The Kiss of the Power of Darkness; Luke 22:47-53

Delivered during the Sunday Morning Worship Service, 9/21/2025. While Jesus is still rebuking His disciples for sleeping rather than praying to be delivered from temptation-- "temptation" arrives literally out of the darkness! Judas the betrayer reappears leading a mob of religious leaders and soldiers, armed to the teeth, and with the malintent of arresting Jesus. Famously, Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss and a short fracas ensues as some of His disciples brandish their swords. We will analyze this encounter focusing on the vast difference between Jesus' reaction and that of His disciples. But primarily we will see Judas as representing one of satan's most effective tactics against the people of God-- to circumvent their strength by placing a betrayer in their midst. A betrayer who acts as a conduit for the power of evil to invade the church from the inside and therefore defy the Lordship of Christ. Ultimately we will ask ourselves if there is a Judas in our midst; but even more poignantly, ask ourselves if there is a Judas lurking within us-- and thereby expose the "kiss of the power of darkness".