The Betrayer’s Kiss: Judas Identifies Jesus to the Soldiers

In the Field Audio Bible: 0:27

Welcome to In the Field Audio Bible's Easter mini-series The Kiss, The Cross and The Crown. My name is Christie, your host for this first episode, called The Betrayer's Kiss: Judas Identifies Jesus to the Soldiers. Over the next seven episodes, we will journey through the final days of Jesus Christ, from the moment of Judas' betrayal to Jesus' glorious ascension. Tonight, we begin with the fateful kiss, the moment that set everything in motion. It's a cool night in Jerusalem the air is thick with the scent of olive trees.

In the Field Audio Bible: 1:12

In Gethsemane, where Jesus prays beneath the moonlight, but just beyond the garden walls, a man walks with a heavy heart. His name Judas Iscariot. Judas was not always the villain in this story. He was once a man with hopes, a man of conviction. Born in Kiriath, a town south of Judah, he was among the only disciples from outside Galilee. A skilled man, perhaps with ties to political movements that longed for a Messiah to overthrow Rome. He found his way into Jesus' inner circle. For three years, he followed the Rabbi from Nazareth, witnessing miracles, hearing profound teachings, breaking bread and brotherhood. He held the money back, trusted as the group's treasurer, but something changed in his heart Greed, disillusionment, maybe even fear. Judas watched as Jesus spoke of a kingdom, not of this world, a kingdom that did not promise the earthly power some had hoped for. And so, as the whispers of the chief priests grew louder, so did the unrest within him. The temple leaders were looking for a way to seize Jesus quietly, away from the crowds who adored him. They needed an insider, and Judas was listening.

In the Field Audio Bible: 2:52

It was in the dimly lit corridors of the temple courts that Judas met with the chief priests. The air was thick, with the scent of incense and oil lamps cast long shadows against the stone walls. He hesitated for a moment. Could he really do this? He thought of the miracles, the sermons, the kindness in Jesus' eyes, and yet his mind was made up. What will you give me if I hand him over to you? His voice was steady, yet beneath it lay a trembling soul. The chief priests smirked, exchanging glances. Thirty pieces of silver. One of them replied, sliding a small leather pouch across the table. Judas's hands trembled as he reached for it. He almost pulled away Almost, but then the weight of the bag settled into his palm and with it the weight of his decision. He tucked it away into his cloak and hurried out into the night, heart pounding against his ribs the next evening as the lamps burned low in the upper room, Jesus and his disciples reclined at the table for the Passover meal. The air was thick with the aroma of roasted lamb, unleavened bread and bitter herbs. It was a sacred moment.

In the Field Audio Bible: 4:32

Yet an undercurrent of tension wove itself into the evening. Jesus eyes solemn, lifted his gaze and spoke. Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me. A heavy silence fell. The disciples exchanged nervous glances, their hearts hammering nervous glances, their hearts hammering. Peter furrowed his brow. John swallowed hard. One by one. They asked Is it I, lord? Judas, sitting close enough to Jesus to reach for the same bowl, hesitated, his fingers twitched. He had already accepted the silver, already set the plan in motion, and yet, in this moment he felt exposed. A lump rose in his throat as he finally forced Is it I, Rabbi? Jesus met his gaze. His eyes, deep, pools of sorrow. You have said it. The words hung in the air, heavy, final, for a moment time seemed to slow. Did Judas hear the sadness in Jesus' voice? Did he feel the weight of what he had done? And still Jesus washed his feet. Still he broke the bread and passed the cup, and still Judas left into the night.

In the Field Audio Bible: 6:28

Judas walked swiftly through the streets of Jerusalem, his mind racing. The silver weighed heavy in his cloak, as if each step he took dragged him deeper into a pit from which he could not escape. He led the soldiers, their torches flickering in the night, through the winding path towards the garden, his hands clenched and unclenched. His mouth was dry. He had made his choice, but doubt clawed at him with every step, him with every step. The night air was cool, but sweat lined his brow. As they neared the garden, the soldiers murmured among themselves. A centurion, a hardened man named Marcus, nodded approvingly at Judas. Good work, Iscariot, he said roughly. Let's get this done quickly. And now here he stands. Lanterns flicker in the darkness as the sound of approaching footsteps echoes through the grove. Roman soldiers and temple guards, armed and waiting. The weight of those silver coins presses against his robe. The garden was silent, saved for the whisper of the wind through the twisted branches of the olive trees. Shadows stretched long beneath the moonlight, and the cool night air carried the scent of earth and crushed leaves Alone, just beyond where his disciples lay sleeping, Jesus fell to his knees, his fingers pressed into the damp soil as waves of anguish coursed through him.

