The Betrayer’s Kiss: Judas Identifies Jesus to the Soldiers

Jesus to the Soldiers . Over the next seven episodes, we will journey through the final days of Jesus Christ , from the moment of Judas' betrayal to Jesus' glorious ascension . Tonight, we begin with the fateful kiss , the moment that set everything in motion . It's a cool night in Jerusalem the air is thick with the scent of olive trees .

In Gethsemane , where Jesus prays beneath the moonlight , but just beyond the garden walls , a man walks with a heavy heart . His name Judas Iscariot . Judas was not always the villain in this story . He was once a man with hopes , a man of conviction . Born in Kiriath , a town south of Judah , he was among the only disciples from outside Galilee .

A skilled man , perhaps with ties to political movements that longed for a Messiah to overthrow Rome . He found his way into Jesus' inner circle . For three years, he followed the Rabbi from Nazareth , witnessing miracles , hearing profound teachings , breaking bread and brotherhood . He held the money back , trusted

as the group's treasurer , but something changed in his heart Greed , disillusionment , maybe even fear . Judas watched as Jesus spoke of a kingdom , not of this world , a kingdom that did not promise the earthly power some had hoped for . And so, as the whispers of the chief priests grew louder , so did the unrest within him .

The temple leaders were looking for a way to seize Jesus quietly , away from the crowds who adored him . They needed an insider , and Judas was listening . It was in the dimly lit corridors of the temple courts that Judas met with the chief priests . The air was thick , with the scent of incense and oil lamps cast long shadows against the stone walls .

He hesitated for a moment . Could he really do this ? He thought of the miracles , the sermons , the kindness in Jesus' eyes , and yet his mind was made up . What will you give me if I hand him over to you ? His voice was steady , yet beneath it lay a trembling soul . The chief priests smirked , exchanging glances . Thirty pieces of silver .

One of them replied , sliding a small leather pouch across the table . Judas's hands trembled as he reached for it . He almost pulled away Almost , but then the weight of the bag settled into his palm and with it the weight of his decision .

He tucked it away into his cloak and hurried out into the night , heart pounding against his ribs the next evening as the lamps burned low in the upper room , Jesus and his disciples reclined at the table for the Passover meal . The air was thick with the aroma of roasted lamb , unleavened bread and bitter herbs . It was a sacred moment .

Yet an undercurrent of tension wove itself into the evening . Jesus eyes solemn , lifted his gaze and spoke . Truly , I say to you , one of you will betray me . A heavy silence fell . The disciples exchanged nervous glances , their hearts hammering nervous glances , their hearts hammering . Peter furrowed his brow . John swallowed hard . One by one .

They asked Is it I , lord ? Judas , sitting close enough to Jesus to reach for the same bowl , hesitated , his fingers twitched . He had already accepted the silver , already set the plan in motion , and yet , in this moment he felt exposed . A lump rose in his throat as he finally forced Is it I , Rabbi ? Jesus met his gaze . His eyes , deep , pools of sorrow .

You have said it . The words hung in the air , heavy , final , for a moment time seemed to slow . Did Judas hear the sadness in Jesus' voice ? Did he feel the weight of what he had done ? And still Jesus washed his feet . Still he broke the bread and passed the cup , and still Judas left into the night .

Judas walked swiftly through the streets of Jerusalem , his mind racing . The silver weighed heavy in his cloak , as if each step he took dragged him deeper into a pit from which he could not escape . He led the soldiers , their torches flickering in the night , through the winding path towards the garden , his hands clenched and unclenched . His mouth was dry .

He had made his choice , but doubt clawed at him with every step , him with every step . The night air was cool , but sweat lined his brow . As they neared the garden , the soldiers murmured among themselves . A centurion , a hardened man named Marcus , nodded approvingly at Judas . Good work , Iscariot , he said roughly . Let's get this done quickly .

And now here he stands . Lanterns flicker

in the darkness as the sound of approaching footsteps echoes through the grove . Roman soldiers and temple guards , armed and waiting . The weight of those silver coins presses against his robe . The garden was silent , saved for the whisper of the wind through the twisted branches of the olive trees .

