Luke 22:48

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus confronts Judas: 'But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?' Judas approached to identify Jesus with a kiss—the prearranged signal for the arrest party (v. 47). Jesus' question is both rebuke and appeal: 'Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?' (Ἰούδα, φιλήματι τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδίδως, Iouda, philēmati ton Huion tou anthrōpou paradidōs). A kiss symbolized affection, greeting, honor—to use it as instrument of betrayal compounds the treachery. The title 'Son of man' emphasizes Jesus' messianic identity (Daniel 7:13-14). Judas betrays not merely a friend but the promised Messiah, God's anointed. This represents the ultimate hypocrisy: using the symbol of love to accomplish hatred.

Historical Context

Judas' betrayal fulfills Scripture (Psalm 41:9, 55:12-14) and demonstrates fallen humanity's capacity for evil. Despite three years with Jesus, witnessing miracles, hearing teaching, Judas chose money over Messiah. The kiss was customary greeting between rabbi and disciple, making its use for betrayal especially heinous. Jesus' question gives Judas final opportunity to repent, but he remains silent. Within hours, Judas would hang himself (Matthew 27:5), demonstrating that worldly remorse differs from godly repentance. His tragedy warns against hardness of heart—it's possible to be close to Jesus physically/relationally yet remain spiritually dead. Proximity to truth doesn't guarantee salvation; only faith does.

Questions for Reflection

• What makes Judas' betrayal particularly heinous, and what does it reveal about hypocrisy's depths?
• How can someone be close to Jesus yet remain unsaved, as Judas demonstrates?
• What's the difference between Judas' remorse and Peter's repentance—both failed, but with different outcomes?