JUDAS KISSES JESUS (LUKE 22:47-53)

REFLECTION

Judas kisses Jesus is the theme for our reflection. A kiss is a touch with the lip as a sign of love. What could make a person sacrifice his faithfulness and loyalty, and betray his friend and master with a kiss? The answer is greed and the love of money. When we find ourselves in the hands of our betrayers and enemies what must be our response? The answer is, to follow the example of Jesus no matter how painful or challenging the situation is.

Our first lesson is that greed and the love of money made Judas betray His friend and Master with a kiss. Judas broke two important rules of friendship and relationship because of his love for money. Rule number one, you must not share the secrets of your friend nor give information on his or her whereabouts or hideout to his or her enemies, this action immediately renders you an enemy. Rule number two, friendship or relationship is priceless, never sell or trade it for a price, no matter how colossal the amount. Judas broke these rules and therefore made a kiss which ought to be a symbol of love and loyalty become a symbol of betrayal. While he (Jesus) was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:47-48) It is important to note that you may not be different from Judas if you talk ill or discuss your friend in bad faith with others and then you later sit with the same friend to eat or engage in a hearty chat with a beautiful and affectionate smile. Judas failed to listen to the warning of Jesus ahead of that fateful night because his heart was filled with greed and love for money. We remember Jesus warned Judas saying  ““The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:23-24) Judas would later find the consequences of his betrayal unbearable, unfortunately, he committed suicide. Beloved in the Lord, love, faithfulness or loyalty are the antidotes to the virus of betrayal in every relationship. We must never waver nor be influenced by money to do the forbidden for the consequences may be tragically disastrous and unbearable.

Secondly, Jesus teaches us how to deal with our enemies. Jesus teaches us not to retaliate but to see the peace and welfare of our enemies. When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. (Luke 22:49-51) This may be a difficult and unreasonable lesson yet to be a genuine disciple of Christ, you must learn to say with Christ, “…not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). It may appear to our enemies that they have hurt us and will destroy us but the good news is that they do not have the final say, God is the final determinant of our fate, therefore it was confirmed by eyewitnesses in 1 Corinthians 15:4 that Jesus ...was raised on the third day. Paul further encouraged us by explaining the Christian’s response towards the orchestrations of enemies as the disciples of Christ. Paul wrote “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17-21) We can only live at peace with our enemies and seek their welfare without retaliating when we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and follow His examples. Again, with the assurance that it is God’s to avenge we must rely on His strength, vindication and elevation in times of suffering.

In summary, we have discovered that greed and the love of money can lead us to sin and betrayal. We must love and remain faithful or loyal in our relationship irrespective of the entrapments or temptations. Again, even if we become victims of betrayal and the orchestrations of our enemies, we must follow the example of Jesus by not retaliating or seeking revenge. We must seek the welfare of our enemies and allow God to strengthen us and fight our battles for us. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit give us a clean conscience and strengthen us to be faithful in our relationships. May you grant us the strength and grace to endure suffering without retaliation so that the will of God will be done in our lives. Amen

Jean-Paul Agidi (Rev)