Shadows stretched long beneath the moonlight , and the cool night air carried the scent of earth and crushed leaves Alone , just beyond where his disciples lay sleeping , Jesus fell to his knees , his fingers pressed into the damp soil as waves of anguish coursed through him . As waves of anguish coursed through him . His prayers rose in desperate surrender .

The weight of the coming hours pressing upon him like an unbearable burden . His breath came in ragged gasp . Father , if it be your will , take this cup from me . Yet not my will , but yours be done . As the agony deepened , his body trembled , his pulse pounded . A great distress unlike any Jesus had ever known or overtook him .

And then , as the weight of all sin , past , present and future , bore down upon him , his sweat became like drops of blood , seeping from his brow and trailing down his face . The crimson beads fell , darkening the ground beneath him . The heavens did not part . No voice thundered from above . And yet , in that crushing moment , strength was given .

An angel unseen to human eyes ministered to Jesus , steadying the Son of man for what was to come . With steady resolve , Jesus rose to his feet , his face streaked with blood and sweat . His heart now fully yielded . The time had come . In the distance , torchlight flickered through the trees and the steady march of soldiers drew near .

Judas emerges from the darkness , leading the soldiers with hurried steps . His face is tense , his breath unsteady . Jesus straightens , turning to meet him . His expression holds no anger , no fear , only sorrow . He looks at Judas , the one he had called friend , the one who had walked beside him . Their eyes meet and , in a voice heavy with grief , Jesus asked .

And in a voice heavy with grief , Jesus asked Judas , do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss ? Judas , with trembling hands , leans in a kiss upon his cheek . The moment is shattered . The Gospels of Matthew , mark , luke and John each captured the betrayal of Jesus from a unique perspective , like four voices harmonizing to tell the same profound truth .

Matthew and Mark focused on the arrangement Judas made with the chief priests the moment he asked what will you give me if I deliver him to you ? And the faithful price of 30 pieces of silver . They describe how Judas gave the soldiers a sign telling them the one I kiss is the man . Arrest him and lead him away under guard .

The Gospel of Mark , chapter 14 , verse 44 . Their accounts emphasize the moment of identification , the kiss itself and the disciples' immediate reactions . Luke , who is the careful historian and physician , provides an intimate moment that the others do not . Jesus' heartbreaking question to Judas Judas , are you portraying the Son of man with a kiss ?

The Gospel of Luke , chapter 22 , verse 48 . In this single question , we glimpse the weight of betrayal , the sorrow in Jesus' heart as he watches one of his own . Choose darkness over light . In Jesus' heart as he watches one of his own , choose darkness over light .

Luke also captures Jesus' final act of compassion before his arrest , healing the ear of Malchus , the high priest's servant , after Peter's impulsive strike .

John , ever the theologian , presents Jesus in his full authority . Unlike the synoptic Gospels , john doesn't mention the kiss , but instead shows Jesus stepping forward before Judas can even speak , asking who is it you seek ? When they respond , Jesus of Nazareth , he declares I am he ? The Gospel of John , chapter 18 , verses 4 through 5 .

At these words , the soldiers draw back and fall to the ground , a powerful reminder that even in this moment of surrender , Jesus is still in control . John's gospel reveals the divine weight of what is happening . To tell this story in its fullest form , we will weave these four accounts together chronologically , following the sequence of events as they happened .

We will walk through the betrayal from its earliest moments Judas' bargain with the chief priest , to the agony in Gethsemane , where Jesus' sweat fell like drops of blood , and then to the torch-lit garden where betrayal arrived with a kiss .

By blending these narratives , we will experience the depth of this moment , the emotions of Judas , the sorrow of Jesus , the confusion of the disciples and the unshakable authority of Christ . Now imagine , sitting across from Matthew , mark , luke and John as they write , their hands moving across parchment .

