Matthew Chapter 26 reports that on Wednesday, Judas would solve the problem the chief priests and elders faced (when and where to have Jesus arrested). They were conspiring together, trying to find a way to arrest “in a treacherous way and kill Him [Jesus].” [vs 5 HCSB]
While the actual betrayal would not take place for another day, Judas made a fateful decision. Judas would, for 30 pieces of silver, betray Jesus as soon as he could find a “good opportunity.” [vs 14-16 HCSB]
After walking with Jesus for years, Judas for whatever reason, chose to join the conspiracy of the chief priests and elders. He chose to surrender his teacher, his friend to those who hated Him. When the actual betrayal took place, Judas identified Jesus with a kiss. He told the mob sent by the chief priests and elders “The One I kiss, He’s the One; arrest Him!” [26:47 HCSB]
Jesus’ response to the kiss of betrayal? “’Friend,’ Jesus asked him, ‘why have you come?’” [26:50 HCSB]
Friend.
As I think of this betrayal, I am reminded of Psalm 55. David, too, was betrayed by a friend, Ahithophel. He wrote of his anguish. “Now it is not an enemy who insults me … it is not a foe who rises up against me …. But it is you … my companion and good friend! We used to have close fellowship; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.” [v12-14 HCSB]
I wonder if Jesus thought of Psalm 55 as Judas betrayed Him with a kiss?
