The sound of a kiss is not so loud as that of a cannon, but its echo lasts a great deal longer. (Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.)
In reading the quote, I think back on the last few weeks of a Bible Study which has been encouraging me to love more like Jesus. As the quote and the Bible study intersected, a kiss which has echoed down through the centuries came to mind – the kiss which Judas bestowed on Jesus.
Judas, a disciple of Jesus. He had spent time with Jesus, probably daily, for the three years of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He had witnessed miracles, shared meals, and walked dusty roads in the company of Christ.
His kiss was a sign of a betrayal for Judas loved money and power, in that moment, more than he loved Jesus.
But another kiss also came to mind …
Jesus was having dinner with a Pharisee, when an immoral woman walked in. She brought with her a jar made of alabaster – a marble like substance, usually white, yellow or red in color. Alabaster was expensive and used in those days, to make containers for costly perfumes.
This woman, knelt at the feet of Jesus with tears streaming and began to wipe His feet with her very own hair. Unashamed and humbled, she kissed his feet and poured the perfume over them, the aroma filling the room.
The Pharisee who saw this was filled with critical thoughts of both Jesus and the woman. Amazing to me is that he did not speak them aloud and yet Jesus knew, and addressing his thoughts said:
“I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” (Luke 7:47, NLT)
This woman loved Jesus deeply because she was a forgiven woman. It was not her love for Jesus which caused Him to forgive her. She was already loved and forgiven.
This woman, labeled as immoral, knew the depths to which she had been forgiven and that very forgiveness, prompted her to love Jesus unashamedly.
Two kisses.
Each one echoing for all time.
Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thursday and Coffee for Your Heart and Grace Moments .
Beautiful words! I have never reflected on Judas’ kiss before and it leaves me with wanting to explore its significance more. Every word and action written about in the Bible was intentional and had a reason for being there. Thank you for showing us today the significance of two very different kisses.
Thank you, Mary. I was very struck by the vast difference (or motivation) of the two kisses. Both done in public yet conveying vastly different messages.
This was a profound message of love here, Joanne. God’s love for us and the power of a changed life. I am always moved by these 2 acts in scripture. One of deep sorrow and mercy-seeking hope and the other of sorrow and deadly despair. Both kisses were a symbol of His love and grace for us and for those needing redemption.
Thanks for sharing this at the #GraceMoments Link up a few weeks ago. I am late with my visit but I am so glad to have had the chance to read your words.
Blessings,
Dawn
The contrast of the two symbols struck me so deeply the day I wrote those words. Sometimes it is so easy for me to miss because we are familiar with both stories.
And I am late in my response 🙂 It has been good to join you as I am able.
Blessings!