Matthew 26:17-30
On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”
Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”
Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Judas had made up his mind, he was willing to betray Jesus and turn Him over to the hands of the religious leaders. Did Judas know this would lead to Jesus’ death? That does not matter. Here he sits at the Passover table with the Lord. Knowing in his heart where his loyalty stands, and yet he is at an intimate part of a historic moment. Talk about grace!
I am struck this week by the ability of Jesus to welcome Judas to the table knowing what he has done/will do. As Jesus and the disciples are reclining at the table, he tells them that there is a betrayer in their midst. The disciples asked, “Surely you don’t mean me” with the expectation of a negative answer. It seems they all took turns, or at least several of them, making sure Jesus would affirm it was not them. Judas finally speaks up. He does not refer to Jesus as “Lord” like the rest of them, rather referring to Jesus as “Master”. Jesus affirms that indeed He is aware of Judas’ heart and his plans to betray Jesus. Matthew does not tell us this, but John tells us that it was at this point that Judas got up and left the table (John 13:30).
We know that Judas is fulfilling prophecy. However, Jesus is making it very clear that Judas is responsible for what he has done and is about to do. Jesus is not letting him off the hook. Perhaps it is the American in me that has seen too many movies where the good guy wins, but I just wonder why no one tried to stop Judas. It seems clear that what Judas was doing in secret is now coming to light. Why did Peter not jump to his feet and tackle Judas? Why did the Sons of Thunder not ask Jesus if they could call down fire from heaven to fall on Judas’ head? Whatever the reason, we do know that Jesus and Judas are both aware of what is going to happen. Jesus realizes what Judas is about to do and Judas knows the time is now to do it.
The pivotal moment of the evening comes after Judas has left. Jesus takes the bread and breaks it, declaring that it represents His body which will soon be broken for each of them. Jesus invites them to partake in it. Jesus then takes the cup, declaring His blood to be poured out for them, and invites each of them to take from the cup. This moment connects their present moment (and ours) with that initial Passover in Egypt thousands of years earlier. Jesus is making a way for each of us out of slavery. Sadly, Judas has chosen to remain in bondage.
This preparation season of Lent is a great opportunity to search our hearts and see where our loyalty stands. Our God is merciful, giving us numerous chances to turn our hearts to Him. Lent is a perfect opportunity to recalibrate and recenter our lives on the Savior. To partake in the broken body and the blood of our Lord. We know something those disciples did not know. We know Easter Sunday is coming. We know the tomb will not hold a body for long. As we go through this Lenten season, let us not become complacent. We also know that Jesus is coming again. Where is our heart? Are we dipping our hand in with Jesus but ready to betray Him? God forbid!