What Jesus Did! 'With a Kiss?' — Mark 14:44-46

Thursday, November 7, 2024

The traitor, Judas, had given [the armed men] 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." As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. "Rabbi!" he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss.

Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.

— Mark 14:44-46 NLT

Key Thought

How sadly ironic! With a kiss, Judas betrays the one who loves him most. For everyone whose heart has been broken by someone he or she loves, Judas' act is a great reminder that Jesus knows those deep feelings of betrayal and loss. Here is a Savior in whom we can confide. He knows our dashed hopes and our broken hearts. He promises to strengthen us and be with us in our dark hours of need. Most of all, he promises to dry every single tear from our eyes and welcome us home.

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, betrayal by someone we love is such a deep and cutting wound that many of us on your small blue planet never recover. Thank you for reminding us - reminding me - that Jesus knows this deep bitter sorrow firsthand and can help us in our time of need. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Let Jesus ...
Article by Phil Ware
What do these words mean and whose words do we trust? Phil Ware weaves in the 7 sayings of Jesus on the cross with the sense of forgiveness and mission that should be ours in the cross and resurrection of Jesus.

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 14:44-46 NLT — "You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard." —— "Rabbi!"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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