A Judas Kiss

A Judas Kiss

When I was a boy, my brother Michael asked me to distract our mother so he could get some candy out of the candy bowl; we were not allowed to take any without permission. I went to my mom and kissed her face multiple times. I said, “mom, I love you so much.” Once I got the signal, I ended my Oscaresque performance and retreated to the room to get my share of the candy. My brother had other ideas. He did not share any of the candy with me. So I did what any self respecting younger sibling would do, I told my mom what he had done. 

My mother looked at me and said, “Oh, you gave me a ‘Judas kiss!’” In that moment, I did not know what that meant. However, the first time I read today’s passage, I understood. 

How sad it is that we would use our status as a friend or loved one to deceive them for nefarious reasons. Is there much worse than that?

How high are good character and integrity on your list of personal traits? If you want to live in a right relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit, you need to make them a high priority. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 26:47-49

47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.”49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 26:47-68; Proverbs 8:27-32