SEALED WITH A KISS

Mark 14:43-46
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested

43 And immediately, even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders. 44 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.” 45 As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. “Rabbi!” he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss.

46 Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.


This phrasing … sealed with a kiss … is most often a sentiment of love. After writing the love letter and placing it in the envelope, we seal the envelope with a kiss.

What a contrast we see in Judas. He expresses respect, calling Jesus “Rabbi!” He expresses love, greeting Jesus with a kiss. Yet his motivation is treacherous. The traitor seals the betrayal with a kiss.

The name Judas has become synonymous with a traitor. He was “…one of the twelve disciples…” , right there at the table with Jesus (Mark 14:17-21). We see from this that not everyone who says the right words or passes a loving sentiment is part of the body of believers. These outward expressions don’t necessarily reflect the condition of the heart.

This Holy Week, make sure your heart is right and let you relationship with Jesus be sealed by the Holy Spirit.