Between the Lines
Unbelievers constantly seek to find fault with the Bible. One of their criticisms is when the Bible reports different versions of the same event. These critics overlook the fact that different witnesses see events from different perspectives. That can be seen when multiple witnesses give their version of a particular event. The differences are sometimes considerable! But they all saw the same event!
For Christians who believe the Bible is inspired, taking note of differences can open up some lovely discoveries! For example, there is something wonderful about our Lord Jesus when we look at the different accounts of his betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Matthew Account, Matthew 26:47-50. “While he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.”
Mark Account, Mark 14:43-46. “Immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. And they laid their hands on him, and took him.”
Luke Account, Luke 22:47, 48. “While he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”
John Account, John 18:47, 48. “Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him … said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way.”
John’s report is different than the others. Judas is present in all of them. But only in John’s gospel is the betraying kiss omitted. But John includes some interesting details. In his account, Jesus addressed the mob as soon as they entered the garden. He then immediately identified himself to them. In fact, so powerful was his declaration that it knocked them all down! His demeanor, and the unexpected admission that he was Jesus, must have confused them for a moment. Jesus asked a second time who they sought and again reiterated that he was the one.
To the skeptic, it might seem that John’s account is contradictory to the others. But if the scriptures are correct, in faith, we search for answers to harmonize the apparent contradictions.
Piecing the accounts together, we begin with John’s unique observations. Jesus saw the mob, confronted them, and told them twice that he was Jesus. Then Judas approached Jesus to apply the betraying kiss, as described by Matthew, Mark and Luke.
Reflecting upon this full set of facts, we see that Jesus, in identifying himself right away, was caring for his disciples. As he said in John 18:43, “let these go their way.” But Jesus may also have been trying to prevent Judas from taking the final, irrevocable, step of betrayal! Possibly Jesus’ aggressive approach to the mob was also for Judas’ sake! If Jesus admitted to being the one they were looking for, what need would there have been for further action on Judas’ part? The loving kindness of our Savior extended even to the one who would betray him.
But Judas was not to be stopped. Perhaps the payment of the 30 pieces of silver hinged on Judas sealing the betrayal with a kiss. Whatever the reason, Judas stepped forward and offered the fateful kiss. We wonder in awe at the patience and kindness of Jesus in this circumstance. There is no possible responsibility on Jesus for the conduct of Judas.
Would that we, as followers of Christ, could have the same benevolence of heart toward our enemies as Jesus did toward his!