Betraying Jesus with a kiss!?

Reflecting on Luke 22:47-53

“Are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48)

Judas knew he was betraying Jesus.
Yet I can imagine he had mixed emotions about Jesus.
It was not hate that motivated him, but fear and selfishness.
This was likely a painful kiss for Judas too.
His later regret and despair seems to support this.

My heart goes out to Judas, despite how sad and bad this moment was.
I also think of others who betray Jesus with a kiss.
But these are not ones who know they are betraying Jesus.
These are ones, like me, that think we are loving and following Jesus.
When we praise the Name of Jesus on Sunday, but do not reflect Him on Monday.

There are people who praise Jesus and also praise non-Jesus-like leaders.
Yes they ‘kiss’ Jesus, but they also ‘kiss-ass’ to Caesar.
There are people who reject Jesus because of what they see in Christians.
They hear the words of praise (like a kiss), but see unloving, cruel actions.
One day like Judas we will regret this… but right now this betrays Jesus too.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, forgive me for kissing you but also 'kissing ass' to things and practices that dishonour You and make You look bad to others. Help me to realize now rather than regret it later.