Matthew 26:49 - Exposition

Forthwith . The blood money was to become due on the accomplishment of the betrayal; so Judas, now that the opportunity had arrived, lost no time in completing his part of the bargain. Kissed him ( κατεφι ì λησεν , a strong word, kissed him eagerly, or, kissed him much). Judas was more than usually demonstrative in his salutation. "The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords" ( Psalms 55:21 ). So Joab treated Amasa before he murdered him ( 2 Samuel 20:9 , 2 Samuel 20:10 ). What infinite patience for the Lord to submit to this hypocritical caress! It is a type of the wonderful goodness and long suffering of God towards sinners, how he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good.