The answer is: With a kiss

Luke 22:47-48 - Judas thought he could hide his betrayal in a sign of affection.

Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus with a kiss is one of the most intriguing moments in the New Testament narrative, and it serves as a striking study of irony. A kiss typically symbolizes love and loyalty, but Judas twisted this gesture into a tool for betrayal. This act not only proved harmful to Jesus but also highlighted a deep betrayal of trust among friends during that quarry.

By giving weight to a gesture that is normally tender, Judas illustrated how human actions can be turned from love to deception. Interestingly, in Jewish cultures, a kiss was often used as a greeting among friends, pointing towards the intimacy in their prior companionship. Yet, here it becomes a signal leading to Jesus' arrest, contrasting human warmth with sinister intent.

In a broader biblical context, the kiss signifies more than a simple act of farewell or greeting; it echoes specific covenant themes found throughout Scripture. For instance, think of the kiss between siblings like Jacob and Esau after years of estrangement or the symbolic actions of prophets who embraced cultures and relationships sacrificially for truth.

Furthermore, this episode draws in echoes from the past—a common theme in scripture where the seemingly foolish or wicked serves a greater purpose. In this case, betrayal sets up the circumstances for a narrative of redemption and love that is revealed through the very actions aimed at extinguishing Jesus’ light. In this way, struggle leads to triumph, often in the most unexpected of ways. Exploring this passage beckons us to reflect on our own relationships; where might we confuse love with betrayal, and how can rage or malice evolve into kindness and understanding?