IS YOUR REGARD FOR JESUS MERE PRETENCE?

Mark 14:43-46

⁴³ Just then, while Jesus is still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrives. With him is a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and scribes and elders. ⁴⁴ (This betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I like is the man. Arrest him and lead him away under guard.”) ⁴⁵ When Judas arrived, he went up to Jesus immediately and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. ⁴⁶ Then they took hold of him and arrested him.

love and respect

An affectionate kiss, and a greeting indicating respect: these were the signs the betrayer used to point out Jesus to the mob who came to arrest him. This world has always pretended to love and respect Jesus. But the pretence is only for the purpose of putting him on trial and condemning him. When people tell you that they respect Jesus and that he was a good man – don’t fall for that. He was a teacher. You cannot respect a teacher if you have no regard for his teachings. When people tell you that they love Jesus, don’t believe it. Jesus himself had asked his generation why they claimed to love him, but did not obey his commands. Real love is not shown with a kiss – then a club. Real love follows Jesus. It does not lead him away to be crucified.

LORD, we ask for the courage to stand against those who merely pretend to love and honour you. Make us genuine.