The Kiss

While He was still speaking, behold, a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, “Stop! No more of this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber? While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours.” Luke 22:47-53



"Still speaking" to his sleepy-headed disciples. Those who should have been awake and praying for their own strength and stability in the coming calamity. In their human weakness, they had succumbed to physical and emotional exhaustion. Well, they're awake now, and the calamity has descended upon their Master. The crowd was approaching, led by Judas, the traitor. Of course he would know where to find Jesus: in His customary retreat, alone and praying. And he greeted Him with a kiss.

Jesus noted the irony in this act of betrayal, just as the disciples' heads cleared enough to see what was going on. Of course, being men, they entered battle mode, at least mentally, and Peter began swinging the sword. Jesus never intended for them to try to prevent His arrest, so He corrected Peter and repaired the slave's ear. He noted, also, that these people knew Him from their daily discussions in the temple, and had never attempted to arrest Him there. Ah, but this was their time of revealing who and what they really were. This was their hour of brief victory. Now, under the power of darkness, they would have their evil moment of triumph. But had they known the consequences of this dark deed, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory (I Corinthians 2:8).