Mark 14:44-46  Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. (NIV)

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Michael Card is one of my favorite singer-songwriters. His song, Why, from the album Known by the Scars, always catches me unprepared, even when I guard my heart before it begins. 

Why did it have to be a friend
Who chose to betray the Lord
Why did he use a kiss to show them
That’s not what a kiss is for

Only a friend can betray a friend
A stranger has nothing to gain
And only a friend comes close enough
To ever cause so much pain

(WRITTEN BY MICHAEL CARD
PRODUCED BY NORBERT PUTNAM; See the video here: [https://bit.ly/3UFmA68](https://bit.ly/3UFmA68))

That’s not what a kiss is for.

Judas brought a mob to participate in his betrayal. 

What began as a solo affair soon involved the whole world. 

Jesus gave it all.

Judas tried to take it all away.

Jesus paid it all.

Judas threw it all away.

The Judas kiss did not express love.

The Judas kiss was a shove.

The Judas kiss was a slap in the face.

The Judas kiss was a message from a hell of a place.

Some truths are painful to ponder.

Some truths are hard to understand.

Thank God, his love is greater.

Thank God, his plan is grander.

Thank God, his mercy redeems all who reach for his grip of grace.

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I will reserve tender greetings as signs of mercy and grace.

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Our Father, thank you for love that is greater than all our sin. Please forgive our many betrayals. Thank you for loving us, even when we push you away. Thank you for welcoming us back when we come to our senses. Amen.