Mark 14:44
And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
The token belongs to the night in Gethsemane during Christ's last agony, in a place He had often visited for meditation and prayer but never before with a heart so full of sorrow. Through His earthly life He had walked in the light of God's presence, always doing what pleased the Father, but there He seemed shut out from sustaining light as He was numbered with transgressors to bear the guilt of fallen humanity, with the iniquity of all laid upon Him who knew no sin. Sin appeared dreadful to Him, and the weight of guilt tempted Him to fear being shut out forever from His Father's love while He felt the terrible wrath of God against transgression, His soul exceeding sorrowful even unto death. The betrayal began the ordeal of His agony and death, and the disciples had been prepared for this trial and for the fickleness of former followers so they would not be overwhelmed when He was betrayed, condemned, and reviled. The betrayer was Judas, one of His professed disciples, and after the long agony in the Garden of Gethsemane a band of men and soldiers with staves and spears arrested Him.
Judas had prearranged the kiss as the signal by which the armed mob would recognize Jesus and seize Him: the man he kissed was the one to take and lead away. He told them to take Jesus and lead Him away safely because he believed Jesus would escape and would not allow Himself to be captured.
He carried out the signal by approaching Jesus as a familiar friend and kissing Him while addressing Him as Master, turning a sign of affection and friendship into an act of betrayal. Jesus did not reject but accepted the traitor's kiss, showing forbearance, love, and pity toward Judas. He answered with sorrow and a direct appeal that should have stirred Judas's conscience. Judas remained defiant, having given himself over to Satan's control.