Matthew 26:47-50

Matthew 26:47-50

And while he was still speaking, Judas – one of the Twelve – came, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs from the chief priests and elders of the people.  And the one who hands him over gave them a sign while saying, “Whom I should kiss is Him, seize Him.”  And immediately after approaching Jesus he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!”  And he kissed Him.  And Jesus said to Him, “Friend, for that which you are present.”  The after drawing near they put their hands upon Jesus and they seized Him.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

There are some very deep reasons for paying close attention to this passage to make sure that we get the true story.  Unfortunately, some of those things to which we should pay attention do not come across in the English.  For example, when it is said that Judas tells the chief priests that he will kiss Jesus, the Greek word is “phileo” (φιλέω), which just means “to give a kiss.”  But in the passage where Judas actually kisses Jesus, the word is “kataphileo” (καταφιλέω), which means to kiss repeatedly.  For context, it is this word that is used in Luke 7:38 in the story where a woman anoints Jesus feet with oil and kisses them.  This is a word that shows deeper concern and compassion than a simple kiss of greeting.  Because of this, I do not read this story as the story of a man who is betraying Jesus out of greed or a bitterness that comes from unrealized dreams.  Instead, I read this as a man who is sorrowful for the position Jesus is in.  I read this as a man who has handed over Jesus not because he genuinely wants Jesus to die but because he is trying to force Jesus’ hand in confrontation against the Romans and religious elite.  I read this as a man who is misguided and blinded by his own understanding, not as one who is angry and desires to stab Jesus in the back.

How does this thought help understand why the study of God’s Word is often more deep than the simple English words on the printed page?  How does this thought reveal to us a snippet of Judas’ mindset as this event unfolds?

Second Thought:

Second, let’s think about the context.  Did the religious leaders really need a witness to identify Jesus?  Had they not been in the temple and heard His words and scathing critique of their religious perspective?  Were they not already familiar with His teaching and for a long time now have they not been seeking a way to eliminate Him?  If we think ahead, do they actually even use Judas as a witness against Jesus?  No.  Judas’ actions here in the Garden of Gethsemane play no lasting role in the plan of the religious elite.  Judas doesn’t continue on trial after Jesus is arrested.  This kiss does not contextually read like a betrayer.  It reads very much like a genuine disciple greeting a person that he genuinely regards as his master.  It reads far more like Judas brought the people to Jesus so that the showdown could occur right here.  It reads like a misguided disciple who follows the wrong agenda.  There is no malice here, just mistake.

If this is true, why is Judas a man to be pitied?  Have you ever gotten yourself in trouble because while you meant to do the right thing you found yourself following the wrong agenda instead?

Third Thought:

I am always impressed with Jesus’ restraint.  He can still find it in His heart to call Judas a friend.  That’s even more reason to see Judas as a misguided disciple and not an angry and bitter betrayer.  But even when they come out to arrest Him, He is complaint.  He simply welcomes the abuse and says, “Do what you’ve come to do.”  There is no resistance here.  Jesus is complaint, humble, and obedient to the will of God.

Have you ever seen anyone embrace an evil that has been presented to them as Jesus embraces this mob and their evil intention?  What about Jesus’ response really makes this remarkable?  What about His response illustrates that He is truly God and gets His identity from the Father?

Passage for Tomorrow: Matthew 26:51-56