Luke 22:47
And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
Luke 22:47
The betrayal unfolds: Judas, one of the twelve, leads a crowd toward Jesus to kiss him, a gesture of friendship turned instrument of betrayal. Luke emphasizes the dramatic reversal—an intimate farewell used as a prelude to arrest. The kiss, a counterfeit sign of affection, sets the stage for the crucifixion narrative’s tension and tragedy.
This moment highlights human failure within the inner circle and the reality of betrayal even among close companions. It also intensifies the drama of Jesus’s obedience: even as Judas acts, Jesus remains in control, fulfilling Scripture with a faithful response to the Father’s will.
Facing betrayal or the sense that someone close has wronged you can be reframed through Jesus’s handling of the moment. Practical steps: respond with measured grace rather than revenge; seek reconciliation where possible; pray for the person who hurt you while staying faithful to your own boundaries and values. Real-life example: a colleague who undermines you might trigger resentment—offer a prayer for them and choose constructive, not destructive, actions moving forward.
Cross-References: Matthew 26:47-50; John 13:21-27; Psalm 41:9; Acts 1:16-20; Romans 12:14-21