The story is as interesting as it is appalling. Betrayed by a friend you’ve known for years. You simply cannot turn away from all the grisly details. Who could imagine a show of affection would result in death? Some have said his destiny was “Sealed with a kiss”! With an ordinary greeting, a smile, and a kiss on the cheek, one man would die from such a simple gesture. What a horrifying turn of events. What started out as a peaceful evening, sharing a meal with friends, would turn into a “death sentence”! Two thousand years have passed and it still baffles wise men.
The setting is late in the evening in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is with his disciples, praying in a secluded garden. Jesus goes off by himself to pray alone. Jesus knows that this is the night history has been waiting for. Jesus is arrested and brought to the authorities; tried on false charges; quietly in the middle of the night and under the influence of the prince of darkness (Satan himself); and without any evidence. Although it looked as though Satan was getting the upper hand, everything was proceeding according to God’s plan. Every Roman and Jewish legality was ignored for expediency. Those who played a role in this tragedy weren’t aware that prophecy had to be fulfilled. Even though the events of the day were horrible, they had to happen. No death – no resurrection!
Even today, the kiss of death is still part of the mystery. The moment Judas kissed Jesus, his fate was sealed: Judas’ fate--not Jesus’! Jesus’ fate was already prophesied. Judas could have lived another 75 years, but betraying the Son of God was just too much. Mark 14:45 “And Judas leaned in to kiss Jesus…” It appears to be a fate worse than death!
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