The answer is: With a kiss

Luke 22:47-48 - Judas thought he could hide his betrayal in a sign of affection.

Ah, the infamous kiss—the ultimate symbol of betrayal! When we dive deeper into the story of Judas and his betrayal of Jesus, we illuminate the dramatic tensions present in the biblical narrative. This seems particularly striking considering that a kiss usually brings to mind affection and love. Here’s the twist: Judas chose this intimate gesture to signal Jesus' arrest, highlighting a profound layer of irony in the event.

Interestingly, a kiss was customary in ancient Middle Eastern cultures nor did it exclusively signify treachery. Instead, it expressed welcome and respect—emphasizing just how deeply twisted Judas’s actions were. Imagine the confusion in the disciples and the emotions in the air—it’s a reminder that sometimes betrayals can come intricately wrapped in our most trusted gestures.

Luke captures this moment with clinical precision, emphasizing the anguish of recognition (Luke 22:48). This brushes against the echoes of earlier biblical betrayals; recall the coat of many colors that Joseph's brothers dipped in blood, hiding their sinister act of envy. Other narratives of close relationships turned sour thrummed through Jewish history, teaching generations about loyalty and deception.

Furthermore, this story serves as a precursor in the gospels to themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the complexities of human nature. Through Judas's kiss—a view not merely of betrayal but of monumental inner struggle—we are led to contemplations of integrity amidst conflict. It urges readers to reflect on how our actions might fall tragically short of our intentions.