THE WORD 4 ev 1

Matthew 26:48 - Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them; “The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him.”

“Dad, will you take a picture of us?” It was Jenny’s eighth-grade graduation banquet. She, Julie, and Nathan were standing under the arbor set up especially for capturing the evening’s picture memories. “Dad, count out loud and snap it on three.” Uh oh! Poor Nathan. I know these girls and have no doubt what is coming. “One, two…” SMACK! Terrific athletes with perfect timing, the girls got on tiptoe, turned, and Nathan received a kiss on each cheek just as the flash went off. I felt like I had betrayed him.

In the case of the graduation banquet, things worked out all right. Jenny, Julie, and Nathan are great friends. Nathan’s parents even requested a re-enactment, but they had to settle for a copy of my picture.

Judas’ kiss was much different. I can’t recall another time when such a sign of love and affection was used in such a terrible way—to betray a close friend. In this case, it was Judas’ own teacher, his Lord and Savior. Yes, I said Savior. Remember, the once-and-for-all sacrifice? Jesus died for all, even Judas.

The sad part of Judas’ story isn’t that he betrayed Jesus but that after returning the blood money to the Jewish leaders and trying to undo what he had done, Judas did not turn to Jesus to seek forgiveness. Instead, he hung himself. He missed accepting Jesus as his Savior, a Savior who would forgive even that kiss in the Garden.

Is there something you are carrying that you feel is too big, too terrible for Jesus to forgive? I invite you to turn it over to Him today.

THE PRAYER: Dear Savior, I bring all my sins to You, especially those heavier burdens. Send Your Spirit to guide me and bring peace to my troubled heart. Amen.