Bible moment
The Bible moment
Luke 22:47–48 records that Judas came toward Jesus with a crowd and identified him with a kiss. Jesus responded by asking whether Judas was betraying the Son of Man with a kiss. This moment began Jesus’ arrest. Luke’s account presents the greeting as an act of betrayal, not as a romantic gesture. Jesus did not react with panic or violence; he faced the moment with courage and self-control. This scene is part of the larger account in Luke 22:47–23:25, which continues with Jesus’ arrest, Peter’s denial, questioning by the council, and appearances before Pilate and Herod. The passage later records that Pilate found no basis for condemning Jesus, but the assembly’s demands prevailed. For this illustration, focus only on the first moment: Judas approaching Jesus with the crowd and identifying him with a kiss.
Look closely
What children can notice
On the Mount of Olives, Judas approaches Jesus with a crowd and identifies him with a kiss. Jesus faces Judas calmly, while the crowd remains behind them, conveying the sadness of betrayal without sensational detail.
Talk together
Talk about it
- How might Jesus have felt when Judas greeted him this way?
- What does Jesus’ calm response show about his courage?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page with older children when discussing Jesus’ arrest in Luke. Read Luke 22:47–48 first, then explain that the kiss identified Jesus to the crowd. Keep the focus on Jesus’ courage and self-control. Avoid adding a payment, motive, weapons, or details from other Gospel accounts. Invite children to respond sensitively to the sadness of betrayal.
Source note
From this passage
Luke 22:47–48 · Arrest and Trial in Luke
On the Mount of Olives, Judas approaches Jesus with a crowd and identifies him with a kiss. Jesus faces Judas calmly, while the crowd remains behind them, conveying the sadness of betrayal without sensational detail.
