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Kissing Judas Back

Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." (Matthew 26:48-50, NIV)

When Judas kissed Jesus, did Jesus kiss him back? The Bible doesn't say one way or the other.

Jesus taught us to love our enemies and do them good. But should we show them affection?

Proverbs says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food; if he is thirsty, give him drink. By doing so, you will heap burning coals on his head” (Proverbs 25:21-22). I have always “loved my enemies” according to this verse, and did good things just so as to enflame their guilty consciences. “Ha, this will show them”, I would say to myself through clenched teeth. My good works were fueled by vengeance.

Recall how David’s heart yearned for his son Absalom, even after Absalom had done his best to destroy David. (2 Sam. 18:33). No matter how savagely we lash out against God, He never forgets His Father’s heart towards us. So let us not forget our brother’s heart towards those who persecute us.

Prayer: Father, through the magic of Your Holy Spirit, kindle in my heart a genuine affection for those who abuse me.

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