Definition: And 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.
Explanation: Okay, letâs break down this passage from Luke 22. It's a really important and tense moment in the Bible. Hereâs what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Jesus was speaking to his disciples â twelve men who were with him. He was about to give them a command or instruction. Suddenly, a huge crowd started to gather. And there's a man named Judas, one of the twelve, who quickly approached Jesus and leaned in to kiss him. Whatâs Happening: âWhile he yet spakeâ : This means while Jesus was still talking, this happened. Itâs like a pause in the conversation. âBeholdâ : This is an English word that means âlook!â or âwatch.â It's used here to draw everyoneâs attention to whatâs happening. âA multitudeâ : This means there was a very large crowd â more people than Jesus had ever seen before. âHe that was called Judasâ : This is the key person. Judas was one of the twelve disciples and he was known for being a bit secretive and plotting. âWent before themâ : He moved closer to Jesus, almost like he was leading the way. âDrew near unto kiss himâ : This is the most shocking part. He leaned in to kiss Jesus â it's a very intimate and potentially dangerous gesture! What It Means (and Why itâs Significant): This passage is considered one of the most dramatic moments in the Gospels. It suggests that Judas was planning something against Jesus. Here are some possible interpretations, and itâs important to remember we don't know for sure what happened: Betrayal: The most common understanding is that Judas betrayed Jesus to the authorities. He was likely trying to gain favor with the crowd and undermine Jesus' authority. Fear & Anxiety: It shows a moment of intense fear and anxiety among the disciples, especially Jesusâ closest followers. A Turning Point: It marks a significant shift in the narrative â it suggests that Judas wasn't just an occasional plotter; he was actively involved in something serious. Important Note: The Bible doesn't fully explain why Judas did this. It's a mysterious event, and Christians have debated its meaning for centuries! --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this passage? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this scene in the Gospels? Discuss different interpretations of what happened? Talk about the symbolism of this moment?