Book of Mark - Chapter 14 - Verse 45

When Jesus arrived, the man who betrayed him, Judas Iscariot, immediately went to him and addressed him as "Master" out of respect. He then proceeded to kiss Jesus as a sign of greeting and affection. This seemingly friendly gesture, however, was actually a part of Judas' betrayal plan. In this context, the act of kissing Jesus symbolizes Judas' act of betrayal, as he was identifying Jesus to the temple guards who had come to arrest him. The betrayal kiss became a symbol of deceit and treachery throughout history, serving as a cautionary tale of the consequences of betraying trust and loyalty. This verse serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and that actions may not always reflect true intentions. Despite the friendly gesture, Judas' kiss ultimately led to the capture and crucifixion of Jesus, highlighting the significance of this seemingly innocent act.

In this verse from the Gospel of Mark, we see the profound act of betrayal by Judas Iscariot towards Jesus. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the significance of Judas addressing Jesus as "Master, master" before kissing him. The use of the term "Master" acknowledges Jesus' authority and leadership, emphasizing Judas' recognition of Jesus' divine role. The act of kissing was a common form of greeting in ancient times, signifying respect and honor. However, in this context, the kiss serves as a deceitful gesture, masking Judas' true intentions of betrayal. This verse underscores the theme of betrayal within the narrative of Jesus' crucifixion, foreshadowing the events that would unfold leading to his ultimate sacrifice for humanity. Additionally, a word study of the term "master" in the original Greek text reveals the word "Rabbi," which further emphasizes Jesus' role as a teacher and spiritual guide.