SERMON FOR THE SEASON OF LENT: THE KISS OF BETRAYAL (Matthew 26:47-56)
The Garden of Gethsemane was like a battlefield. It was the place where Jesus Christ prayed before drinking the cup of suffering. His sweat fell like drops of blood. This garden became the stage of sorrow — the beginning of the journey to the Via Dolorosa. Gethsemane also witnessed a tragic moment: a kiss of betrayal. It became a test between false love and true love.
Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve disciples. He was trusted as the keeper of the money. Yet, instead of standing with Jesus, Judas came with soldiers carrying swords and clubs. He helped the chief priests and elders carry out their evil plan. A kiss — a symbol of love — became a sign of betrayal. Judas even greeted Jesus politely: “Greetings, Rabbi.” He looked respectful on the outside but hid darkness inside. He could pretend before others, but not before Jesus. Jesus knew his heart. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came for.” Even then, Judas was not moved. His love was not real.
Jesus suffered not only physically — being mocked, beaten, and wounded. He also suffered emotionally: betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, abandoned by all His disciples. In the quiet of Gethsemane, Jesus entered His suffering alone. When Jesus was arrested, Peter tried to defend Him. Peter once promised he would never fall away. His love was passionate and bold. He even drew his sword and cut off the servant’s ear. But Jesus rebuked him. Jesus showed that He had the power to resist — yet He chose obedience. He chose to suffer to fulfill God’s plan of salvation.
This story asks us: Which life do we follow? The chief priests — choosing evil for power? Judas — showing fake love? Peter — acting in emotion and violence? The disciples — running away from suffering? Or will we follow Christ? We are now in the fourth Sunday of Lent — Oculi, meaning: “my eyes are on the Lord.” This season invites us to focus on God, not on fear, pride, or self-interest. Do not follow Judas’ hypocrisy. Do not follow Peter’s violence. Do not follow the disciples’ escape. Follow Christ. His love was real. His obedience was complete. He suffered to fulfill the Father’s will. With our eyes fixed on Him, we can face life’s struggles. Because even in the chaos of the world, we remain held in His love. God bless you as we walk through this Lenten.
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