Sealed With a Kiss

Imagine that you make the worst mistake of your life. You are charged, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison for the crime you committed, but after reading the guilty verdict, the judge removes his robe, steps down from his place of authority, and announces to the court, and you, that you are free to go. Your debt is forgiven because he is taking your place.

This is possibly a glimpse into the story behind the lavish expression of love that this unnamed sinful woman was trying to express to Jesus in Luke 7; actions that reflected her deep understanding and gratitude for the gift of forgiveness that Jesus offered her that day.
“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown” (Luke 7:47a).

It not only takes faith to believe for the forgiveness when we approach Jesus but also to receive it! “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:50).

Forgiveness would not be the typical topic of conversation surrounding Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. However, when we look at God’s bigger picture, we can see that Judas’ kiss of betrayal was to be part of the greater plan. ‘While He was still speaking, behold, a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”’ (Luke 22:47-48).

‘Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy’ (Proverbs 27:6).

Only God can take what the enemy means for evil and use it to further His great plan of redemption. Jesus allowed a treacherous kiss to seal His earthly fate, and in doing so delivered us from ours! ‘And in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose’ (Romans 8:28).

Today, and without condition, forgiveness is offered to you from the cross like a beautiful kiss from heaven. Maybe you have received this beautiful offer and will respond to this devotional with tears of joy and gratitude to our Lord for His gracious mercy over your life. You are blessed and have come to understand what ‘all things’ mean in Romans 8:28 (hint: it means all things).

However, maybe you have experienced the kiss of betrayal in a close relationship and need to apply the forgiveness of the cross to your betrayer as Jesus did. You too are blessed because you have come to the cross for healing and comfort, and you will find grace to help you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16). When God says ‘all things’ He means all!