47 “While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 “Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.” (Matthew 26:48–50 (ESV)
43 “And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him.” (Mark 14:43–46 (ESV)
47 “While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:47–48 (ESV)
4 “Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.” (John 18:4–5 (ESV)
It was horrible enough for Judas Iscariot to betray the Lord Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. It was even worse for him to betray the Lord with a kiss. However, this act was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18).
All four Gospels describe Judas as one of the twelve (Matt. 26:47; Mark 14:43; Luke 22:47; John 6:71). “Only once (John 20:24) is another disciple so described. The Gospel writers seem to use the expression to underscore the insidiousness of Judas’ crime—especially here in the midst of betrayal,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
A kiss is one of most tactile and affectionate expressions of friendship and love. Spouses kiss, parents kiss their children, and close friends occasionally kiss each other in times of grief or joy. We kiss to say hello, and we kiss when we say goodbye. Even at a wedding, the climactic moment of the ceremony, prior to introducing the bride and groom, is when the minister instructs the groom to kiss the bride.
“Now a soft kiss- Aye, by that kiss, I vow and endless bliss.” – John Keats
“Close your eyes and I’ll kiss you, Tomorrow I’ll miss you.” ― Paul McCartney
“You should be kissed and by someone who knows how.” ― Margaret Mitchell
Judas’ kiss of Christ was not one of love or friendship but rather of hatred and even greed. It was because of his kiss of betrayal that Judas sealed the deal to secure his fortune and Jesus’ arrest, trial and crucifixion.
“What made Judas’ betrayal of the Savior even worse than it would have been otherwise was that Judas was allegedly a friend of our Lord. It is bad enough to be betrayed by an acquaintance, but to be abandoned by a loved one is truly horrific. And Judas compounded his treason even further by betraying Jesus with a kiss, a sign of affection, and referring to Him as “Rabbi,” a title of honor (vv. 44–45). One commentator notes that these actions were the first acts of mockery that would take place during the trial and passion of our Savior. Judas’ actions show that he neither truly loved Jesus nor honored Him as He deserved,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
I wonder how it makes you feel when the prodigal won’t come home
I wonder how it makes you feel when he’d rather be on his own
I wonder what it’s like for you when a lamb has gone astray
I wonder what it’s like for you when your children disobey.
I wonder how it makes you feel when no one seeks your face
I wonder how it makes you feel when they give up in the race
I wonder what it’s like for you when they willingly disobey
I wonder what it’s like for you when they willingly walk away.
It must be like another thorn struck in your brow
It must be like another close friend’s broken vow
It must be like another nail right through your wrist
It must be just like
Just like Judas’ kiss. – Bob Hartman
His Word Today 