# 712 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 14:43 And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely."
Judas arrives with the sword carrying soldiers, and the billy club carrying temple police, and a throng of ambulance chasers. John adds the fact that they were also carrying torches. Sounds like a lynch mob to me, and if we put ourselves in the shoes of the disciples, it must've been a fairly frightening experience.
Judas is necessary here for the fulfillment of prophecy, and he knew the likely location of Jesus and His disciples. He is the paid leader, the informant if you will and naturally would be in the lead as they approached Christ. The Roman police wouldn't necessarily know who Jesus was and so it was necessary for Judas to identify Him, and he does so with a most unusual gesture. He kisses Him.
Let the words, “whomever I kiss,” sink in for a while. Think of the years that Judas spent with Jesus, and consider that exact moment of time when He kissed Jesus on the cheek.
I am reminded of the words of Jesus found in Mt 5:39, “But I say unto you, not to resist evil; but whoever shall strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him also the other;” Has there ever been a more painful smiting of the cheek, than this kiss of betrayal?
Yet Jesus offered His cheek, He received the most painful of all smitings. The betrayal of a close loved one. Yet, He did not retaliate, let us learn to do the same. And when we struggle with forgiveness, ask for Jesus' help. He has been there and done that and can help you through your struggles as well.
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