Wondering

Wondering

Matthew 26:20-22, NLT

When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the twelve disciples. 21While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” 22Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one, Lord?”

Setting the Scene

The Passover seder followed a traditional pattern. First would come a blessing of the event and the wine, followed by drinking the first cup of wine. After other events would come the eating of the meal, including roasted lamb sacrificed in the Temple.

Jesus and the disciples were at the point of eating the bread with the sauce of herbs and fruit when Jesus declared that someone at the table would betray him. News that one of them was a traitor caused quite a stir among the disciples and saddened them greatly. Apparently Judas was not the obvious choice as the betrayer because he was the one the disciples trusted to keep the money (John 12:4-6). So each disciple asked Jesus for assurance: “Am I the one, Lord?” The Greek form of the question would be rendered, “It is not I, is it?” and implied a negative answer. But the fact that the question was asked indicates that each disciple recognized he was capable of such a betrayal and perhaps had even considered it along the way. Certainly, each must have harbored doubts about Jesus and his mission at some time as they journeyed together. The disciples looked around the table and wondered about the traitor’s identity. In asking this question, each one hoped to clear himself while, at the same time, wondering if he would have the courage to remain faithful.

Getting Personal

When do you often feel pressured to keep silent about your feelings about Jesus and your Christian faith?

If you were to ask Jesus, “How do I betray you, Lord?” what do you think he would say?

What helps you stay loyal to your Savior?

Because we’re all sinners, every group of human beings contains potential traitors. Each person, even a Christ-follower, has the potential to betray the Lord, as evidenced by Peter’s actions just a few hours after this meal (Matthew 26:69-75). We betray or deny Jesus by being silent when we should speak up, by not identifying with him, by being indistinguishable in lifestyle from anyone else in the world, and by turning our backs on him and leaving him to his accusers.

Talking to God

Whether or not your actions were intentional or unintended, confess that you have, at times, denied Christ by your words and actions. Thank the Lord for his patient forgiveness and reaffirm your love for him. Ask him to forgive you and help you be a bold witness for the Truth.