A Kiss of Betrayal, Not Love

Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then He said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me."

He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will."

When He returned to His disciples, He found them asleep. He said to Peter, "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Withdrawing a second time, He prayed again, "My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, Your will be done!"

Then He returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open. He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again.

Then He returned to His disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand."

While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. His betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying, "The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him."

Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and he kissed Him. Jesus answered him, "Friend, do what you have come for."

Then stepping forward, they laid hands on Jesus and arrested Him.

-- Matthew 26:36-50