that just as Judas betrayed Jesus in this most powerful way, so it is possible for me to "betray" him today. I give fervent worship and praise on Sunday mornings but do I proclaim loudly and long my devotion and love for him the rest of the week? Do I eagerly and openly tell others about Him and his sacrifice at the cross for them?

Betrayal is much more easily seen in the life of a 'Judas'. Lord, help us to see the betrayal in our own lives.