In Jesus' culture, a kiss from a disciple was a sign of regard and honor for his teacher. Yet, oddly, Judas chose a kiss as the betrayal signal. Only Luke wrote that Jesus questioned Judas about his false kiss (Luke 22:48). Luke’s research (cf. Luke 1:1-4) also found that the “good and righteous” Joseph disagreed with the Council’s plans against Jesus—yet apparently stayed silent until after Jesus was dead.

• Mark 14:64 said, “They all condemned him as worthy of death.” Imagine yourself as a member of that council, knowing the powerful high priest and his inner circle had made up their minds before the “trial” ever started. Would you be the one voice that said, “Wait—I don’t agree”? Are you willing to speak out about injustice or cruelty, even if everyone else is silent?

• Pastor Hamilton wrote in 24 Hours That Changed the World: 40 Days of Reflection that Judas’ kiss was “a sign perhaps of a love for this man and yet a desire to be free of him, of a love for God’s kingdom and a desire for the kingdoms of this world.” In what ways do you find yourself torn between love for God and love for “the kingdoms of this world”?

From Grow.Pray.Study (GPS) The Church of the Resurrection--Weekly Guide