Holy Wednesday”: Behold the Lamb of God: Remembering the Kiss and the Sacrifice!
On this Holy Wednesday, we remember not only the kiss of betrayal from Judas Iscariot–one of the twelve disciples of Christ–which contributed to the eventual arrest and death of Jesus; we also remember Jesus’ attitude–active obedience, submission to the will of God, and generous forgiveness–toward his abusers, especially Judas’ ultimate decision to betray his master for 30 pieces of silver.
Psalm 41:9
“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me.”
Mark 14:18-20
“As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me–one who is eating with Me.” They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl.”
Mark 14:43-45
“Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who were from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.” After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.”
Luke 22:47-48
“While He was still speaking, behold, a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
John 13:21-26
“When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.” 26 Jesus then answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.”
Mark 14:10-11
“Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them. They were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time.”
Luke 22:3-6
“And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. They were glad and agreed to give him money.”
–Dr. Celucien L. Joseph