March 25

Morning

But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” — Luke 22:48 BSB

“The kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:5. I must be on guard when the world presents a friendly face, for it may seek to betray me, just as it did my Master—with a kiss! When someone is about to undermine true faith, they often show great respect for it. I must be wary of the smooth hypocrisy that serves as a shield for heresy and unbelief. Knowing the cunning deceit of sin, I must be wise as a serpent to recognize and avoid the enemy's schemes.

The young man in Proverbs, who lacked understanding, was led astray by the kiss of an immoral woman. May my soul be graciously taught today, so that the smooth words of the world have no influence over me. Holy Spirit, protect me, a weak and frail human, from being betrayed by a kiss!

But what if I am guilty of the same terrible sin as Judas, the son of destruction? I’ve been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus; I’m a member of His visible Church; I sit at the communion table—these are all kisses from my lips. Am I sincere in them? If not, I am a vile traitor. Do I live as carelessly as the world, while claiming to follow Jesus? If so, I expose religion to ridicule and cause others to speak badly of the holy name by which I’m called. If I act so inconsistently, I am like Judas, and it would be better for me if I had never been born! Can I dare hope that I’m innocent in this? Then, O Lord, keep me that way. O Lord, make me sincere and true. Protect me from every false path. Never let me betray my Savior. I do love You, Jesus, and though I often grieve You, I want to remain faithful even unto death. O God, forbid that I should be a high-flying hypocrite, only to fall into the lake of fire, because I betrayed my Master with a kiss.

Evening

No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. — John 3:13 BSB

How often our Master referred to Himself as the “Son of man”! He could have always called Himself the Son of God, the Everlasting Father, the Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace—but see the humility of Jesus! He chose to call Himself the Son of man. Let us learn humility from our Savior and never seek after grand titles or lofty positions.

Yet there is a sweeter thought here. Jesus loved humanity so much that He took joy in honoring it. Since being the Son of man is the highest and most noble thing about mankind, Jesus frequently used this title to show how much He valued human nature. Every time He called Himself the Son of man, He placed a crown on the head of Adam’s descendants and reminded us of the love of God for Abraham’s children.

But perhaps there is an even more precious thought. By calling Himself the Son of man, Jesus expressed His oneness with us and His compassion for us. This name tells us that He is someone we can approach without fear. As a man, He understands all our griefs and troubles because He experienced them Himself. As the “Son of man,” He is able to help and comfort us.

All praise to You, blessed Jesus! You continually use this beautiful name that shows You are our brother and close relative. It is a precious sign of Your grace, humility, and love!