Echoes of Eden #57
The Kiss That Broke Heaven
Why Judas’ betrayal wasn’t just about silver—but about how close you can be to Jesus and still be lost
“Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”
— Luke 22:48
He walked with the Son of God.
He saw the miracles.
He heard every parable firsthand.
He held the money bag.
He sat at the table.
He dipped his bread in the same bowl.
And still…
he betrayed Him.
A Disciple in the Flesh, a Traitor in the Heart
Judas wasn’t a Pharisee.
He wasn’t a Roman.
He wasn’t an outsider.
He was one of the twelve.
Chosen.
Trusted.
Respected.
But something was always off.
“He was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself…”
— John 12:6
His heart was never transformed.
He followed Jesus—
but for the wrong reasons.
Power.
Position.
Profit.
And when Jesus no longer fit his expectations, Judas turned.
The Danger of Being Close to Truth Without Loving It
Judas proves something terrifying:
You can walk with Jesus, hear His words, and still be ruled by Satan.
“Then entered Satan into Judas…”
— Luke 22:3
Not because Judas was weak.
But because Judas was unwilling to surrender.
He called Jesus “Rabbi”—never “Lord.”
He gave Him a kiss—never his heart.
Not All Betrayal Looks Like Hatred
Judas didn’t curse Jesus.
He didn’t raise a sword.
He betrayed Him… with affection.
“Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man.’”
— Matthew 26:48
He used the sign of friendship to carry out an act of treason.
And the same thing still happens in the Church today.
Words of honor.
Songs of worship.
Outward obedience.
But no inward loyalty.
Remorse Is Not Repentance
Judas felt regret.
He gave the money back.
He admitted he had sinned.
But he never returned to Jesus.
He turned inward.
He turned hopeless.
And he ended his own life.
“He went away and hanged himself.”
— Matthew 27:5
He had sorrow.
But no surrender.
Emotion.
But no faith.
And that distinction matters.
Because Peter failed too—but Peter repented.
Judas didn’t.
What It Teaches Us
You can be close to Jesus in proximity—but far from Him in devotion.
You can know the words.
Serve in ministry.
Carry the money bag.
And still fall away.
Judas teaches us that the greatest danger to your soul isn’t external rejection of Jesus.
It’s internal betrayal while pretending to follow Him.
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith…”
— 2 Corinthians 13:5
Don’t just sing to Him.
Don’t just speak of Him.
Follow Him.
Because no kiss can hide a false heart.
Still, you must wonder why he was chosen. Did someone have to be the fall guy to accomplish the cross to be possible? Can evil be used for good? I am sure Judas had worldly gain in mind during his company with Jesus; however, was he chosen because of that from the beginning because his heart was known? I have heard it said that he was not given access along with King Herod to move from his place of judgment. Only God knows man’s hearts & determines judgment beyond our insight I suppose.
Doc - you nailed this one, seriously. I’m wondering if anyone else feels the same as me? We have Judas’ and Satan running around everywhere, dominating so many arenas. You can’t get off course or he will take you alive no mercy.