The Judas Kiss
The Betrayal	The coins above are old Roman coins like the ones used in Jesus' day. They do not fit the description of the ones Judas received. A different denomination of value, perhaps.	Of Jesus

And He led them into the garden of Gethsemane, on the Mount of Olives, under the trees, where the breezes were making a softly soothing sound in the branches, and the night air blew coolly on their warm faces.

Gethsemane, a kind of garden of live trees just outside the city of Jerusalem, was the spot to which Jesus and His Disciples retired after the last supper He ate with His followers. Judas had already gone to be about the business of the betrayal, which Jesus knew. Eight of the Disciples Jesus left at the gate, taking only Peter and James and John with him into the garden

Even these three he left a little apart while He went into one of the darkest groves to pray.

Ever since has the name of Gethsemane suggested mental and spiritual suffering and anguish, for in this spot Jesus underwent great agony of soul. He prayed for guidance and strength to go through with the terrible fate that He knew awaited Him on the morrow. Through His mind went thoughts of how His earthly mission had failed. His people did not believe that He was the Son of God. For their unbelief, they would crucify Him. His death seemed unnecessary, but God the Father had ordained that He should submit Himself to whatever befell Him on earth, that He might become a supreme example of sacrifice for all the world of believers who would one day learn of Him, and acknowledge His divinity.

A cloud swept over the moon. The night was completely dark befitting the time before Jesus our Lord and Saviour was to receive such horrible treatment at the hands of some of those people whom He had tried to benefit. In a prayer unlike any ever spoken to God in Heaven before or afterward Jesus pronounced the unforgettable words:

"O my Father, if it be possible do not let me drink this bitter cup. Yet -not my will but Thine, be done."

Once more appeared a Presence from Heaven, to strengthen Jesus and reassure Him that God 's will would be done and it was best for Jesus to submit. But in His agony of soul, as He prayed, the drops of perspiration that fell from the divine forehead of the Nazarene were dark with blood.

Arising, and going to Peter and James and John, Jesus found them sleeping to forget their sorrow.

"Could you not even watch one hour with me?" Jesus asked, somewhat reproachfully.

Then Jesus went away and prayed a second time, saying:

"O my Father, if I must drink this cup, Thy will be done."

Returning to the three Disciples, Jesus found them asleep again. Still a third time Jesus left them, and came back, and looked sympathetically down on them where they lay. The moon had come out now, and its cold white rays shining down glinted on a spear or two as some soldiers made their way through the trees to where Jesus was.

"Sleep on now and take your rest,'' Jesus murmured." It is enough. The hour is come. Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. He who betrays me is at hand."

Immediately, while Jesus spoke, Judas came, and with him was a great multitude, some carrying lanterns and torches, others armed with weapons, and many soldiers, and priests and scribes from the temple. Judas walked to the side of Jesus, saying:

"Hail, Master!"

In this way, Judas identified Jesus for the soldiers. But to make absolutely certain, Judas put his arms around Jesus and kissed Him. By this the soldiers knew which man to arrest.