neck, sobbing, "Master,
Master!" and not only did he kiss Him, but he did so repeatedly or
fervently: so the word signifies.[2] As long as there is true, pure
love in the world, this act will be hated and despised by everyone who
has ever given or received this token of affection. It was a sin
against the human heart and all its charities. But none can feel its
horror as it must have been felt by Jesus. That night and the next day
His face was marred in many ways: it was furrowed by the bloody sweat;
it was bruised with blows; they spat upon it; it was rent with thorns:
but nothing went so close to His heart as the profanation of this kiss.
As another said, who had been similarly treated: "It was not an enemy
that reproached me, then I could have borne it; neither was it he that
hated me that did magnify himself against me, then I would have hid
myself from him; but it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide and mine
acquaintance; we took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house
of God in company." [3] Before the kiss was given, Jesus still
received him with the old name of Friend; but, after being stung with
it, He could not keep back the annihilating question, "Judas, betrayest
thou the Son of man with a kiss?"

The kiss was the sign of discipleship. In the East, students used to
kiss their rabbis; and in all likelihood this custom prevailed between
Christ and His disciples. When we become His disciples, we may be said
to kiss Him; and every time we renew the pledge of our loyalty we may
be said to repeat this act. We do so especially in the Lord's Supper.
In our baptism He may be said to take us up in His arms and kiss us; in
the other sacrament we obtain the opportunity of returning this mark of
affection.

II.

Probably Judas, being ahead of the band he was leading, went somewhat
into the shadows of the garden to reach Jesus; and no doubt it was
expected that Jesus would try to get away. But, instead of doing so,
He shook Himself free from Judas and, coming forward at once into the
moonlight, demanded, "Whom seek ye?"

At this they were so startled that they reeled back and, stepping one
on another, fell to the ground.

Similar incidents are related of famous men. The Roman Marius, for
instance, was in prison at Minturnae when Sylla sent orders that he
should be put to death. A Gaulish slave was sent to dispatch him; but,
at the sight of the man who had shaken the world, and who cried out,