The Confrontation

The Confrontation

Matthew 26:47-50, NLT

And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” 49So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. 50Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.

Setting the Scene

Judas, who left the Last Supper early (John 13:27-30), went to the religious leaders to whom he had spoken earlier (Matthew 26:14-16). With Judas acting as the official accuser, the leaders issued a warrant for Jesus’ arrest. Judas led the group to one of Jesus’ retreats, where no onlookers would interfere with them.

Judas, “the traitor,” had told the crowd to arrest the man whom he would “kiss.” A kiss on the cheek or hand was a common form of greeting in the Middle East, so this was not unusual. Greeting Jesus with feigned affection, Judas called him “Rabbi” and kissed him. A rabbi did not have an official ecclesiastical position like a pastor today, but the title was an unofficial sign of respect. Judas showed himself the ultimate traitor. He had eaten with Jesus only hours before, and here he used a sign of friendship and affection in his betrayal.

When Jesus addressed Judas as “my friend,” he was demonstrating his love for this man who was pretending love and respect while betraying him. Both Jesus and Judas knew what was going on, yet Jesus was still in charge and gave Judas permission to proceed: “Go ahead and do what you have come for.”

Getting Personal

When have you felt distant from God? What caused the problem in your relationship with him?

How does understanding Jesus’ love for you affect how you respond to him?

What amazing love! Jesus accepted Judas’s kiss and addressed him as “friend,” knowing full well this was a one-way friendship. Judas was a traitor, pretending affection while betraying his “friend” and leader. The Bible is very clear that God loves the world (John 3:16) and would like everyone to repent and have eternal life (2 Peter 3:9). His love is constant and consistent, extended even to the Judases among us.

When you feel distant from God, remember Jesus in the garden extending his love to a traitor. He waits for you to return to him, with genuine repentance and faith, to greet you with the words “my friend.”

Talking to God

Consider your attitudes and actions, and confess to the Lord any that may have damaged or interrupted your relationship. Acknowledge that he has never left you, and thank him for his persistent, forgiving love.