In the Field Audio Bible: 8:14

As waves of anguish coursed through him. His prayers rose in desperate surrender. The weight of the coming hours pressing upon him like an unbearable burden. His breath came in ragged gasp. Father, if it be your will, take this cup from me. Yet not my will, but yours be done. As the agony deepened, his body trembled, his pulse pounded. A great distress unlike any Jesus had ever known or overtook him. And then, as the weight of all sin, past, present and future, bore down upon him, his sweat became like drops of blood, seeping from his brow and trailing down his face. The crimson beads fell, darkening the ground beneath him. The heavens did not part. No voice thundered from above. And yet, in that crushing moment, strength was given. An angel unseen to human eyes ministered to Jesus, steadying the Son of man for what was to come. With steady resolve, Jesus rose to his feet, his face streaked with blood and sweat. His heart now fully yielded. The time had come. In the distance, torchlight flickered through the trees and the steady march of soldiers drew near.

In the Field Audio Bible: 10:00

Judas emerges from the darkness, leading the soldiers with hurried steps. His face is tense, his breath unsteady. Jesus straightens, turning to meet him. His expression holds no anger, no fear, only sorrow. He looks at Judas, the one he had called friend, the one who had walked beside him. Their eyes meet and, in a voice heavy with grief, Jesus asked. And in a voice heavy with grief, Jesus asked Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss? Judas, with trembling hands, leans in a kiss upon his cheek. The moment is shattered.

In the Field Audio Bible: 11:13

The Gospels of Matthew, mark, luke and John each captured the betrayal of Jesus from a unique perspective, like four voices harmonizing to tell the same profound truth. Matthew and Mark focused on the arrangement Judas made with the chief priests the moment he asked what will you give me if I deliver him to you? And the faithful price of 30 pieces of silver. They describe how Judas gave the soldiers a sign telling them the one I kiss is the man. Arrest him and lead him away under guard. The Gospel of Mark, chapter 14, verse 44. Their accounts emphasize the moment of identification, the kiss itself and the disciples' immediate reactions.

In the Field Audio Bible: 12:06

Luke, who is the careful historian and physician, provides an intimate moment that the others do not. Jesus' heartbreaking question to Judas Judas, are you portraying the Son of man with a kiss? The Gospel of Luke, chapter 22, verse 48. In this single question, we glimpse the weight of betrayal, the sorrow in Jesus' heart as he watches one of his own. Choose darkness over light. In Jesus' heart as he watches one of his own, choose darkness over light. Luke also captures Jesus' final act of compassion before his arrest, healing the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant, after Peter's impulsive strike.

In the Field Audio Bible: 12:56

John, ever the theologian, presents Jesus in his full authority. Unlike the synoptic Gospels, john doesn't mention the kiss, but instead shows Jesus stepping forward before Judas can even speak, asking who is it you seek? When they respond, Jesus of Nazareth, he declares I am he? The Gospel of John, chapter 18, verses 4 through 5. At these words, the soldiers draw back and fall to the ground, a powerful reminder that even in this moment of surrender, Jesus is still in control. John's gospel reveals the divine weight of what is happening.

In the Field Audio Bible: 13:47

To tell this story in its fullest form, we will weave these four accounts together chronologically, following the sequence of events as they happened. We will walk through the betrayal from its earliest moments Judas' bargain with the chief priest, to the agony in Gethsemane, where Jesus' sweat fell like drops of blood, and then to the torch-lit garden where betrayal arrived with a kiss. By blending these narratives, we will experience the depth of this moment, the emotions of Judas, the sorrow of Jesus, the confusion of the disciples and the unshakable authority of Christ. Now imagine, sitting across from Matthew, mark, luke and John as they write, their hands moving across parchment. Their hands moving across parchment, their hearts heavy with the memory of that night. They write with different styles, from Matthew's detail-oriented teaching to John's poetic depth, but their purpose is the same to tell the story of the lamb led to slaughter, betrayed by a friend, yet walking willingly toward the cross. As we walk through this account, scripture itself will lead us, allowing us to hear, see and feel the moment that changed history forever.

