Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 26:47-49

"And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priest and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he: take him. And straightway he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him." — Matthew 26:47-49 (ASV)

It is a remarkable fact that we do not read in the New Testament that any one of the twelve, except Judas, ever kissed Jesus. It seems as if the most shameless familiarity was very closely related to cowardly treachery. This sign of Judas was typical of the way in which Jesus is generally betrayed! When people intend to undermine the inspiration of the Scriptures, how do they begin their books? Why, always with a declaration that they wish to promote the truth of Christ!

Christ’s name is often slandered by those who make a loud profession of attachment to Him and then sin wickedly as the chief of transgressors. There is the Judas-kiss first and the betrayal afterward. Thus Judas said, Hail, master, and kissed Him much (R.V. margin). Betraying Him by the act that ought to have been the sign of the firmest friendship.