This post is part of a series that will take us up to the Easter holiday that celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord.
Mark 14:43–52 (ESV) – 43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled.
51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.
Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. The very thing that was a symbol of love and affection was used to hand over Jesus to the authorities. How could it come to this? How could Judas spend over three years with Jesus, a man known for his love, compassion, wisdom, and divine authority, and then betray him for money? We ask these questions, but inwardly we know that our sin could pull us in the same direction if it were not for God’s grace at work in our lives.
With the events of the betrayal, things are set in motion that will quickly lead us to the cross where our Savior will be crucified. As we get closer and closer to Good Friday and Easter, let us be sure to set aside time each day to read the sacred words of Scripture that describe these events and let us let those same words sink deep into our hearts and minds so that we can gain a greater appreciation for all Christ has done for us.
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