“While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. (Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him!’) Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi,’ and kissed him. Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you are here to do.’ Then they came and took hold of Jesus and arrested him.” —Matthew 26:47–50
Here we experience the hour when darkness was permitted to reign. When the Lord’s Passion began, it came on Him fiercely. Jesus had just arisen from laboring in fervent prayer and was still speaking to his disciples when evil interrupted the scene. Sometimes life happens that way. I am reminded of the calamities in blameless Job’s life. One calamity after another after another made it difficult for Job to even catch his breath much less process what had transpired:
“Now the day came when Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and a messenger came to Job, saying, ‘The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing beside them, and the Sabeans swooped down and carried them all away, and they killed the servants with the sword! And I—only I alone—escaped to tell you!’ While this one was still speaking, another messenger arrived and said, ‘The fire of God has fallen from heaven and has burned up the sheep and the servants—it has consumed them! And I—only I alone—escaped to tell you!’ While this one was still speaking another messenger arrived and said, ‘The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and carried them all away, and they killed the servants with the sword! And I—only I alone—escaped to tell you!’” —Job 1:13–19
Judas, the betrayer led the group of armed guards into one of Jesus’ private places of retreat. Only one of the disciples would have been so familiar with the specific areas of rest and refreshment of the Master. Without Judas’ help, it is unlikely the mob would have found Him. Luke tells us that Judas served the armed men as a guide:
“Brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through David concerning Judas—who became the guide for those who arrested Jesus—for he was counted as one of us and received a share in this ministry.” —Acts 1:16–17
Arresting Jesus in such an obscure place prevented any interference from the pilgrims present for the Passover that may have wanted to prevent His captivity. The group who came after Jesus was an oil and water group to be sure. Made up of Roman guards and the officers of the High Priest, this group remained at variance with each other yet in agreement against the Master. And what was their reason for His arrest? The warrant was issued from the great Sanhedrin as a person that was offensive to them. It was not Pilate the Roman governor who gave the warrant, rather men committed to religion under masks of pride and jealousy. They were the most spiteful enemies Christ had, and they wanted Him out of the picture.
The group’s pawn, Judas, willingly turned on his Master for a very small amount of money. He betrayed the Lord with the greeting of “Rabbi” (teacher), not “Lord,” and the kiss of a friend.
Everything had been planned so that there would be no mistaking whom the guards were to seize. Judas’ kiss was a part of the plan to distinguish Jesus, not to detain Him. The armed soldiers were there for that. How could Judas have looked into Jesus’ face and kissed Him as a sign of allegiance and friendship? Judas broke all laws of love and duty to serve his own purposes. There is no depth to which humanity can fall.
Become More
“The truly meek man is humble, gentle, patient, forgiving, and contented; the very opposite of the man who is proud, harsh, angry, revengeful, and ambitious. It is only the grace of God, as it works in us by the Holy Spirit, that can make us thus meek.” —Charles H. Spurgeon
Further Reflection
“Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for
it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Rather, if
your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in
doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by
evil, but overcome evil with good.” —Romans 12:19–21