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THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:43-52
“Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him.” (Mark 14:45)
Judas has been pretending to be with Jesus.
He pretends to respect Jesus by calling him ‘teacher’ (Rabbi).
But most painful of all, he pretends to love Jesus by a kiss.
Poor Judas, these are signs of a conflicted soul.
Pretending is not a sign of health, but a sign of weakness.
It reveals a lack of integrity, or integration of the inner and outer me.
A bridge that appears strong but is not will collapse, and many will be hurt.
As Jesus-followers, we are called to be bridges between Jesus and the world.
We are to lead people to Jesus… but not like Judas did!
If we are pretending, if we are not what we appear to be, we betray Jesus as well.
Maybe not with the same intention as Judas, but often with the same damage.
How many people refer to Jesus respectfully, even worship Him intimately, yet do not love Him?
Those who are around us know the difference, they sense our fakeness.
It has led many to resist Jesus, or to dismiss Jesus Him as a fraud.
Thankfully Jesus maintains His integrity throughout, and remains a safe bridge to life.
Even hollow Christians cannot stop the kingdom, “the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” (v.49)
Today I am challenged to consider my integrity as a Jesus follower.
May my words and deeds reflect a genuine devotion to Jesus.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, may my life be a bridge that leads people to love You too. May I not be a reason people resist or reject You.
Observations/Application
What is in a kiss?
Love. Friendship. Trust.
Yet Judas’ kiss was one of betrayal – showing that he lived a lie. It was a kiss of death – showing a loss of hope and an abandonment of the Saviour.
Jesus met his betrayal and arrest wit a confident trust in His Father. He showed compassion with the healing of the ear of the high priest’s slave.
How do I meet adversity? Will I run from God’s presence? Will fear and panic overtake me?
Help me daily Lord to be confident in You, showing my trust as I live in Your Light. There is no other way. May I be seen as a person of integrity following my Master wherever I go.
O Master, let me walk with Thee,
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me Thy secret; help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.
Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.
O Master, let me walk with Thee,
Before the taunting Pharisee;
Help me to bear the sting of spite,
The hate of men who hide Thy light.
The sore distrust of souls sincere
Who cannot read Thy judgments clear,
The dullness of the multitude,
Who dimly guess that Thou art good.
Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
In closer, dearer, company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.
In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broadening way,
In peace that only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master, let me live.