“…Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now his betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, he is the one: seize him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus sand said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” (Mathew 26:47-50).
I had not paid attention to that question before this morning. Why did Judas come? Jesus was well known. He had interacted with the priests and officials many times. Surely they would have recognized him without that kiss of betrayal. It seems vindictive, almost like Judas wanted to see Jesus’ reaction.
John tells us that Satan entered Judas when he took the bread from Jesus’ hand at the last supper (John 13:27). Satan is vindictive. His entire purpose is to kill and destroy (John 10:10). It seems that those who once knew God and have chosen to leave their faith become vindictive in their conversations and actions. Without God we are all vindictive, resentful and downright self centered.
Thanks be to our God who brought us out of such darkness into the light of his love and forgiveness (1 Peter 2:9).
