Matthew 26:47-50
And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him."
Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed Him.
But Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?"
Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.
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The Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed by one of His disciples.
He was then arrested to be executed on a cross.
*******
The Lord Jesus Christ was speaking to His 11 disciples when the crowd approached Him, climbing up the Mount of Olives.
*******
It was Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him, one of the 12.
It was hard to believe that Judas Iscariot who knew the Lord Jesus Christ intimately would betrayed Him.
*******
Judas Iscariot arrived with the multitude early Friday morning.
He was motivated by greed.
He was also possessed by Satan at that time.
He rallied the Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers to capture the Lord Jesus Christ.
********
Satan knew the right moment had come.
He entered into Judas Iscariot to see the plan to its conclusion.
*******
The servant of the high priest was with the crowd.
He was an important person, serving as an assistant to the high priest, who held the highest religious office in the land.
*******
It was dark.
They needed a sign so they wouldn’t grab the wrong person.
Judas Iscariot chose to use a kiss to signal the betrayal.
*******
A kiss was a sign of affection, love, and intimacy.
The kiss of Judas Iscariot was most despicable.
*******
It would be bad enough to betray a friend.
But Judas Iscariot sold out the very Son of God!
*******
It was inconceivable that a man could return such treachery for divine love.
*******
As soon as the Lord Jesus Christ came into view, Judas Iscariot said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" Then he kissed Him.
But the Lord Jesus Christ said to him, "Friend, why have you come?"
*******
Judas Iscariot was a false disciple.
He loved money.
He lived for today.
He wanted glory and success.
He had a greater regard for things than he did for God.
He had a greater desire for self than He did for the Lord Jesus Christ.
*******
Judas Iscariot kissed the Lord Jesus Christ to kill Him.
*******
But Judas Iscariot was not the only one.
People like him exist in every age, even today.
They pretend to love the Lord Jesus Christ.
But in reality are greedy, deceitful, and hypocritical.
They follow the Lord Jesus Christ for what they might receive: a salved conscience, peace of mind, reputation, self-satisfaction, or improved profits in business.
They would sell the Lord Jesus Christ if they could see greater gain somewhere else.
*******
One day we will find ourselves in our own garden of Gethsemane.
Will we stand with the crowd?
Will we betray the Lord Jesus Christ like Judas Iscariot?
Will we run away with the disciples?
Or will we stand beside the triumphant Savior?
And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him."
Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed Him.
But Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?"
Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.
----------------------------------------
The Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed by one of His disciples.
He was then arrested to be executed on a cross.
*******
The Lord Jesus Christ was speaking to His 11 disciples when the crowd approached Him, climbing up the Mount of Olives.
*******
It was Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him, one of the 12.
It was hard to believe that Judas Iscariot who knew the Lord Jesus Christ intimately would betrayed Him.
*******
Judas Iscariot arrived with the multitude early Friday morning.
He was motivated by greed.
He was also possessed by Satan at that time.
He rallied the Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers to capture the Lord Jesus Christ.
********
Satan knew the right moment had come.
He entered into Judas Iscariot to see the plan to its conclusion.
*******
The servant of the high priest was with the crowd.
He was an important person, serving as an assistant to the high priest, who held the highest religious office in the land.
*******
It was dark.
They needed a sign so they wouldn’t grab the wrong person.
Judas Iscariot chose to use a kiss to signal the betrayal.
*******
A kiss was a sign of affection, love, and intimacy.
The kiss of Judas Iscariot was most despicable.
*******
It would be bad enough to betray a friend.
But Judas Iscariot sold out the very Son of God!
*******
It was inconceivable that a man could return such treachery for divine love.
*******
As soon as the Lord Jesus Christ came into view, Judas Iscariot said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" Then he kissed Him.
But the Lord Jesus Christ said to him, "Friend, why have you come?"
*******
Judas Iscariot was a false disciple.
He loved money.
He lived for today.
He wanted glory and success.
He had a greater regard for things than he did for God.
He had a greater desire for self than He did for the Lord Jesus Christ.
*******
Judas Iscariot kissed the Lord Jesus Christ to kill Him.
*******
But Judas Iscariot was not the only one.
People like him exist in every age, even today.
They pretend to love the Lord Jesus Christ.
But in reality are greedy, deceitful, and hypocritical.
They follow the Lord Jesus Christ for what they might receive: a salved conscience, peace of mind, reputation, self-satisfaction, or improved profits in business.
They would sell the Lord Jesus Christ if they could see greater gain somewhere else.
*******
One day we will find ourselves in our own garden of Gethsemane.
Will we stand with the crowd?
Will we betray the Lord Jesus Christ like Judas Iscariot?
Will we run away with the disciples?
Or will we stand beside the triumphant Savior?
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