In the Field Audio Bible: 15:14

The night was deep, the sky and endless black velvet stretched above Jerusalem. A cool breeze whispered through the olive grove of Gethsemane, rustling the ancient trees that stood as silent witnesses to what was unfolding. The moon, full and pale, cast long shadows upon the ground where Jesus had just finished praying, moments before his knees had pressed into the earth, his voice trembling as he called out to the Father Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me. Yet, not my will, but yours be done. The Gospel of Luke, chapter 22, verse 42. The weight of the coming hours pressed upon him so heavy that his sweat fell like drops of blood onto the ground. An angel had appeared strengthening him, but the sorrow still lingered in his gaze. And now, as he rose to his feet, he turned toward the garden's entrance. Rise, let us go. See, my betrayer is approaching. The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 26, verse 46. Through the trees, the glow of torches flickered like small fires in the night. The sound of footsteps, armored men moving in tight formation, broke the silence. The clanking of swords, the rustling of robes. Judas was leading them. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them. The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him and lead him away under guard. The Gospel of Mark, chapter 14, verse 44.

In the Field Audio Bible: 17:13

Judas walked at the front of the procession, his shoulders squared but his heart pounding. He had been with Jesus for three years, had seen the miracles, had laughed and broken bread at his side. And yet here he was, leading the soldiers of the chief priests, the elders and the Roman cohort, bringing with him the instruments of betrayal. Jesus took a step forward, meeting them before they could reach his disciples. He did not shrink away, he did not attempt to flee, he simply stood waiting. The soldiers hesitated momentarily, unnerved by the presence of the man they had come to seize. His expression was not one of fear nor defiance, but of sorrow, as if he already carried the weight of their sin upon his shoulders. Judas pressed forward. His mouth was dry, his hands clammy. He had told himself this was necessary, that Jesus had left him no choice, that this was the only way. Greetings, rabbi, judas, said, forcing a smile into his lips as he approached.

In the Field Audio Bible: 18:32

The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 26, verse 49. Jesus did not move, he did not recoil, he only looked at him. Judas, are you betraying the son of man with a kiss? The gospel of Luke, chapter 22, verse 48. The words struck Judas harder than any sword. His throat tightened, but it was too late. The act was already in motion. He leaned in, pressing a kiss to Jesus' cheek, the ultimate sign of respect now twisted into an instrument of betrayal. As the sign was given, the soldiers lunged forward, hands gripping Jesus' arms. The moment shattered like glass. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, stepped forward and asked them who is it you seek? Jesus of Nazareth. They replied I am he, jesus said.

In the Field Audio Bible: 19:44

The Gospel of John, chapter 18, verses 4 through 5. And so, under the shroud of night, the kiss was given. The signal was clear. The soldier stepped forward, the arrest was made and in that moment history pivoted. The Son of God, bound and led away, was betrayed by a friend's embrace. But now I invite you to step into this story, not as a distant observer, but as one who walks these paths, who hears the whispers of the chief priest, who feels the cool night air of Gethsemane. What does it mean to be called friend, to receive a kiss not of love but of betrayal, to exchange something priceless for 30 silver coins? A friend? Jesus called Judas this even as he approached Friend, do what you came for. The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 26, verse 50.

In the Field Audio Bible: 21:12

It is one of the most haunting moments in all of scripture. Even as Judas betrayed him, Jesus still acknowledged him as a friend. There was no condemnation in his voice, no fury in his eyes, only sorrow, perhaps even an invitation, because Jesus knew. He knew the weight of sin, he knew the agony of regret that was already forming in Judas' heart. And yet Jesus still extended grace. What kind of love does that? A kiss, a gesture of warmth, closeness and trust. Yet here it becomes a weapon, a mark of deception.

In the Field Audio Bible: 22:00

Judas' betrayal did not come with a drawn sword or shouted accusations. It came softly, intimately, with a kiss on the cheek. How many times have we seen trust misused, love twisted, devotion turned into betrayal? And yet, even when we fail, Jesus does not change. His love remains steadfast.

