(47)  And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. (48)  But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Luke 22:47-53

Explanation:

In this text we find Jesus being betrayed by Judas when the temple guard and those directing them came to arrest Jesus.  It must have been incredibly disappointing and difficult to be betrayed by Judas. I think it is interested that Jesus referred to Himself as “the Son of Man” in this moment.  Whenever Jesus referred to Himself as “the Son of Man” He was claiming to be the prophesied Messiah from Daniel 7.   This Messiah, the Son of man, was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom. 

(13)  I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. (14)  And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:13-14

Being an everlasting Kingdom that won’t be destroyed, this Son of man must be eternally existent.  This Son of Man is clearly God.

So, when Judas kisses Jesus to betray Him, Jesus asks Him this very scary question.  “Betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”  Judas had surely seen Jesus heal the sick, walk on water, calm the sea, and even raise people from the dead.  He had heard about his transfiguration, and the voice of the Father booming from the sky.  He would have known that Jesus claimed to be God.  He certainly would have known about Daniel 7:13-14 that said that the Messiah would be a supernatural King with a glorious kingdom. 

It certainly was fool’s errand to betray someone with that kind of power and authority for 30 pieces of silver.  And Judas certainly had a fool leading him.  Earlier we were told that Satan had entered His heart.

(3)  Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

Luke 22:3

Satan really is the ultimate fool, having fully seen the identity of Jesus and the power of God, and in rebellion trying to fight against this power, and believing that You are somehow deserving of what is rightfully God’s.

Application:

Disbelief reigned here.  We may try to comfort ourselves with the idea that we have not seen, and so therefore it is harder for us to believe.  Yet, we have a surer Word of prophecy than even Judas did.  The fact of the resurrection is something we must all come to terms with, and we must decide to accept or reject.

We must also recognize the authority of Jesus.  He is the Son of God.  He was made flesh.  He did die and resurrect for our sins.  But be assured He is coming back and will rule and reign on an everlasting throne.  If He is the authority, then our job is to submit to His will and not fight Him.  The good news is His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Response:

Are you recognizing Jesus’ authority today?