In the moment of His betrayal, Jesus meets Judas not with recoil but with remarkable gentleness. The kiss meant to expose Him in the dark reveals instead the tenderness with which He had lived among His disciples. They knew Him as one who welcomed them close—as an elder Brother and a beloved Friend. Even now, He receives Judas’s sign of affection without drawing back. What condescension! What mercy!
This is the heart of our Savior. He is not austere or distant, but gracious and approachable. He draws near to sinners, not to shame them but to save them. The Friend of sinners willingly receives a betrayer’s kiss so that we, the undeserving, might receive His embrace.
When Peter instinctively reaches for the sword, Jesus rebukes him. The kingdom of God is never advanced by force. Christ will shed His own blood, but His followers are never to shed the blood of unbelievers in His name. The gospel spreads not by coercion but by sacrificial love, prayer, and the power of the Spirit.
Christ’s path is the way of the cross now. Conquest will occur when He comes again to make all things new.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for being a gentle and gracious Savior—our elder Brother, our truest Friend, our faithful Redeemer. It amazes us that You received a betrayer’s kiss so that we could receive Your mercy. Draw all whom I love into Your tender, saving embrace. Amen.
2Cherish2Commend 