TUESDAY - THE KISS

FAMILY CONVERSATIONS

Scripture
And 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 and elders of the people. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. Matthew 26:47-50 (NLT)

Devotion
Have you ever had a friend hurt your feelings or betray you in some way? It can be painful having someone you are close with and trust turn against you. Judas had been Jesus’ friend and follower for three years. He walked with Jesus, heard His amazing teachings, and watched Him perform incredible miracles. But on the night Jesus was arrested, Judas did something terrible: he betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
In those days, a kiss wasn't just a friendly greeting. It was a special sign of affection and devotion, especially from a student to their teacher, or "Rabbi." When Judas kissed Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, it was a signal to the soldiers: "This is the man! Take Him!" Judas used a sign of love and loyalty to commit the ultimate act of betrayal.
Judas’s choice hurt Jesus deeply. But even in this betrayal, Jesus remained in control. He allowed the soldiers to arrest Him because He was perfectly obeying God’s plan to go to the cross for us.

Conversation
What does betrayal mean? Can you give an example from a book, movie or real life where someone was betrayed?
Have you ever had a friend or someone you trusted hurt your feelings? How did you feel?
Jesus still called Judas, “my friend” even as Judas was betraying him. How can we show love and kindness to people who are mean or unkind to us?

Prayer
Together as a family, thank Jesus for his willingness to stay obedient in the midst of betrayal. Ask for God’s help to remain loyal friends and family members. When we may be tempted to choose selfish things at the expense of others, may the Holy Spirit gently guide back to obedience.