In the Field Audio Bible: 22:32

What was the price of betrayal? These coins, each about the size of a thumbnail, were the standard payment for a slave's accidental death under Mosaic law, the book of Exodus, chapter 21, verse 32. It was a cheap price for the life of a man, let alone the Son of God. And yet, even after taking the silver, even after sitting at the table and breaking bread with Jesus, even after hearing Jesus say one of you will betray me, judas still carried out his plan. Hesitation did not stop him, regret did not change him. He followed through step by step until there was no turning back. And that is where I ask you where do we hesitate in our own lives? Where do we feel the weight of a choice that we know is wrong? Yet we step forward anyway. What is the silver we chase, only to find it worthless in the end?

In the Field Audio Bible: 23:37

Judas's story is not just history. It is a mirror. It forces us to ask hard questions. Where have I valued something temporary over something eternal? Where have I betrayed a friend, a loved one or even my own convictions for personal gain. Where have I made choices that I knew were wrong, yet walked into them anyway? Judas's greatest tragedy was not that he made a mistake. It was that he did not turn back.

In the Field Audio Bible: 24:08

Even after the kiss, even after Jesus was taken away, there was still time. He could have repented. He could have sought mercy. Peter, too, betrayed Jesus that very night, denying him three times, but Peter wept bitterly and returned Judas. However, let his shame consume him.

In the Field Audio Bible: 24:31

But you are not Judas. You are not bound to your past decisions. No matter how many wrong turns we have taken, there will always be a road home. There is always grace waiting for those who seek it. Judas walked his road alone. He let isolation and regret crush him. But we do not have to do the same. We can be different. We can choose to walk in the light together.

In the Field Audio Bible: 25:01

The first decision we can make is to speak truth and love. If Judas had confided in the other disciples, if he had been honest about his doubts, his struggles, his temptations, could his story have been different? We may never know, but we do know this when we walk alone in our struggles, we become vulnerable to the whispers of the enemy. Let us speak truth to one another. Let us be a safe place for those who are struggling.

In the Field Audio Bible: 25:33

The second decision we can make is to choose repentance over regret. Judas regretted what he had done, but he never truly repented. Regret only reminds us of our failures, but repentance leads to restoration. We are never too far gone from God's mercy. No mistake is beyond His grace. If you are carrying guilt, lay it down. There is still time. And finally we can value what matters. Judas traded eternity for 30 pieces of silver, something that in the end, meant nothing. The world constantly tempts us to trade what is sacred for what is temporary. Let us be wise. Let us treasure what lasts Love, truth, integrity, faithfulness. Let these be the currency that we pursue, rather than the fleeting rewards of the world.

In the Field Audio Bible: 26:40

As we close today's episode, I invite you to sit with this moment, to reflect, to ask yourself where is my heart in this story? Where am I standing in the garden? Perhaps you are like Peter impulsive, passionate, making mistakes but ultimately seeking forgiveness. Perhaps you are like one of the other disciples, confused, afraid, unsure of what to do next. Or perhaps, in some way, you find yourself like Judas, wrestling with choices, standing at a crossroads, but the beauty of this story is that it does not have to end the way Judas' story did. We can choose a different path. We can choose mercy over shame, redemption over despair and grace over regret.

In the Field Audio Bible: 27:33

Tonight, let us pause beneath the olive trees, let us hear the footsteps fade and let us sit with the weight of a kiss that changed the world. And let us sit with the weight of a kiss that changed the world. Thank you for joining me tonight as we journeyed through this first episode of The Kiss, the Cross and the Crown. I pray that you carry these reflections with you into your day, into your week, and that you find strength in knowing that God is with you in every trial, every temptation and every step of obedience. If this time in God's Word has encouraged you, take a moment to share it with someone who might need it, and be sure to join me next time as we continue walking from Judas's kiss to Jesus's ascension, learning, growing and staying faithful in the field of life. Until next time, may you find peace in the quiet trust in God's call and rest in His unchanging love.

In the Field Audio Bible: 28:35

This is In the Field Audio Bible, where we listen to the Bible one chapter at a time. Thank you for listening to the Kiss, the Cross and the Crown brought to you by In the Field Media, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to sharing the message of faith through the spoken word, with In the Field Audio Bible, uplifting worship on WFWR, in the Field Worship Radio and inspiring Christian programming on In the Field TV. If this mini-series has blessed you, we invite you to support future series with a tax-deductible donation at inthefieldaudiobiblecom. Forward slash donate. Every contribution goes directly to this digital ministry helping spread the gospel to hearts around the world. From all of us at In the Field Media, thank you for being a part of this journey. May God's grace and peace be with you always.