And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
Judas pretended compassion by his words and kiss, as if suddenly alarmed for his Master's safety, but the devil had so darkened his mind that he trusted his treachery would be hidden by this show of affection. His display of grief at separation from Christ was pure deception, and Christ's reply shows how little his hypocrisy availed him.
AI summary
Christ calls him friend because he claimed friendship by saluting and kissing, yet the question cuts deep: art thou come as a friend or enemy? If friend, why this armed mob? If enemy, why this kiss? By a kiss Judas meant to betray the Son of Man into the hands of his enemies, and Christ knew it.
AI summary
Hail was a greeting expressing joy at meeting a friend after absence, common among Jews and Greeks. Judas's kiss followed the eastern custom of salutation between friends, but it was the very sign by which he would deliver his Master into hostile hands.
AI summary