Their hands moving across parchment , their hearts heavy with the memory of that night . They write with different styles , from Matthew's detail-oriented teaching to John's poetic depth , but their purpose is the same to tell the story of the lamb led to slaughter , betrayed by a friend , yet walking willingly toward the cross .

As we walk through this account , scripture itself will lead us , allowing us to hear , see and feel the moment that changed history forever . The night was deep , the sky and endless black velvet stretched above Jerusalem . A cool breeze whispered through the olive grove of Gethsemane , rustling the ancient trees that stood as silent witnesses to what was unfolding .

The moon , full and pale , cast long shadows upon the ground where Jesus had just finished praying , moments before his knees had pressed into the earth , his voice trembling as he called out to the Father Father , if you are willing , take this cup from me . Yet , not my will , but yours be done . The Gospel of Luke , chapter 22 , verse 42 .

The weight of the coming hours pressed upon him so heavy that his sweat fell like drops of blood onto the ground . An angel had appeared strengthening him , but the sorrow still lingered in his gaze . And now , as he rose to his feet , he turned toward the garden's entrance . Rise , let us go . See , my betrayer is approaching .

The Gospel of Matthew , chapter 26 , verse 46 . Through the trees , the glow of torches flickered like small fires in the night . The sound of footsteps , armored men moving in tight formation , broke the silence . The clanking of swords , the rustling of robes . Judas was leading them . Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them . The one I kiss is the man .

Arrest him and lead him away under guard . The Gospel of Mark , chapter 14 , verse 44 . Judas walked at the front of the procession , his shoulders squared but his heart pounding . He had been with Jesus for three years , had seen the miracles , had laughed and broken bread at his side .

And yet here he was , leading the soldiers of the chief priests , the elders and the Roman cohort , bringing with him the instruments of betrayal . Jesus took a step forward , meeting them before they could reach his disciples . He did not shrink away , he did not attempt to flee , he simply stood waiting .

The soldiers hesitated momentarily , unnerved by the presence of the man they had come to seize . His expression was not one of fear nor defiance , but of sorrow , as if he already carried the weight of their sin upon his shoulders . Judas pressed forward . His mouth was dry , his hands clammy .

He had told himself this was necessary , that Jesus had left him no choice , that this was the only way . Greetings , rabbi , judas , said , forcing a smile into his lips as he approached . The Gospel of Matthew , chapter 26 , verse 49 . Jesus did not move , he did not recoil , he only looked at him . Judas , are you betraying the son of man with a kiss ?

The gospel of Luke , chapter 22 , verse 48 . The words struck Judas harder than any sword . His throat tightened , but it was too late . The act was already in motion . He leaned in , pressing a kiss to Jesus' cheek , the ultimate sign of respect now twisted into an instrument of betrayal .

As the sign was given , the soldiers lunged forward , hands gripping Jesus' arms . The moment shattered like glass . Jesus ,

knowing all that was going to happen to him , stepped forward and asked them who is it you seek ? Jesus of Nazareth . They replied I am he , jesus said . The Gospel of John , chapter 18 , verses 4 through 5 . And so , under the shroud of night , the kiss was given . The signal was clear .

The soldier stepped forward , the arrest was made and in that moment history pivoted . The Son of God , bound and led away , was betrayed by a friend's embrace . But now I invite you to step into this story , not as a distant observer , but as one who walks these paths , who hears the whispers of the chief priest , who feels the cool night air of Gethsemane .

What does it mean to be called friend , to receive a kiss not of love but of betrayal , to exchange something priceless for 30 silver coins ? A friend ? Jesus called Judas this even as he approached Friend , do what you came for . The Gospel of Matthew , chapter 26 , verse 50 . It is one of the most haunting moments in all of scripture .

Even as Judas betrayed him , Jesus still acknowledged him as a friend . There was no condemnation in his voice , no fury in his eyes , only sorrow , perhaps even an invitation , because Jesus knew . He knew the weight of sin , he knew the agony of regret that was already forming in Judas' heart . And yet Jesus still extended grace . What kind of love does that ?

