The Judas Kiss

Judas Iscariot is among the most tragic Bible characters. As prophesied in Zechariah 11:12 and 13, the fallen apostle betrayed the Lord for a mere 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14–16; 26:47–50). Judas’s open rebellion against God didn’t last long, however. Scripture reveals Judas hanged himself shortly after his treasonous act (Matthew 27:3–11; Acts 1:18, 19).

Moments before Judas’s betrayal, Jesus asked him with penetrating poignancy, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48). The query was probably rhetorical. But how many of today’s professing Christians, especially Mormons and other cultists, betray the Master—not with a Judas kiss, but while feigning love for the Lord in other ways.

For example, how many supposed believers betray Jesus by:

·         Claiming he saves people only after all the good works they can do (Luke 8:12; John 3:14–16, 18; 5:24).

·         Ignoring the needs of the poor, especially the homeless (Proverbs 14:31; 17:5).

·         Indulging freely in greed and materialism (Matthew 6:19–21; 19:23, 24).

·         Engaging in legalism instead of worshiping God in spirit, truth and with faith (John 4:23, 24; Romans 14:23).

·         Adding to or diminishing from God’s word rather than being satisfied with what God has revealed (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; 1 Corinthians 4:6; Revelation 22:18).

·         Acting self-righteous among people but failing to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, strength; and failing to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:34–40; Mark 12:28–34).

·         Supporting quasi-Christian organizations, including the Mormon church, which focus on men and their teachings instead of Christ and his unchangeable truths (Isaiah 29:13; 52:11; 2 Corinthians 6:14–18).

·         Coming to Jesus for what you can get, not because of the praise and worship he deserves (Isaiah 43:7; Psalm 86:9; 100:3; Romans 1:29; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

·         Living in lust instead of living for God and his eternal standards of virtue (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–8; 1 John 2:15–17).

·         Tolerating everything except the strict and narrow way that leads to eternal life (Matthew 7:13, 14; Luke 13:23, 24).

Unquestionably, Judas Iscariot was a child of the devil (John 6:70) doomed for destruction (John 17:12). His role in Christ’s crucifixion was reprehensible. Surely, few contemporary men and women could perform a Judas kiss. Many come close, however. They doubt Christ, choosing the ways of man instead of the ways of God (Isaiah 55:8, 9).

Everyone sins (Ecclesiastes 7:20; 1 John 1:8–10). And despite the Savior’s command to “be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48), Jesus was only sinless and human being that ever lived (Hebrews 4:15; 7:26). Among numerous Bible verses, Christ gave us tremendous encouragement through John. “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son,” the beloved apostle wrote. ^“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11, 12 ESV).

To gain everlasting life, you need a saving relationship with Jesus Christ—not a church, a supposed prophet or a legalistic religion. A saving relationship is based solely on biblically based faith in Christ and his grace (Ephesians 2:8, 9; 2 Timothy 1:8, 9; Titus 3:3–7)..

That’s the good news of Jesus Christ. That’s the gospel. It’s the antithesis of the Judas kiss and everything it represents.

Comments or questions? Write loren@gco4lds.org.
 
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