A kiss , a gesture of warmth , closeness and trust . Yet here it becomes a weapon , a mark of deception . Judas' betrayal did not come with a drawn sword or shouted accusations . It came softly , intimately , with a kiss on the cheek . How many times have we seen trust misused , love twisted , devotion turned into betrayal ?

And yet , even when we fail , Jesus does not change . His love remains steadfast . What was the price of betrayal ? These coins , each about the size of a thumbnail , were the standard payment for a slave's accidental death under Mosaic law , the book of Exodus , chapter 21 , verse 32 . It was a cheap price for the life of a man , let alone the Son of God .

And yet , even after taking the silver , even after sitting at the table and breaking bread with Jesus , even after hearing Jesus say one of you will betray me , judas still carried out his plan . Hesitation did not stop him , regret did not change him . He followed through step by step until there was no turning back .

And that is where I ask you where do we hesitate in our own lives ? Where do we feel the weight of a choice that we know is wrong ? Yet we step forward anyway . What is the silver we chase , only to find it worthless in the end ? Judas's story is not just history . It is a mirror . It forces us to ask hard questions .

Where have I valued something temporary over something eternal ? Where have I betrayed a friend , a loved one or even my own convictions for personal gain . Where have I made choices that I knew were wrong , yet walked into them anyway ? Judas's greatest tragedy was not that he made a mistake . It was that he did not turn back .

Even after the kiss , even after Jesus was taken away , there was still time . He could have repented . He could have sought mercy . Peter , too , betrayed Jesus that very night , denying him three times , but Peter wept bitterly and returned Judas . However , let his shame consume him . But you are not Judas . You are not bound to your past decisions .

No matter how many wrong turns we have taken , there will always be a road home . There is always grace waiting for those who seek it . Judas walked his road alone . He let isolation and regret crush him . But we do not have to do the same . We can be different . We can choose to walk in the light together .

The first decision we can make is to speak truth and love . If Judas had confided in the other disciples , if he had been honest about his doubts , his struggles , his temptations , could his story have been different ? We may never know , but we do know this when we walk alone in our struggles , we become vulnerable to the whispers of the enemy .

Let us speak truth to one another . Let us be a safe place for those who are struggling . The second decision we can make is to choose repentance over regret . Judas regretted what he had done ,

but he never truly repented . Regret only reminds us of our failures , but repentance leads to restoration . We are never too far gone from God's mercy . No mistake is beyond His grace . If you are carrying guilt , lay it down . There is still time . And finally we can value what matters .

Judas traded eternity for 30 pieces of silver , something that in the end , meant nothing . The world constantly tempts us to trade what is sacred for what is temporary . Let us be wise . Let us treasure what lasts Love , truth , integrity , faithfulness . Let these be the currency that we pursue , rather than the fleeting rewards of the world .

As we close today's episode , I invite you to sit with this moment , to reflect , to ask yourself where is my heart in this story ? Where am I standing in the garden ? Perhaps you are like Peter impulsive , passionate , making mistakes but ultimately seeking forgiveness . Perhaps you are like one of the other disciples , confused , afraid , unsure of what to do next .

Or perhaps , in some way , you find yourself like Judas , wrestling with choices , standing at a crossroads , but the beauty of this story is that it does not have to end the way Judas' story did . We can choose a different path . We can choose mercy over shame , redemption over despair and grace over regret .

Tonight , let us pause beneath the olive trees , let us hear the footsteps fade and let us sit with the weight of a kiss that changed the world . And let us sit with the weight of a kiss that changed the world . Thank you for joining me tonight as we journeyed through this first episode of The Kiss , the Cross and the Crown .

I pray that you carry these reflections with you into your day , into your week , and that you find strength in knowing that God is with you in every trial , every temptation and every step of obedience .

If this time in God's Word has encouraged you , take a moment to share it with someone who might need it , and be sure to join me next time as we continue walking from Judas's kiss to Jesus's ascension , learning , growing and staying faithful in the field of life .

Until next time , may you find peace in the quiet trust in God's call and rest in His unchanging love . This is In the Field Audio Bible , where we listen to the Bible one chapter at a time .

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